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Which of the following is a cause of Incontinence Associated Dermatitis?

  1. Excessive washing

  2. Fecal enzymes and maceration

  3. Vitamin deficiency

  4. Sun exposure

The correct answer is: Fecal enzymes and maceration

Incontinence Associated Dermatitis (IAD) is primarily caused by the exposure of the skin to moisture, fecal matter, and urine, which can lead to skin breakdown. Fecal enzymes in particular can be quite damaging; they act on the skin barrier, breaking down lipids and proteins that normally protect the skin. The constant presence of moisture and irritants from fecal matter significantly increases the risk of skin maceration, leading to inflammation and ultimately dermatitis. This understanding of IAD highlights the central role of fecal enzymes and prolonged moisture in developing this condition, making it evident that addressing the source of irritation is crucial for both prevention and treatment. The other factors mentioned, like excessive washing, vitamin deficiency, and sun exposure, may influence skin health to some extent but do not directly contribute to the specific mechanism of incontinence associated dermatitis.