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Cutaneous Effects and Sensitive Skin with Incontinence in the Aged

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Abstract

Urinary and fecal incontinence affects a significant portion of the elderly population. While reported prevalence rates vary widely, incontinence tends to increase with age and becomes a relatively common affliction in those over 50. Although urinary and fecal incontinence increases with age, neither are natural sequelae of aging, but disorders which could be treated. Occlusion of the skin, often induced by incontinence pads or other containment devices, has a profound influence on the skin surface. Incontinence in aged skin has the potential to produce chemical irritation, mechanical injury, and increased susceptibility to incontinence dermatitis, dermal infections (both fungal and bacterial), intertrigo, vulvar folliculitis, pruritus ani, and pressure ulcers. Urinary incontinence also represents a psychosocial burden and is associated with a variety of psychiatric disorders. Dermatologists who are knowledgeable about geriatric issues can help to maintain the health and quality of life of their older patients.

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Farage, M.A., Miller, K.W., Berardesca, E., Maibach, H.I. (2015). Cutaneous Effects and Sensitive Skin with Incontinence in the Aged. In: Farage, M., Miller, K., Maibach, H. (eds) Textbook of Aging Skin. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27814-3_64-2

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