SHBC1230

R.Q.CHEONG¹, G.F.J.GLASS¹, C.C.K.GOH¹, Z.L.ONG¹, P.C.B.KHONG², E.Y.CHAN¹

Tan Tock Seng Hospital¹, Ren Ci Community Hospital²

A major complication of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is skin breakage, characterized by increased pain, delayed healing and increased infection susceptibility. Several novel skin cleansers and protectants are currently available, but their effect in preventing skin breakage in IAD remains unestablished

We conducted an open-label cluster randomized trial to compare the effectiveness of a combined regimen of (1) specialized skin cleansers with disposable body wipes and (2) either an acrylic terpolymer (T1) or zinc oxide (T2) skin protectant against disposable body wipes and zinc oxide protectant (Control) in preventing the development of skin breakage in IAD in hospitalized adult patients.

41 patients with IAD and intact skin were recruited between April 2019 and January 2020 (T1 = 10; T2 = 18; Control = 13). Participants were similar in age (Mean age range 78.2 – 81.2 years) and presence of dual incontinence (T1 = 80%, T2 = 61%, Control = 85%). The overall incidence of skin breakage among T1, T2 and control was low (TI = 1, 5%; T2 = 5, 12%; Control = 4, 13%). Chi-square analyses showed no significant differences in skin breakage reported among the three groups over seven days (p > .05).

Our study stresses the importance of adhering to a structured skincare regime of proper skin cleansing and protecting to prevent IAD skin deterioration. Healthcare institutions should consider implementing this regime for all patients afflicted by or at risk of IAD. Caregivers could also be taught this regime to manage IAD at home.