Minimising Incontinence Related Skin Care Problems
Irritated skin is a common incontinence skin care problem often associated with urinary and, particularly, faecal incontinence.
Incontinence can damage skin, putting it at risk of further irritation such as redness, rashes, infections or ulcers.
Some people are particularly at risk of developing skin problems; they include those with naturally sensitive skin or when skin is thinner as in older people. Those who are having radiation therapy to the perineum (the area between the buttocks from coccyx (tailbone) to pubic bone at the front) can also be more open to skin problems.
Keeping perineal skin in good condition can sometimes be a bit of a battle – this area is warm and moist and perhaps more difficult to clean. Skin is therefore more vulnerable to damage. People who have frequent leakage episodes can also be more likely to develop a yeast infection. Dry and itchy skin may develop and perhaps a pimply rash. It’s important to seek professional help early, skin damage can be distressing, painful and slow to heal.
Here are some tips to minimise skin problems associated with incontinence:
- Change continence pads when needed, to avoid prolonged contact of skin with urine or faeces. This “burns” the skin or makes it “soggy” and prone to damage.
- Ensure that pants containing pads fit comfortably and snugly. This will avoid chafing and minimises leakage escaping and coming into contact with the skin.
- Wash skin regularly and gently after episodes of incontinence, preferably with a soap-free cleanser, or a soap alternative.
- Frequent washing can cause dryness and irritation. Moisturising creams designed for all over body care can help to keep the skin moist. *
- Be consistent with skin care for ongoing management – the use of a structure skin care regime is proven to help prevent Incontinence Associated Dermatitis (IAD), Pressure Injury and Skin Tears. MoliCare Skin products can help to restore the skin’s acid protection mantle and prevent skin conditions such as IAD.
- Avoid any skin care products which contain alcohol as this can cause further irritation.
- Always clean the skin gently and pat dry, avoid brisk rubbing or rough handling that will further irritate it.
- Generally, avoid talcum powder as these can interfere with pad absorbency. Sometimes a sealant cream applied sparingly to clean dry skin is a good strategy to protect it. Also available are foams, non-aerosol sprays and wet disposable wipes and some of these do not need rinsing off. However, you must still clean the skin after each incontinence episode. After drying the skin gently, cream or ointment can be re-applied before putting on a fresh product.
- If a standard daily fluid intake (1.5-2 litres) is appropriate for the person (check with the doctor), be aware that hotter weather and higher exercise levels can vary this general recommendation. Don’t be tempted to cut down on fluids to avoid leakages. Concentrated urine can be even more irritating to the skin, as well as possibly destabilising to the inside of the bladder. This can lead to toilet urgency and/or frequency and worsen the incontinence.
If skin irritation becomes a problem, don’t hesitate to seek expert help from a doctor or a Continence Nurse Advisor.
A thorough continence assessment by a clinician is important to have in place. An assessment aims to minimise incontinence by forming a basis for good management and treatment, including choice of the correct continence product (or mix of products). A good continence assessment for someone with medium to more severe levels of incontinence also takes into account present skin condition, its ongoing care and regular review.
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Watch the video below of Phil who gives us 11 of his best tips for a healthier bladder
By Phil Wilkinson
Urology and Continence Nurse
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