What are primary causes of maceration?

Maceration occurs when skin is exposed to moisture for extended periods, leading to skin breakdown and softening. Among the options provided, incontinence, particularly urinary or bowel incontinence, is a primary cause of maceration. When moisture from urine or feces accumulates on the skin without proper management, it can result in the skin becoming excessively hydrated and eventually breaking down.

Fever, while it can affect overall skin integrity by increasing the body's metabolism and fluid loss, is not a direct cause of maceration. Instead, incontinence leads to continuous exposure to moisture, making it a more relevant factor in the development of maceration. Similarly, bowel incontinence falls under the umbrella of incontinence but specifically refers to fecal matter, which can also contribute to skin breakdown in similar ways.

Infection can occur as a consequence of maceration, but it is not a primary cause of the condition itself. Understanding the causes of maceration is crucial for preventing skin breakdown, especially in vulnerable populations who may experience incontinence. Therefore, recognizing incontinence as a significant factor aligns with the pathophysiology of skin integrity issues.