Moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) can result when the skin has prolonged or continuous exposure to excessive moisture. If the skin experiences too much moisture, it becomes overhydrated and is prone to maceration. This makes it easier for irritants and microorganisms to penetrate the skin, reduce its integrity to mechanical forces and disrupt its protective acid mantle. The condition can greatly affect patient wellbeing. MASD is a collective definition and it has four main causes: incontinence-associated dermatitis, periwound skin damage, intertriginous dermatitis and peristomal moisture-associated dermatitis. Practitioners can use tools such as the Skin Moisture Alert Reporting Tool (S.M.A.R.T.) to identify its aetiology, which informs its management. Management of MASD involves assessment, addressing the underlying cause, and implementing a structured skin care regimen to treat it and prevent its recurrence. Case studies illustrate the use of a structured treatment strategy using Medi Derma barrier products and the principles of Total Barrier Protection to provide a cost-effective solution for the prevention and management of skin compromised by MASD.

The skin's main function is to act as a physical barrier against harmful substances. Medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI) is a prevalent and under-reported condition that compromises the skin's integrity. Repeated applications and removal of appliances can increase the likelihood of MARSI occurring. Prevention and treatment are key to ensure appropriate skin preparation, product appliance and removal. The use of structured approaches is imperative and there is a need to increase the awareness of MARSI among patients and health professionals to ensure that informed decisions are made.

This article discusses good skin care in relation to the management of incontinence. It outlines the structure and functions of the skin and describes how the skin changes as we age. It examines how incontinence can damage the skin and provides an overview of the current management methods that are used to prevent tissue excoriation. It also suggests an effective alternative that could be used if previous strategies have failed and the skin begins to breakdown, that is, the use of a silver regimen.

This article highlights the importance of using evidence-based practice to improve wound care and support clinical practice. It appraises the literature on the use of topical negative pressure therapy for the treatment of complex, acute and chronic wounds. In an effort to contribute to the substantial evidence already available in support of this therapy, a clinical example of how effective it was at managing necrotising fasciitis is described.

The rate of wound infection in groin wounds is high, and such wounds are difficult to treat. Topical negative pressure (TNP) has become the mainstay in the treatment of these wounds.