Using no-rinse skin wipes to treat incontinence-associated dermatitis.

Individuals who suffer with incontinence, especially in relation to faeces, will often be at risk of skin breakdown and develop incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) which, if left untreated, can lead to pressure ulcer formation ( Gray, 2004 ). IAD is caused by increased, unrelieved moisture against the skin, usually from liquid faeces and urine, which can then weaken the skin integrity. The integrity of the skin in this area is also at risk of pressure ulcers caused by shear or friction ( Beeckman et al, 2010a ).

Incontinence-associated dermatitis in patients with spinal cord injury.

Evidence-based patient care for those with urinary and faecal incontinence involves routine tasks that are integral to essential patient care. However, over the past few decades, researchers have demonstrated how ritualistic practice in this area has become. There is also a growing range of skin care products that can be used to prevent incontinence-associated dermatitis and for nurses, deciding which ones to use can be problematic Incontinent patients have a 22% higher risk of developing pressure ulcers - when immobile this risk increases to 30% - and the often indiscriminate use of various lotions, without a significant evidence base, is a growing cause of concern.