Global focus: MASD

Moisture-associated skin damage caused by incontinence 

Author: Sharon Holroyd 

Moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) is the damage occurring in response to prolonged skin exposure to moisture and incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is the most recognised form of MASD. IAD impacts physical, psychological and social health and is challenging for healthcare professionals to accurately identify and effectively treat.

The definition of incontinence is acknowledged as any involuntary loss of urine or the inability to control the bowels (International Continence Society [ICS], 2013). It is not a life-threatening condition but has a significant and distressing effect on the physical, psychological and social quality of life of those affected (Lukacz et al, 2011). Isolation, anxiety, depression and embarrassment are commonly reported by people who have a bladder or bowel issue (Wan and Wang, 2014). Urinary incontinence is more common than breast cancer, heart disease or diabetes among older women (Sexton et al, 2011; Tannenbaum et al, 2013). Incontinence is not gender or age specific, it can affect people of all cultures at any point from childhood to old age and can have devastating implications for the individual and their family. Many people may fail to seek help with incontinence for years due to embarrassment and stigma.