As a consequence, adhesive removal results in detachment of a certain amount of superficial epidermal cell layers. Repeated application and removal of adhesives to the skin compromises the integrity of its barrier, initiating inflammation and slowing the wound healing response.
Besides mechanical injury, medical adhesives can induce dermatitis (either irritant or allergic), and other types of skin damage, such as maceration of folliculitis.
There are several factors that can influence the risk of MARSI such as age-related physiologic factors that exert a significant impact on a patient’s susceptibility, being the elderly and neonates the most vulnerable age groups to skin (epidermal) stripping. Underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, infection, renal insufficiency, immunosuppression, venous insufficiency, venous hypertension, peristome varices also increase susceptibility to MARSI.