Skin maceration can occur due to prolonged skin exposure to moisture.
If left untreated, maceration can cause abacterialorfungalskin infection that can progress to an all-body, systemic infection.
Poor hygiene adds to the risk.
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Prevention of skin maceration is important when there’s a risk.
Infections or extensive skin maceration need treatment with antibiotics, antifungals, or specialized wound care treatments.
Symptoms and Causes
Wrinkled skin is the first and most obvious sign of skin maceration.
Most of us are familiar with the wrinkled appearance of our hands and feet after a long bath.
Maceration will also cause the skin to be extremely soft and take on whitish coloration.
Diabetic foot ulcers, leg ulcers, bed sores, and fungal lesions are susceptible to maceration.
Unless the bandage is regularly changed, perspiration and leakage from the wound can rapidly accumulate.
Within a short period of time, bacteria can contaminate the wounds and cause an infection.
Urinary Incontinence
People who are incontinent can also experience skin maceration.
The damage will generally be centered around the area of urine pooling around the skin.
Elderly people are most vulnerable due to skin thinning.
Reduced blood circulation and a weak immune system lower the body’s ability to fight infection.
Maceration will also accelerate the formation ofbed sores, and prevent them from healing.
This is called moisture-associated skin damage (MASD).
Referred to assepticemia, the infection is life-threatening.
Symptoms include:
Without immediate hospitalization and treatment, death may occur.
Septicemia is most often associated with a systemic bacterial infection (bacteremia).
A weak immune system is a risk factor for complications.
Advanced HIV or having an organ transplant are risk factors for systemic fungal infections.
Post-operative infections are often bacterial and caused byStaphylococcus aureusorPseudomonas aureginosa.
Treatment and Prevention
Most cases of skin maceration are treated by keeping the skin clean and dry.
Once a scab has formed, the air around the wound is usually better than keeping it tightly bandaged.
This is especially important if you’re using an occlusive bandage.
If an accident does occur, wash and dry the skin gently with soap and water.
Moreover, check for bed sores or any signs of skin breaks or infection.
Bed sores require intensive management.
Pain
Treatment for pain can be complicated with ulcerative sores.
Tylenol (acetaminophen) is often helpful for pain.
A lidocaine ointment may also help ease the pain.
Beta-blockers, corticosteroids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can all interfere with healing.
If an infection develops, call your healthcare provider immediately.
Signs include fever, pain, heavy discharge, or a foul smell.
Treatment of an infection can include:
Septicemia requires hospitalization and emergency care.
Be sure to drink the recommended amount of water to also help speed up the healing process.
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