Coloplast will be supporting SAWC Spring/WHS 2014 concurrent session # 13: Moisture-Associated Dermatitis.
Moisture-Associated Skin Damage (MASD) describes four primary skin conditions, which can be attributed to moisture, friction, and the pathogenesis of microorganisms. The etiology of the four principle types of MASD have been well defined in the literature. These etiologies, primarily related to denudation of the epidermis and dermis as well as resulting inflammation differ from the contributing forces of pressure ulcers: pressure and shear. While different in their etiologies, these skin conditions often share the same locations on the body, and MASD predisposes the patient to the development of a pressure ulcer, through the reduction of the skin integrity and tissue tolerance. However, there remains great confusion between clinicians as to when MASD has converted to a true pressure ulcer, and more importantly when these injuries should be staged. Further, it has been stated that MASD, particularly Incontinence Associated Dermatitis (IAD), does not develop into a full thickness injury unless accompanied by pressure or shear. This lecture will discuss a theory for IAD having a full thickness etiology in some cases, using anatomical landmarks to determine if skin injury should be considered full thickness MASD or a pressure ulcer.