Barrier products play an important role in effective and protective skin care regimes (Nix, 2006). Barrier creams are protective products, designed to form an occlusive barrier between the skin and noxious substances, not to be confused with emollients which moisturise the skin (Voegeli, 2008). Overenthusiastic application of some barrier creams may reduce the effectiveness of continence pads by clogging the absorbent layer and causing urine/loose stool to pool against the skin. This causes hyper-hydration and leads to possible moisture damage. However, if barrier creams are applied in line with the manufacturer’s instructions, this should not happen (Bolton, 2004). The most commonly used preparations are petrolatum, dimethicone, or zinc oxide
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It is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic and as such considered a safe product (Nair, 2003). As an emollient, dimethicone acts as a filler between the desquamating corneocytes (the top layer of the epidermis) on the epidermis, providing a confluent barrier against moisture. This allows a thin layer of barrier cream to be applied and aid sealing of the permeable skin, protecting against irritant urine and/ or faecal incontinence. Dimethicone-based barrier creams may be more costly per unit; however, a smaller amount is applied and less frequently than proprietary barrier creams. They also have a lower frictional resistance and so wash away less easily, affording greater skin protection (Woo et al, …show more content…
2014). IAD is a painful and distressing condition encountered in many different patient groups and care settings. It affects the physical, psychological and social health of many individuals and is challenging for health professionals to accurately identify and effectively treat. A structured skin care regime that focuses on effective cleansing, protection and reduction in excess moisture must be routine in all patients who are at high risk of IAD (Holroyd, 2015). Education for staff, and the use of appropriate risk assessment tools will improve identification of this condition and ensure appropriate, effective and timely management plans are adopted, thereby improving clinical outcomes and, more importantly, patients’ quality of
It is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic and as such considered a safe product (Nair, 2003). As an emollient, dimethicone acts as a filler between the desquamating corneocytes (the top layer of the epidermis) on the epidermis, providing a confluent barrier against moisture. This allows a thin layer of barrier cream to be applied and aid sealing of the permeable skin, protecting against irritant urine and/ or faecal incontinence. Dimethicone-based barrier creams may be more costly per unit; however, a smaller amount is applied and less frequently than proprietary barrier creams. They also have a lower frictional resistance and so wash away less easily, affording greater skin protection (Woo et al, …show more content…
2014). IAD is a painful and distressing condition encountered in many different patient groups and care settings. It affects the physical, psychological and social health of many individuals and is challenging for health professionals to accurately identify and effectively treat. A structured skin care regime that focuses on effective cleansing, protection and reduction in excess moisture must be routine in all patients who are at high risk of IAD (Holroyd, 2015). Education for staff, and the use of appropriate risk assessment tools will improve identification of this condition and ensure appropriate, effective and timely management plans are adopted, thereby improving clinical outcomes and, more importantly, patients’ quality of