The Effects of a Nursing Program Applying Zinc Oxide Mixed with Petroleum Jelly and Centella Asiatica Mixed with Aloe Vera on Skin Indicators Among Older Patients in Semi-Intensive Care Units: A Pilot Study

Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is commonly observed in older patients admitted to intensive or semi-intensive care units, particularly those who are unable to perform daily activities independently or have restricted mobility. Once IAD occurs, it causes discomfort, pain, and loss of self-confidence, as well as increases the financial burden of treatment. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of using a protective skin product to prevent and manage IAD in older patients. We applied a double-blind, randomized, block-controlled trial with a two-group pre-posttest design for this study. The study included 20 older patients admitted to a semi-intensive medical care unit. Ten participants received a nursing program that applied zinc oxide mixed with petroleum jelly, and another 10 received the same nursing program but with Centella Asiatica mixed with aloe vera. We measured the risk and severity of IAD, assessed skin moisturizer and skin pH, and analyzed data using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The results demonstrated that both tested products effectively prevented and managed IAD in older patients. They contributed to reducing the risk and severity of IAD, enhancing skin hydration, and maintaining a mildly acidic skin pH. The findings of this pilot study confirm the feasibility of using these products for older patients with incontinence. Additionally, the products were easy to apply, exhibited appropriate viscosity, created a protective barrier for the skin, reduced inflammation, and facilitated skin recovery from IAD. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and more rigorous research designs are needed to validate these findings comprehensively. Protocol Registration: TCTR20240910009 (September 10, 2024).