WCET Journal Study

Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) study: Blinded assessment and treatment with zinc oxide-based ointment

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

For prevention and treatment of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD), structured skin care regimens including gentle cleansing and a skin protectant are recommended. This trial compared two zinc oxide-based skin ointments used for the treatment of IAD.

Methods

Two-arm, randomized controlled trial with independent, blinded outcome assessment. Population: children >12 years and adults with urinary and/or faecal incontinence and IAD. Following informed consent, participants were randomized to receive a structured skin care regimen for one week with either Calmoseptine Ointment or Desitin Maximum Strength Diaper Rash Paste. Primary outcome: percentage of participants completely healed, defined as an IAD severity score of zero on the Kennedy Skin Condition Assessment Tool. Secondary outcomes: daily IAD
severity scores; daily size of area affected by IAD; daily pain and itch.

Results

Treatment groups were equivalent at baseline in terms of IAD severity scores, area affected and demographic characteristics. Frequency and type of incontinence were similar throughout the
study period. In the Calmoseptine group, significantly higher numbers of participants were completely healed on day 6 (p=0.009) and there were greater reductions in area affected on all follow-up
days (p=0.000). A higher prevalence of more severe IAD remained in the Desitin group on days 4 (p=0.024), 5 (p=0.035) and 6 (p=0.039).

Conclusions

Used within a structured skin care regimen for treatment of IAD, Calmoseptine is more effective than Desitin in terms of complete healing and reduction of area affected.