Skin maceration

Maceration is defined as the softening and breaking down of skin resulting from prolonged exposure to moisture.

[1][2] Maceration is caused by excessive amounts of fluid remaining in contact with the skin or the surface of a wound for extended periods.

This occurs because the skin under the bandage becomes wet due to perspiration, urine or other bodily fluids, or contact with other liquids.

One may also notice maceration after wearing non-breathable plastic or latex rubber gloves, which trap moisture against the skin.

However, this white skin should not be confused with the pale, whitish appearance of the new epithelial tissue in a healing wound.