What Is a Moisture Lesion, Now Referred to as MASD?

Moisture lesions — also known as MASD or moisture-associated skin damage — affect a wide range of patients, including children, the elderly, ostomates, and those that are bed-bound. Here, we define what a moisture lesion is and provide further information on the causes, treatment, and prevention of this common skin condition.

What is a moisture lesion?

A moisture lesion is damage to the skin caused by excessive moisture. But “moisture lesion” is now an outdated term. Today, the condition is more commonly called moisture-associated skin damage (MASD).

The term MASD refers to four different types of skin damage. These are:

Incontinence-associated dermatitis
Intertriginous dermatitis
Peri-wound moisture-associated dermatitis
Peristomal moisture-associated dermatitis

Moisture lesions come in different sizes, colours, and shapes. They can appear as patches of sore, red skin, though blistering and skin erosions are also common.

What causes moisture lesions?

Moisture lesions are most often found in the folds of the skin, around the groin and buttocks, around stoma sites, and around wounds. Different moisture lesions are caused by different moisture sources.

Incontinence-associated dermatitis is caused by urine or faeces in people who are incontinent.
Intertriginous dermatitis is caused by perspiration. Sweat gathers in the folds of the skin, where friction between opposing skin surfaces can create lesions. This type of MASD is seen most commonly in people who are obese, those with diabetes, and people who are on bed rest.
Periwound moisture-associated damage is seen in people with a healing wound. As the wound heals, it leaks a fluid called exudate which, if left on the skin, can cause irritation and damage.
Peristomal moisture-associated dermatitis is seen in ostomates. Sometimes a stoma will leak urine and faeces, which, if left on the skin, can cause lesions.

Signs of a moisture lesion include skin irritation, redness, inflammation, and blistering. If moisture lesions are left untreated, they can become infected. People with a moisture lesion are likely to experience pain and discomfort.

How to treat moisture lesions

When treated properly, moisture lesions usually heal within one to two weeks. Here are the things you need to do when treating a moisture lesion.

Remove the source of moisture

For any type of moisture lesion, eliminating the source of moisture is an important first step. For example, wound dressings should be changed regularly so as not to lose their absorbency. To treat peristomal moisture lesions, healthcare professionals should check that the stoma has been fitted correctly.

Clean and dry the area

Another treatment for moisture lesions involves cleaning and drying the affected area. Bear in mind that because the skin is already weakened and irritated, cleaning and drying the skin needs to be done very carefully.

When a patient has a moisture lesion, you should clean the skin with a mild non-fragranced soap and avoid using talcum powder. You could also gently rub the skin dry. Patting dry has been found to be ineffective because it leaves too much moisture on the skin.

Use a barrier cream and barrier film

To prevent further damage and protect the skin while it recovers, barrier creams and films — like those available from Medicareplus — are another important part of moisture lesion treatment.

A barrier cream is suitable for intact or mildly damaged skin. It creates a protective waterproof barrier that prevents further damage from bodily fluids or friction. This type of cream is often suitable for use underneath incontinence pads. To use a barrier cream, clean and dry the affected area of skin. Apply the barrier cream to the skin. Then, cover with a bandage or dressing.

A barrier film is suitable for more serious moisture lesions. You can apply a barrier film via a pump spray, an aerosol, a wipe or an applicator. The film then sits on the skin as a translucent covering for up to 72 hours. It provides a waterproof, protective layer that helps the skin to heal.

How to prevent moisture lesions

As well as treating moisture lesions, it’s important to prevent future skin problems. Incontinence treatment can help to prevent future moisture lesions, while eating well and drinking enough water can help patients to maintain skin integrity. It’s also important to keep a patient’s skin dry and avoid harsh soaps or detergents.

Barrier cream is used as a treatment but it can also be used to prevent moisture lesions. By creating a protective layer on the skin, any moisture that does accumulate is less likely to cause damage.

For further guidance about treating and preventing moisture lesions, take a look at Medicareplus’ range of medical skincare products, including barrier cream and barrier film. Our products help keep patients comfortable and free from painful MASD.