Moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) is a condition of inflammation and erosion of the skin caused by prolonged exposure to various sources of moisture, including urine or stool, perspiration, wound exudate, ostomy effluent, mucus, and saliva. Possible contributing factors may also include the aging process, medication changes, hormone imbalances, infections, and dementia.

This guide provides the latest information on MASD categories and their causes, risk identification, skin assessment, distinction between MASD and pressure injury, terminology, and an MASD prevention protocol.

Health care professionals will find this guide to be a valuable tool in caring for patients at risk of MASD and for implementing a comprehensive, facility-wide MASD prevention strategy to improve quality of care.

The guide discusses the following topics, with supporting references from the current evidence base:

Please feel free to print and provide this handout to your patients and their family members.