If you've experienced incontinence, you might know the uncomfortable feeling of a red, itchy rash. This is often called Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis, or IAD for short.

It's basically a skin irritation caused by prolonged contact with urine or stool.

Don't worry, though! There are ways to manage and even prevent IAD. We'll share some tips to help keep your skin happy and healthy.

What does IAD look like?

Knowing what IAD can look like is part of helping to prevent it! If you experience incontinence, these are the symptoms to look out for that could indicate you have IAD:

• Redness - this can range from light pink up to dark red depending on your skin tone
• Inflammation to small or large patches of skin
• Pain or tenderness
• Lesions
• Burning
• Itching
• Warm, firm skin

The combination and severity of these symptoms can differ from person to person.

What causes IAD and how common is it?

IAD, or Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis, is a skin irritation that can happen when your skin comes into contact with urine or stool for too long. This can happen if you have incontinence and wear incontinence products.

So, what's happening to your skin?

pH Imbalance

Your skin has a natural balance that helps protect it from bacteria. Urine and stool can disrupt this balance, making your skin more vulnerable to irritation.

Skin Barrier Damage

The constant moisture and bacteria from urine and stool can weaken your skin's natural barrier, leading to irritation.

Friction and Irritation

Rubbing from incontinence products or clothing can further irritate the skin.
Who's most at risk for IAD?

People who are less mobile, like older adults or those in hospitals or nursing homes, are more likely to develop IAD. This is because they may spend more time in contact with incontinence products.

Remember, while IAD can be uncomfortable, it's preventable and treatable. We'll discuss some tips in the next couple of sections.

How do you prevent IAD?

Managing your incontinence is a key step in preventing IAD. Here are some tips:

Choose the Right Products

Use incontinence pads or briefs that are the right size and absorbency for your needs.

Change Regularly

Change your incontinence products regularly to keep your skin dry and reduce irritation.

Gentle Cleansing

Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to clean your skin. Avoid harsh soaps that can dry out your skin.

Barrier Cream

Apply a barrier cream to create a protective layer between your skin and moisture. Look for creams with zinc oxide.

See Your Doctor

If you notice any skin changes, see your doctor to get the right treatment.

Remember, even with the best care, you might still experience IAD. If this happens, talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional for advice.

How to treat IAD

If you do develop IAD, don’t worry it can be treated. Just be sure to get it looked at by your doctor as soon as possible to stop it getting worse.

The good news is that treating IAD is pretty similar to preventing it. The main goal is to keep your skin dry and healthy.

Here's what you can do:

• Change Your Products Regularly: Swap out your incontinence products as soon as they’re wet or soiled.
  
  
• Gentle Cleaning: Use a mild, pH-balanced cleanser and a soft cloth to clean your skin. Avoid harsh soaps that can irritate your skin. The skin’s natural pH falls between 4 and 6 so finding a cleanser that falls in this range is ideal as many out there have pH levels of up to 9.
  
  
• Moisturise: A good moisturiser can help repair your skin's barrier and protect it from further damage. Look for one that’s fragrance-free and gentle.
  
  
• Barrier Creams: Using a barrier cream can create a protective layer between your skin and moisture. One study showed that using a washcloth with a barrier product, along with regular incontinence care, significantly reduced the risk of IAD. Only 8% of patients using this method developed IAD, compared to 27% of patients who used traditional cleaning methods [1]. Just be careful not to use too much cream, as it might interfere with your incontinence products.

Remember, it’s important to see your doctor if your IAD doesn’t improve or gets worse. They can recommend specific treatments and help you manage your condition.

The link between IAD and pressure injury

Pressure injuries, often called bedsores or pressure ulcers, happen when your skin breaks down due to constant pressure [2]. This can occur when your skin is pressed against something for a long time, like a bed or a chair.

People who have IAD are more likely to suffer from pressure injury - this is most commonly experienced by the elderly or people who have a medical condition that limit their mobility and ability to switch positions.

Pressure injuries can start as a small, red area on your skin but can quickly get worse. They can be very painful and even lead to serious infections. In some cases, pressure injuries can be life-threatening.

While IAD and pressure injuries are different, it's important to know that people with IAD, especially those who are less mobile, are at higher risk of developing pressure injuries.

If you have any concerns about your skin or incontinence, talk to your doctor.

We hope this information has been helpful. If you need help choosing the right incontinence products, feel free to reach out to us.