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The Skin They're In
Skin Care for Loved Ones with Incontinence
By Kelly Burgess
When the product does need to be changed, the skin should be thoroughly cleaned and then dried. Alper recommends cleansers that are specially formulated to remove urine and feces without stripping away the skin's natural oils. Applying moisturizers to keep the skin well-hydrated will also help reduce skin irritations. <>Finally, if needed, use a barrier ointment or cream, which, in conjunction with the absorbent product, helps keep moisture away from the skin.
While Alper recommends cleansing and barrier products that are specially formulated for people with incontinence, Newman says good old soap and water does the job just fine. "The best way to avoid rashes is to wash with mild soap and water and keep the area as dry as possible," Newman says. "I do recommend that people stay away from children's products, and we don't want them to use products that cake up on the skin. Also, it's best to use unscented products. Other than that, one mild cleanser or barrier product is pretty much as good as another."
In addition to the outer skin care, Alper and Newman both point out that other factors are important to the overall health of your loved one's skin. A well-balanced diet with plenty of fluids can help prevent urinary problems and helps to keep the skin healthy and hydrated from the inside out. While it's important to avoid wetness from urine, if skin is well-hydrated from the inside it will be healthier, more resilient and resistant to breakdowns.
If the skin does start to show some redness or irritation, Newman says consulting a physician probably isn't necessary right away, as most skin problems caused by incontinence are minor, although they can be irritating.
First, Newman recommends redoubling efforts to keep the skin dry and clean. However, if the condition worsens or doesn't get any better, then she suggests seeking a physician's advice.
