MASD vs stage II....

Specialties Wound

Published

Hi! I have recently returned to hands on wound care after a 6-7 year hiatus. It's amazing how many things have changed in those years! One "new" addition is the classification of MASD. Just wondering what characteristics you look for when decifering between the two. Sometimes, it's very easy but other times I really stuggle....I've looked on line for articles/books but haven't had much luck. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

CWONgal

130 Posts

Specializes in CWON - Certified Wound and Ostomy Nurse.

Moisture associated dermatitis can contribute to the development of pressure ulcers because it weakens the tissue. Typically the skin is very reddened and can become denuded and weepy....think bad diaper rash. Additionally, it's not uncommon to see satellite lesions because dermatitis and fungal infections tend to go hand in hand. A stage II pressure ulcer looks as though the surface of the skin (epidermis) has come off and most often it's at a bony prominence. You can get these from medical devices as well. It reminds me of skinning your knee as a kid...epidermis is gone and initially the area feels tacky from serous exudate which can later dry out. Another presentation of a stage II is a serous filled blister. Hope this helps!

MASD is Moisture Associated Skin DAMAGE!

SmellTheRose94

13 Posts

Specializes in Med surg.

One thing I've learned is MASD is very very irregular in shape, a pressure injury will have more defined edges and will be over a bony prominence. Think of MASD as a skin erosion almost.. irregular shape and almost eroded or torn skin where the patient is incontinent or very moist.. this has helped me a lot but it is very tricky and takes a lot of experience because not everything is a classic presentation. 

MASD will be spread and can be moisture induced on different areas such as abdominal folds, buttocks, posterior thighs, areas where incontinence can occur or if a diaper is placed, will be reddended, but blanable and spread in different forms. most likely can be fungal can clear up with barrier creams or fungal powder.

Stage 2 is mostly superficial can be a small skin tear looking wound and will be in one form and not spread in mulitple areas like a MASD type rash how others have described it up above

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