Barrier Assessment of Two Skin Protectant Barrier Films using an ex vivo Porcine Skin Model of Urinary Incontinence

The epidermis serves a fundamental role by functioning as a barrier to the external environment. Many factors, including friction and prolonged exposure to moisture, can lead to barrier breakdown. A compromised epidermal barrier often underlies incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) and can cause substantial pain and suffering as well as increase the susceptibility to infection. An effective barrier film provides a robust, flexible, and long-lasting  coating that protects from friction and caustic bodily fluids, including urine and feces, while maintaining hydration for promoting effective healing.

The goal of this study was to compare the barrier effectiveness of two commercially available skin protectant barrier films containing hexamethyldisiloxane, barrier film 1 and barrier film 2 , under simulated clinical conditions of urinary incontinence. To address this goal, an ex vivo model system was utilized where pig skin was treated with or without a barrier film and then exposed to repeated cycles of moisture challenge in synthetic urine followed by wiping/abrasion using an Elcometer 1720 Washability & Abrasion Tester.

The electrical capacitance was determined after each cycle using a Corneometer 825, which is an indirect measure of stratum corneum hydration and barrier effectiveness. The results demonstrate that skin electrical capacitance decreased following application of both skin protectant barrier films, indicating formation of a protective barrier.

Both products maintained an effective barrier throughout the course of the experiment when exposed to moisture-challenge alone. However, when combined with abrasion, the electrical capacitance of sites treated with –barrier film 1 maintained lower electrical capacitance levels compared to sites treated with barrier film 2.  

These results suggest that barrier film 1 creates an effective moisture barrier under simulated clinical conditions of urinary incontinence.