Incontinent individuals need to be careful when it comes to skin health and care. Prolonged exposure to urine and stool leads to rapid breakdown. When the skin does not remain in tact and healthy, infection, sores, irritation, and worse can set in. The following are 7 tips for reducing damage due to prolonged exposure:
Tip one: Get the right fit and absorbency for incontinence products. There are hundreds of options and varieties of products available. There are briefs, boxers, pads, booster pads, belted undergarments, and more. All of which come in a variety of sizes and absorbency options. One of the first steps to improving skin health is to choose products that fit right, and provide the absorbency needed.
Tip two: Change incontinence products frequently. Many incontinence products are designed with a super absorbent core and technology that wicks moisture away from the body, locking it into the core to help keep the epidermis dry between changes. However, this is not enough to prevent breakdown. Frequent changes, with each soiling should accompany the right products. Individuals and caregivers should change incontinence products as quickly as they can after the product is soiled.
Tip three: Cleanse the skin. Experts agree that in order to prevent breakdown the skin must be cleaned, protected, and treated. However, there is a lot of misconception about how, when, and what to use to clean the sensitive perineal area. Soap and water will not cut it. In fact, regular soap can cause the skin to dry out, to thicken, and can lead to further problems. The skin should be cleaned with each change, not just when stool is present. Urine can lead to breakdown as well. In fact, the urine often increases the pH of the skin, making it more susceptible to breakdown. Instead of soap and water look for a pH balanced cleanser specifically designed for cleaning perineal areas.
Tip four: Moisturize. After applying a cleanser, prevent damage by applying a moisturizer. This will help to maintain the skin's integrity, and natural moisture. Frequent washing, which is necessary, can lead to drying of skin and frictional damage. Moisturizing helps to prevent this from happening.
Tip five: Apply a protectant. The skin needs to be protected from wetness. The natural defense against wetness is sebum, a lipid-based substance the skin produces that acts as a barrier, and prevents breakdown. However, as skin ages it produces less sebum. And, in the case of an incontinent individual, more protection is needed. There are skincare ointments and protectants designed specifically for those with incontinence.
Tip six: Treat any existing breakdown. In order to best reduce incontinence skincare damage, it is imperative that any existing damage is treated immediately so that it does not worsen. Dry the area well, use a moisture barrier, but also treat any fungal or bacterial infection with a zinc oxide based ointment.
Dianna Malkowski is a Physician Assistant and Mayo Clinic trained nutritionist who helps customers of The CareGiver Partnership with questions to their caregiving questions. She invites you to visit blog.caregiverpartnership.com for more helpful family caregiver information. Also, find the #1 brand of incontinence skin care products used by professionals at http://www.caregiverpartnership.com/landing/lantiseptic/.
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