Everything You Need to Know About Macerated Skin

Did you ever notice whitish-looking, shrivelled fingertips after swimming for a long time or washing dishes? That's a mild version of skin maceration. Prolonged exposure of skin to moisture can lead to skin maceration, and it can have a serious impact on your health.

When exposed to moisture, the skin goes beyond dampness; it becomes fragile and prone to breaking down, and vulnerable to infections.

Skin maceration presents a significant concern in wound care, hygiene, and everyday skin health. From reddened patches and wrinkles to more serious complications, skin maceration demands attention.

Given this, it is important to understand what skin maceration is, what causes maceration of the skin, what wound maceration is and how to treat macerated skin.

This guide will help you know the causes, treatment, prevention, and other crucial aspects of skin maceration.

Our skin regularly comes in contact with moisture, through water or sweat. This can lead to the softening and breakdown of the skin, resulting in a pale, wrinkly appearance and a soggy texture.

Maceration is caused when moisture breaks down your skin on a cellular level. This makes your skin much more vulnerable to various types of problems and skin infections. Several common scenarios can bring on macerated skin. Some of these are:

Wound healing and dressing

Injuries to the skin, such as scratches or cuts that result in open wounds, activate the body's immune system. As part of this response, a chemical called histamine is released, which widens the blood vessels to release plasma.

Accumulation of plasma and other fluids causes the skin around the wound to swell. The wound needs to be cleaned, dried, and dressed to prevent macerated skin and its complications. When a wound is infected, fluid production increases, making the skin more vulnerable to maceration.

Hyperhidrosis

This is a common condition that causes excessive sweating. While sweating helps cool the body, too much of it can also cause skin maceration. The condition usually affects the underarms, palms, or soles.

The feet are the most susceptible to maceration. This happens because wearing socks and shoes makes it harder for the feet to dry. Severe skin maceration in the feet can lead to a related condition called trench foot.

Hygiene

Even healthy individuals can experience skin maceration. Long baths, using non-breathable clothes and fabrics, or insufficient drying between skin folds allow moisture to accumulate.

Poor hygiene can increase the possibility of skin maceration, especially for individuals with incontinence or those who stay in bed for long periods due to a medical condition. Extended contact with urine-soaked clothing, incontinence pads, or bedsheets can lead to:

• Skin Maceration
• Adult Diaper Rash
• Bacterial or Fungal Infections

Treatment for macerated skin primarily depends on two factors: the cause and how serious it is. But the core principle of treatment is simple: reduce moisture and support healing.

In mild cases, letting the affected area be open and exposed to air is usually sufficient, but medical treatment is necessary for more severe cases. Treatment of macerated skin caused by wounds includes specific types of bandages and dressings, including:

• Occlusive Dressing:

These are non-absorbent and wax-coated to make the wound both air and water-tight. These provide maximum protection against moisture and bacteria, which can help decrease wound pain and healing time.

• Hydro fibre Dressing:

Hydro fibre dressings are sterile gauge pads and bandages. These absorb extra moisture during the healing process. Some hydrofiber dressings contain iodine, which helps reduce the risk of skin maceration.

Healthy skin acts as a barrier that protects your internal organs and tissues from outside threats and infections.

Macerated skin is a weakened barrier and can make you more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections. It also breaks down easily, increasing the danger of infections and the healing time.

With the increased risk of infection, macerated skin also leads to pain and discomfort. Moreover, rubbing macerated skin against clothing or footwear can create a new wound or even expose tissues beneath the skin.

If you live with conditions that predispose you to moisture damage, take proactive steps to manage skin health:

• Inspect Daily: Make sure to check your skin folds, under wounds, and between toes.

• Change Dressings Frequently: Choose dressings that balance moisture without over retention.

• Keep Skin Dry: Make sure to keep your skin dry by using absorbent dressings or moisture-wicking fabrics.

• Use Barrier Ointments: Apply barrier ointments to vulnerable sites.

• Ensure Clean Linens and Clothes: It is very important to maintain hygiene and replace clothes that stay wet.

• Reposition: When bedridden, ensure to reposition every two hours to reduce moisture build-up.

• Maintain Good Hygiene: Avoid over washing, and gently dry the skin after bathing.

• Medical Advice: Seek medical advice for persistent maceration or signs of infection.

Macerated skin is caused by prolonged exposure to moisture, whether it be sweat, water, or moisture from the air. Skin maceration is more common in people who are bedridden due to their immobility or urinary or bowel incontinence.

You can prevent skin maceration by keeping your skin clean and dry, using gentle cleaners and moisturisers, as well as regularly monitoring open wounds for signs of healing.

Q. What causes skin maceration?

A. Skin maceration refers to the softening of the skin resulting from prolonged exposure to moisture. The excess moisture causes the skin cells to become overhydrated and swell, making them susceptible to damage and breakdown.

Q. How can you prevent skin from becoming overly soft and soggy?

A. To prevent your skin from becoming overly soft and soggy, avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, keep your skin dry, and wear breathable clothes.

Q. Can skin maceration lead to infections?

A. Yes, skin maceration can lead to infections. This is because maceration occurs due to prolonged exposure to moisture, which in turn creates an environment where bacteria and fungi can thrive, thereby increasing the risk of infection.

Q. What home remedies help treat macerated skin?

A. Some home remedies for macerated skin include keeping the area clean and dry, applying a barrier ointment, and allowing air exposure, which can help treat skin maceration.

Q. When should you see a doctor for skin maceration?

A. You should see a doctor for skin maceration when it's accompanied by signs of infection, when the wound isn't healing properly despite proper care, or if the maceration is severe or persistent.