Exposure of the skin to urine and faeces, or both, can result in moisture lesions or incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) (Rees and Pagnamenta, 2009).

The ‘Your Skin Matters’ section of the High Impact Actions (HIAs) for Nursing and Midwifery (2009) largely focuses on preventing pressure ulcers. However, moisture lesions or incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) can be of equal distress to the patient as a pressure ulcer. This condition often results in pain from breakdown of the skin, increased risk of infection and length of hospital inpatient stay, as well as affecting patient dignity from the embarrassment of faecal/urinary incontinence. Like pressure ulcers, moisture lesions can often be prevented. This paper describes an intervention for faecal incontinence that can help to prevent and manage this condition and, thus, has an impact on patient safety, clinical-effectiveness and patient experience.