Prevalence of skin and genital mucous membrane irritations in patients confined to bed.

A comparative and prospective study of the skin and genital mucous membrane conditions of 50 intensive care patients, who were entirely confined to bed, was conducted. Skin and/or genital mucous membrane irritations were developed by 31 patients during their stay in the ICU. These patients had a significantly longer stay in bed in the ICU than those who did not develop such changes. Patients with lesions were significantly washed more often using the pH 8.5 soap than those without lesions. Erythematous was the most commonly observed symptom and the area between the buttocks and saccrum was the most affected.