Incontinence leaves the aging population at risk for impaired skin integrity. Exposure to urine and feces is one of the most common causes of skin breakdown and makes the skin more susceptible to various injuries.
It’s always better to prevent a problem than to treat one; so, focus on these key areas when helping a patient maintain healthy skin:
Choose the right pads and protective underwear to quickly and thoroughly absorb moisture and keep it away from the skin – especially overnight. These products are available in a variety or absorbencies to meet the needs of a wide range of individuals.
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.
Use a booster pad if the incontinence garment needs more absorbency. The key to healthy skin is to keep urine away from the skin so the wearer stays dry and comfortable. Diaper booster pads offer a simple, affordable solution to leaks. By placing a booster pad inside an existing diaper or protective underwear, you can enjoy extra leakage protection, or even overnight coverage. Booster pads are an affordable and convenient way to extend the life of a diaper or pull-up – they’re much cheaper than other incontinence products and they can be swapped out once they are full!
Avoid ordinary bar or antibacterial soaps for cleansing the skin. Most people assume that regular cleansing with soap and water is all that is needed to protect the skin and prevent odor. These types of soap can dry the skin in sensitive areas and raise its pH, exacerbating an existing skin condition. Special cleansers that remove urine and stool without the need for scrubbing and which are not drying to the skin—no matter how often they are used each day—are important for people with incontinence.
Wet Wipe/Wash Cloth are a great option for clean-up. Cleansing the skin is easier and better for the skin when you use non-irritating cleanser in handy, disposable wipes. Wipes gently dissolve irritants without causing additional irritation.
If you have questions about what products are right for you. Please call for a FREE consultation with one of our Product Experts toll-free at 1-888-529-2308. Our phones are answered Monday through Friday, 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.