Taking care of the skin is essential when living with or caring for someone with incontinence. Just as infants and children get “diaper rash,” adults can also experience redness and irritation that can, if not treated, lead to serious health issues.
Causes of Adult Incontinence Rash
- Aging skin is more fragile and needs special care.
- Inadequate cleaning between changes.
- Too much time between changes.
There are ways to help prevent adult incontinence rash and promote skin health and wellness.
Changing At The Right Time
Seek out products that will pull liquid away from the skin and can handle multiple incontinence episodes. It is important to check frequently to determine if a change is required. Briefs (diapers) often have a wetness line that will turn blue when they are wet. A good rule of thumb is to change when the line has turned blue. When checking, if ANY stool is present it is important to change immediately.
Do Not Double Products
A common myth is that using multiple disposable products at the same time will offer better leakage protection. However, the truth is that products are not designed to be stacked on top of each other. Stacking products can actually cause leaking and possible skin irritation. Incontinence products feature a waterproof layer to ensure liquid doesn’t escape. Only the product closest to the skin is working. Overflow from the first product will not be directed to the “strike zone” of the second product and will
likely leak from the side and also keep moisture close to the skin and cause irritation.
Check the Skin Each Time You Change
Each time you change the product, check the skin to see if there is any appearance of irritation.
If there is redness, there may be a need for more frequent changes and you should contact your healthcare provider to discuss. Cleanse the skin along with every product change.
Proper Skin Cleaning
Every time you remove a wet or soiled product you should clean the area before putting on a clean product. Proper skin cleaning will benefit skin health but also reduce infections. Use disposable washcloths to ensure proper cleaning. However, unlike toilet paper, disposable wash clothes should not be flushed. Doing so will cause plumbing issues.
Use Barrier Creams
It is important to use barrier creams (example: Baza Protect) sparingly, overuse of any type of cream may inhibit the “wicking” properties of the brief, underwear or pad.
Proper Product Disposal
We recommend wrapping used incontinence products in plastic shopping bags before disposing.
If you have questions about absorbent incontinence products, we are here to help you! Call Rely Medical Supply today toll-free at 1-888-529-2308. Our phones are answered from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Central Standard Time. Our helpful and compassionate product experts are trained to help you select the right products for your personal needs.