Caring for patients with urinary incontinence-associated dermatitis

Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a vastly underestimated and under-researched problem that affects millions of people. Globally, urinary incontinence is estimated to affect 423 million people (Irwin et al, 2011), 3–6 million of whom reside in the UK (Irwin et al, 2006). Skin irritation and breakdown are common sequelae, where IAD resulting from urine leakage inflicts a further significant toll in terms of human suffering and economic burden.

So why doesn't IAD attract the same resources as pressure area care? The research, assessment tools and education are all at our disposal, and now is the time to galvanise our efforts for better skin care for those affected.

IAD has been described by Gray et al (2011) as ‘… irritant dermatitis that develops from chronic exposure to urine … attributable to multiple factors, including chemical irritants within the moisture source, its pH, mechanical factors such as friction, and associated microorganisms’.