Skin Care for Incontinent Patients

Exposure to urine and feces is one of the most common causes of skin breakdown and makes the skin more susceptible to various injuries. Excess moisture makes skin problems such as redness, peeling, irritation, and infections more likely. Using diapers and other products can make skin problems worse. Although they may keep bedding and clothing cleaner, these products allow urine or stool to be in constant contact with the skin. Over time, the skin breaks down. Special care must be taken to keep the skin clean and dry.

It’s always better to prevent a problem than to treat one; so focus on these key areas when working on maintaining healthy skin:

Choose the right pads and protective underwear to quickly and thoroughly absorb moisture and keep it away from the skin – especially overnight.

Be sure pads and underwear fit properly. If a protective product is too loose, liquid can leak out before it is fully absorbed. If the garment is too tight, irritation can occur, creating an environment for infection.

Avoid ordinary bar or antibacterial soaps for cleansing the skin. These types of soap can dry the skin in sensitive areas and raise its pH, exacerbating an existing skin condition. It is recommended to use skin care products formulated for incontinence care.

Have questions? Call one of our Rely Medical Supply Product Experts toll-free at (888) 529-2308 • Weekdays 8:00 am - 5:00 pm CST. Our friendly and caring Product Experts will be happy to talk with you and answer any questions you may have about our products, services, or take your order over the phone.