What is Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis and How Can I Prevent it?

When patients experience incontinence, the danger isn’t just about moisture, it’s what that moisture does to their skin.

Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a painful and preventable skin condition that affects the buttocks, perineum, and upper thighs. It occurs when urine or stool repeatedly contacts the skin, breaking down its protective barrier and leaving it vulnerable to inflammation, infection, and even pressure injuries.

Did You Know?

Patients with unmanaged incontinence are significantly more likely to develop IAD, and once skin breakdown begins, healing becomes difficult and costly.

What Exactly Is IAD?

IAD is defined as “inflammation and erosion of the skin caused by prolonged exposure to urine or feces.” It typically presents as:

• Redness or blotchy skin
• Pain, burning, or itching
• Moist, swollen, or broken skin
• Increased susceptibility to secondary infections like candidiasis or cellulitis

Unlike pressure injuries, IAD tends to affect broader areas and symmetrical regions exposed to incontinence episodes, not just pressure points.

Why Absorbent Products Alone Aren’t Enough

Many facilities rely on briefs, underpads, or traditional external catheters to contain moisture, but containment isn’t the same as protection.

Here’s why standard approaches fall short:

• Briefs trap heat and moisture, creating an ideal environment for skin breakdown
• Frequent linen and clothing changes increase labor and stress on nursing staff
• Outdated external catheters often leak or shift, causing unintended exposure

A better solution addresses the root cause: prolonged skin contact with irritants.

Preventing IAD: What Actually Works

The key to prevention is simple: Keep the skin dry, intact, and clean, and minimize exposure to irritants.

Best practices include:

• Gentle, no-rinse cleansers
• pH-balanced barrier creams
• Care protocols that limit skin exposure to urine or feces
• High-quality, non-occlusive incontinence devices that maintain skin breathability

One 2021 consensus report emphasized that effective IAD prevention must focus on consistent moisture control, not just containment alone.

A Smarter Option: CareDry®

CareDry® is a non-invasive female urine management device engineered to keep perineal skin dry, healthy, and protected, all without traditional briefs or indwelling catheters.

Key Benefits:

• Soft, ultra-hydrophilic sponge draws in urine while keeping skin dry
• 360-degree fluid absorption reduces leakage and overflow
• Antimicrobial surface inhibits bacterial growth between changes
• 24-hour wear design allows for longer intervals between linen changes
• Reduces labor burden and patient discomfort

Why it matters: By eliminating skin exposure to irritants, CareDry® dramatically lowers the risk of IAD while also improving patient dignity and nursing efficiency.