From the Guidelines
Treatment of moisture associated dermatitis (MAD) should prioritize removing the source of moisture, protecting the skin, and treating inflammation, with the use of barrier creams, gentle cleansing, and low-potency topical corticosteroids as needed, as recommended by recent guidelines 1. When managing MAD, it is essential to identify and address the moisture source by using absorbent products for incontinence, applying moisture barriers like zinc oxide, petrolatum, or dimethicone-based creams after each cleansing, and ensuring proper skin drying.
- Clean the affected area gently with pH-balanced cleansers rather than soap, which can be drying and irritating.
- For inflamed areas, low-potency topical corticosteroids such as 1% hydrocortisone cream can be applied twice daily for up to 7 days, as supported by guidelines for contact dermatitis management 1.
- Antifungal creams like clotrimazole or miconazole may be needed if secondary fungal infection is present. Key aspects of treatment include:
- Maintaining a regular skin care routine with gentle cleansing, thorough drying, and barrier application.
- Avoiding the use of multiple layers of absorbent products which can trap moisture against the skin.
- Frequent repositioning for bedridden patients to prevent pressure and moisture buildup. The goal of treatment is to break the cycle of moisture exposure, skin barrier damage, and inflammation, and recent studies emphasize the importance of conservative measures and topical treatments in achieving this goal 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Forms a moisture barrier that prevents and helps treat effects associated with diaper rash from wetness, urine, or stool. Helps treat and prevent diaper rash Helps seal out wetness Treatment options for moisture associated dermatitis include:
- Dimethicone (TOP): forms a moisture barrier to prevent and treat effects associated with diaper rash from wetness, urine, or stool 2
- Petrolatum (TOP): helps treat and prevent diaper rash, seals out wetness, and temporarily protects minor cuts, scrapes, and burns 3
From the Research
Treatment Options for Moisture-Associated Dermatitis
The treatment options for moisture-associated dermatitis involve a combination of strategies to prevent excessive moisture, protect the skin, and manage any secondary infections. Some of the key treatment options include:
- Adopting a structured skin care regime to cleanse and protect the skin 4
- Keeping the skin dry to prevent further moisture-associated damage 4, 5
- Controlling the source of excessive moisture, such as urine or stool 4, 6
- Using barrier products, such as Derma Protective Plus, to provide long-lasting protection against chafing or ingress of urine and stool into the skin 6
- Treating any secondary infections that may occur 4, 5
Prevention Strategies
Prevention strategies are also crucial in managing moisture-associated dermatitis. These include:
- Maintaining optimal skin conditions 5
- Diagnosing and treating minor cases of moisture-associated dermatitis prior to progression and skin breakdown 5
- Providing optimal skin care to patients with any form of moisture-associated skin damage, based on a structured regimen and including the use of a gentle skin cleanser, a barrier product, and moisturizer 6
Specific Conditions
Moisture-associated dermatitis can occur in various forms, including:
- Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD), caused by prolonged skin exposure to urine and stool 6
- Periwound moisture-associated dermatitis, occurring around wounds 7
- Peristomal moisture-associated dermatitis, occurring around stomas 7 Each of these conditions requires careful assessment and management to prevent further skin damage and promote healing.