How can you #thinkMASD?

How can you #thinkMASD?

This year, MASD Awareness Day was held on 16th March. It’s an opportunity to #thinkMASD and develop new strategies for recognising, preventing, and treating the condition.

Here we take a look at the different types of moisture-associated skin damage and how you can #thinkMASD not only on MASD Awareness Day, but throughout the year too!

What is MASD?

MASD stands for moisture-associated skin damage. This is where the skin becomes irritated and inflamed because of prolonged exposure to bodily fluids. Left untreated, MASD causes the skin barrier to break down. This makes patients susceptible to further skin damage and infection.

MASD is actually an umbrella term that brings together four different types of moisture-associated skin damage, all of which we’ll explore below.

What are the different types of MASD?

There are four different types of MASD. Causes, symptoms, and risk factors vary according to each different form of the condition.

When you #thinkMASD, it’s important to understand how these types of MASD differ from one another. That way you can identify symptoms, plan treatment, and understand prevention methods much more easily.  

Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD)

This type of MASD is caused by prolonged exposure to urine and/or faeces. As a result, we tend to see IAD around the groin and buttocks area.

IAD is most commonly seen in patients suffering from incontinence. As the likelihood of urinary and faecal incontinence increases with age, elderly patients are one of the most at-risk groups for IAD.

Intertriginous dermatitis

This type of MASD is caused by prolonged exposure to perspiration. Heat (due to a hot room or hot weather), lack of airflow, and friction can exacerbate the problem.  

Intertriginous dermatitis is most commonly found in the folds of the skin. So, for example, under the breasts, around the groin area, and under the armpits. Patients who are overweight or on prolonged bed rest are most at risk.

Periwound moisture-associated dermatitis

This type of MASD is caused by wound exudate and is found exclusively around a wound site. Patients who have undergone surgery and those with chronic wounds are most at risk, often seen in patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers, Venous Leg Ulcers and Chronic Lymphoedema.

Peristomal moisture-associated dermatitis

Peristomal moisture-associated dermatitis is caused by leakage or device irritation around a stoma site. Faecal matter and/or urine can leak from the stoma bag and sit on the skin, causing irritation and damage.

How can you #thinkMASD?

MASD Awareness Day is a perfect opportunity to #thinkMASD; however, it’s something you can do all year round by remembering the following tips.

Be aware of the different types of MASD

It’s important to familiarise yourself with the different types of MASD and their:

• Risk factors
• Symptoms
• Treatment methods
• Prevention methods

That way, you understand how to recognise each different type of MASD — and work to both treat and prevent it within your healthcare setting.

The S.M.A.R.T. resource provides a useful framework for planning and improving your MASD care.  

Educate yourself and others on MASD

There are lots of great educational resources available to drive MASD Awareness.  You can also sign up for a digital campaign pack and receive posters and educational leaflets for both staff and patients.

We often run MASD Awareness Day webinars that are free to attend and these focus on different areas of MASD care.

Spread the word about MASD Awareness and offer resources to your staff — so everyone gets the chance to learn something new and to improve patient care as a result.

Make sure you have the right products to prevent and treat MASD

Knowledge of moisture-associated skin damage is important. But you won’t get far without an MASD toolkit — the products you need to prevent and treat the condition.

Barrier cream, barrier film and barrier ointment are essential MASD care products that your team should have available.

• Barrier cream is used to prevent MASD and in the treatment of mild cases. By applying the cream to the affected or at-risk area, you create a waterproof barrier and protect the skin from moisture.
• Barrier film is used in moderate cases of MASD and often in ostomates and in periwound maceration to protect the skin. A thin, adhesive film onto the skin creates a protective, waterproof barrier that lasts for up to 72 hours.
• Barrier Ointment is used in moderate to severe cases of MASD, often in Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis. It creates a resilient, hydrophobic protective barrier and the tacky’ consistency ensures the ointment adheres well to moist skin and wounds.  Importantly, it can be used underneath incontinence pads as it does not block pad absorption.

Having access to these products — and understanding when and how to use them — helps healthcare staff to both think about and act upon MASD.

Want support in managing MASD within your healthcare setting? Then please head to the Medicareplus website for more information or view our skin protectants product range to find new and better ways to care for your patients.