New study shows effectiveness of similarly marketed skin barrier products vary based on formulation

Comparison study of incontinence care products containing dimethicone reveals range of barrier effectiveness

CARY, IL, October 17, 2014 – Clinicians treating patients suffering from incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) often select skin barrier products based on the label or ingredient list—which provides no clear indication of the product’s barrier effectiveness. New research, however, suggests this practice needs to change. The old saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover,” is also true for skin barrier products.

“When it comes to choosing skin protectants, there can be a lot of confusion,” stated Dennis P. West PhD, FCCP, CIP, Professor in Dermatology and Pediatrics at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, and author of a research project highlighted at the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) Fall Conference in Las Vegas, NV. “The FDA Monograph recognizes dimethicone as a skin protectant. But barrier effectiveness can vary widely based on the overall ingredients in the entire product formulation. That’s why it’s important for clinicians to look at the final formulation performance when evaluating a skin care product,” stated West.

Dr. West will present the research, titled “Comparison of Skin Barrier Effectiveness for Products Containing Dimethicone” at the SAWC Fall Conference this week.The research demonstrates the value of considering overall product formulation and delivery method in order to compare the effectiveness of skin barrier products containing dimethicone.1

The innovative study used a clever and simple method to compare and contrast barrier effectiveness (as may be useful for management of IAD) by looking at similarly marketed products using a standardized artificial “urine.”2 West and the research team compared four incontinence barrier cloths (or wipes) containing dimethicone to a negative control (no product) by applying a typical volume (500 mL) of “urine” to a uniform amount of each comparator product over a nylon filter. The volume of “urine” passing through the filter was measured over time for each of the four similarly marketed skin barrier products containing dimethicone as a skin protectant.1

The study results were somewhat surprising. The data showed that the filter covered with Comfort Shield®Barrier Cream Cloths formulation considerably out-performed all of the other comparator products by allowing the smallest amount of “urine” to pass through the filter—even after a full 8-hour time period equivalent to a typical work shift. All of the other comparator products allowed several fold more “urine” volume to pass through the filter.1

This research underscores the importance of comparing and contrasting product formulations of similarly marketed barrier products. Dr. West states, “Clinical outcomes may vary widely because similarly marketed products’ barrier effectiveness varies widely. The decision to choose a skin barrier product must be based on the product formulation and careful consideration given to its barrier performance characteristics.”

Disclosure: This research was partially supported by Sage Products LLC, Cary IL, USA.

REFERENCE: 1. West DF, “Comparison of Skin Barrier Effectiveness for Products Containing Dimethicone” Presented at SAWC Fall Conference 2014, Las Vegas NV. 2. Brooks T, et al. Simple Artificial Urine for the Growth of Urinary Pathogens. Lett Appl Microbiol 1997 Mar; 24(3):203-206. (PMID 9080700)

For more information please contact:

Nick Cardellino
1-815-455-4700
ncardellino@sageproducts.com

About Sage Products LLC

Since 1971, Sage Products has developed disposable healthcare products trusted by leading healthcare facilities worldwide. The company has a core belief in prevention—that simple, evidence-based, interventions lead to extraordinary outcomes. Sage is pioneering Interventional Patient Hygiene (IPH) with industry-leading brands including Q-Care™ Toothette® Oral Care, 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Cloths for Patient Preoperative Skin Preparation, Comfort Bath® Prepackaged Bathing, Comfort Shield® Barrier Cream Cloths, Prevalon® Pressure-Relieving Heel Protection, Prevalon™ Turn and Position System, and Prevalon™ Seated Positioning System. The company's goal is to help improve patient safety and outcomes by preventing skin breakdown, healthcare-associated pneumonias, surgical site infections and other adverse events.

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