Incontinence is a condition wherein a person cannot stop his urine or stool from leaking. It is a common disorder that predominantly affects the elderly and women. Because the nature of this problem affects the skin around your genitals, hips, and buttocks, it often leads to chronic skin irritations. This is due to constantly wearing adult pads or diapers, which can easily trap moisture on the skin.
Taking care of your skin has never been so important, especially with this condition. Failure to do so can add to your already challenging situation, causing you pain, redness, and peeling. Proper skin care is essential to make you feel more comfortable while wearing adult pads.
Proper skincare routine
This may sound a bit high maintenance, but having an established skincare with incontinence routine, particularly around the areas affected by incontinence, can save you a lot of discomfort from frequently visiting the dermatologist. The first thing you need to do consistently is clean the area whenever you change diapers. Clean it with mild soap and rinse thoroughly with water. Make sure to pat it dry before putting a new diaper on.
What products are safe for your skin?
One thing that you must do before applying any products to the affected area is to ask your physician if it is safe for you to use them. Many skincare products out there may or may not work for you, so you should know your options.
- Wet wipes are convenient if you go outside as they are compact, disposable, and can easily wipe off irritants.
- Soap-free cleansers are great for sensitive skin. It can also leave your skin supple and not dry.
- Creams or lotions are an effective way to restore your skin’s barrier and protect them from irritants. Medicated creams like zinc oxide or petroleum jelly can help prevent you from having skin problems. Just make sure to seek advice first from your doctor.
Using a wheelchair or being bedridden
Staying in bed or using a wheelchair for too long with little to no movement can cause bed sores, blisters, and ulcers. If using a wheelchair, make sure your wheelchair fits you perfectly. Make a note to change your position every 20 minutes and use a pillow or a foam pad to help relieve the pressure from the skin. If bedridden, change position every two hours and immediately change bed sheets and clothes when soiled. Remember, there are no products that can absorb feces, so make sure to clean the affected area right away to decrease the risk of having skin-related diseases.
Don’t be too overwhelmed by what you need to do when taking care of your skin. It all goes down to the basics. It is always essential to keep your skin clean by washing it with mild soap, keeping it dry at all times, and moisturising it to secure the skin barriers. Constantly do these things, and you won’t have to worry about skin irritations. However, if problems persist, seek out medical advice.
