Skincare and incontinence
Living with incontinence is an everyday challenge made even more difficult when skin irritation and conditions flare up. Unless incontinence skincare also becomes part of your daily routine, you could end up with some very uncomfortable or even health-threatening conditions.
People with incontinence are at a higher risk for skin irritations due to the build-up of excess moisture in delicate and hard to reach areas that can impact the skin. Common skin problems for people with incontinence include redness, peeling skin, irritation, and yeast infections.
Thankfully, there are several ways to treat and even avoid skin conditions related to incontinence. Below we’ve listed some tried and tested ways to help keep you and your delicate skin areas dry and healthy each day.
Keep your skin dry and clean
To keep incontinence related skin issues to a minimum, it’s best to keep your skin clean and dry as best as you can. This means changing your continence pads as often as possible, and cleaning your buttocks, hips, genitals and perineum every time you change your pads.
The best way to do this is with a gentle cleanser. Afterwards, it’s important to dry the area with a soft, clean cloth to keep your skin as dry and non-irritated as possible.
Barrier cream
Because the area itself is prone to being damp or wet throughout the day, it’s important to keep the skin protected as possible, as moist areas may cause extra skin irritation, rashes or sores.
Applying a topical barrier cream after you clean and dry yourself is very important as it provides skin with extra protection from the wet conditions associated with incontinence.
On-the-go continence protection
Changing your continence pads and keeping your skin clean, dry and protected is not always easy when you’re out and about or visiting friends and family. However, keeping yourself as clean and as dry as possible is still important. That’s why you should keep specially designed with you, along with a new continence pad, just in case you need a quick change.
The best wet wipes should not only conveniently help you to clean, but should also include a moisturiser for your skin, as well as some type of barrier protection that will suffice until you can get home.
Wheelchair or mobility impairments
For people who are in a wheelchair or are bedridden, it’s important to incorporate all of the above into their routine, with the addition of:
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- Changing your position as often as possible (every 15-20 mins in a wheelchair or every two hours if bedridden). You may need someone to help you with this.
- Changing your clothing and/or bedding as soon as they become soiled.
- Making sure you are comfortable. Use a pillow or foam cushion to take pressure off your bottom.
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As with any condition, if your symptoms persist or become worse, always consult your healthcare professional.
MoliCare Skin is a complete skin care range to clean, protect and care for skin compromised by incontinence and help prevent IAD, skin tears or pressure injuries. The range is formulated to be gentle and non-irritating, making it suitable for use onsensitive skin. The 3 step routine comprises of: Step 1 Clean – Gently cleanse the skin using pre-moistened skin care tissues or a mild cleanser with a pH appropriate for the skin, and avoid rubbing the skin to prevent skin damage. Step 2 Protect – Apply a skin protectant that helps to nourish and moisturise the skin while forming a protective barrier to safeguard it. Step 3 Care – Care for the skin by applying a topical product that can help restore the acid protection mantle, provide additional moisture, and add lipids to improve skin strength and elasticity.
Looking for more skincare advice?
Check out our wide range of health articles, resources and information by visiting our skin care hub.
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Skincare and Incontinence
Living with incontinence is an everyday challenge made even more difficult when skin irritation and conditions flare up. Unless incontinence skincare also becomes part of your daily routine
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