An elderly female patient in a hospital bed, possibly with incontinence associated dermatitis

Preventing and Managing Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis

Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis (IAD) is a painful, problematic skin injury that results from exposure to urine or feces. This is a miserable patient experience that also increases the risk of complications, such as secondary infections and pressure ulcers or injuries.

Are your patients at risk?

Residents or patients with incontinence are at risk, but those with mixed incontinence are the most vulnerable — especially when stools are liquid or diarrhea is present.3

  • Graphics showing that up to 41% of nursing home residence have incontinence associated dermatitis
  • 35% of all incontinence patients in acute care have IAD copy with icons of human figures.

Examining the Impact of Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis

IAD is an issue in acute as well as long-term care settings. The data sheets below will help you measure and manage IAD's impact within your facility.

An image of the Best Practice Principles document from 3M IAD
Moving Prevention Forward

In 2014, 3M brought together 20 international experts to look at gaps in Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis clinical care and to advance best practice principles that address those gaps. What will you find in their best practice principles document?

Hands-on clinicians will find practical guidance for:

  • Assessing risk
  • Preventing symptoms
  • Managing Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis

Skin care is key to skin integrity.

See our full line of 3M™ Cavilon™ products

3M™ Cavilon™ Skin Care Solutions – including our including our innovative 3M Cavilon, innovative 3M™ Cavilon™ Advanced Skin Protectant – provide all the products you need for prevention and management of skin damage, even in the case of category 2 (moderate to severe) Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis.

3M IAD Advanced Skin Protectant applicator.
Witness what’s next in IAD care.

Discover what makes 3M™ Cavilon™ Advanced Skin Protectant powerful enough to end IAD with an in-person demonstration.

SEE THE DIFFERENCE

Learn even more about Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis.

  • Download a helpful resource that defines IAD and outlines what you can do about protection and prevention.

  • A clinician holding the hand of an elderly patient in a hospital setting.
    Identifying Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis

    Hear what IAD experts have to say about the condition, as well as prevention and protection of patient skin.

  • An image of the 3M IAD Best Practices Principles document cover.
    Best Practice Principles

    This overview video highlights the Best Practice Principles outlined in Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis: Moving Prevention Forward.

3M IAD Expert Insights

Hear what experts have to say about the prevention and management of Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis.

  • Four students in a classroom setting.

    3M℠ Health Care Academy

    3M℠ Health Care Academy offers proven, practical online educational content to healthcare professionals. Explore available courses focused on Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis and other conditions.

    Manage your training, test your knowledge, and receive certifications for completed courses.


  1. Nix D, Haugen V (2010) Prevention and management of Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis. Drugs Aging 27(6); 491-6.
  2. Gray M, Bartos S. Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis in the Acute Care Setting: A Prospective Multi-Site Epidemiological Study. Presented at the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care. May 2013.
  3. Beekman D et al. Proceedings of the Global IAD Expert Panel. Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis: moving prevention forward. Best Practice Principles. Wound International 2015.