Perineal Skin Care Considerations

Skin damage is a clinical manifestation of both urinary incontinence (UI) and/or fecal incontinence (FI). Incontinence associated dermatitis (IAD) is characterized by irritation and inflammation of the skin from prolonged exposure to urine or stool. IAD can affect many different groups of patients but is most prevalent in the elderly and those with medical comorbidities. Prevention should be targeted to this “at risk” population, however it is known that the prevalence and incidence rates for IAD are significant across all care settings. Complications include infections, pain, skin damage, and pressure ulcers. Management goals should address skin maintenance, protection from fecal and urinary irritants, pain management, and treatment of secondary infections (www.wocn.org, Doughty et al., J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs 39(3):303–315, 2012).