title: Incontinence-associated dermatitis: consensus statements, evidence-based guidelines for prevention and treatment, and current challenges.
abstract: In 2010, an international consensus conference was held to review current evidence regarding the pathology, prevention, and management of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD). The results of this literature review were published in a previous issue of this Journal. This article summarizes key consensus statements agreed upon by the panelists, evidence-based guidelines for prevention and management of IAD, and a discussion of the major challenges currently faced by clinicians caring for these patients. The panelists concur that IAD is clinically and pathologically distinct from pressure ulcers and intertriginous dermatitis, and that a consistently applied, structured, or defined skin care program is effective for prevention and management of IAD. They also agreed that differential assessment of IAD versus pressure ulceration versus intertriginous dermatitis remains a major challenge. Panel members also concur that evidence is lacking concerning which products and protocols provide the best outcomes for IAD prevention and treatment in individual patients. Issues related to differential assessment, product labeling and utilization, staff education, and cost of care are the primary focus of this article.
authors.affiliation: WOC Nursing Education Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA. ddought@emory.edu
authors.forename: Dorothy
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Doughty
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Junkin
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kurz
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Selekof
authors.forename: Mikel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gray
authors.forename: Mandy
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fader
authors.forename: Donna Z
authors.initials: DZ
authors.lastname: Bliss
authors.forename: Dimitri
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Beeckman
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Logan
mesh_terms: D003245:Consensus Statements as Topic; D017453:Dermatitis, Irritant / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000150:complications*