How To Care for Your Skin When You Have Incontinence

Everybody poops—and pees—and while we’d like to keep our bathroom business in the bathroom, you may enter a time in your life when that isn’t possible. Taking care of your skin due to an incontinence issue is nothing to be ashamed of, but it is something you need to keep doing to maintain your health. Whether you are taking care of a loved one or managing your own symptoms with the aid of a doctor, let these tips for how to care for your skin when you have incontinence guide you.

How To Clean Your Skin

Use disposable wipes or a washcloth with mild, non-irritating soap to remove urine and dried feces from your or your loved one’s skin. If you can, wash each time you urinate or have a bowel movement or when you change your protective underwear. In addition to wipes and cloths, you may also want to use perineal cleaners, which you won’t need to rinse from your body. Perineal cleansers are designed for the skin around the pelvic region and typically come in the form of sprays that both cleanse and deodorize.

How To Moisturize Your Skin

After cleaning your skin, you will want to moisturize the area to prevent dryness and lock out unwanted moisture that results from your incontinence. The best moisturizers to use around your pelvic area include petroleum jelly or lanolin, which won’t immediately absorb into the skin. Creating a protective barrier between your skin and your clothing, sheets, or protective underwear will save your skin from the friction that creates ulcers and sores.

If your skin shows signs of damage, your doctor may prescribe an absorbent powder or paste to aid in the healing process or keep you dry until you find a solution to your incontinence. Protective underwear is necessary for many people experiencing incontinence. Rely on products like absorbent pads, leakproof underwear, and adult-fitted briefs for peace of mind.

How To Prevent Bedsores

Sometimes, incontinence results from the inability to get out of bed, which can put you or your loved one at a higher risk of skin damage and bed sores. Use a film-forming skin protectant on your thighs and buttocks. The layer is invisible and protects the area from moisture and irritation. You may also need to use antibacterial or antifungal creams to treat infections.

You could experience incontinence at any age. A myriad of health issues can cause various types of this uncomfortable condition. Even pregnancy can result in short-term incontinence, for which you may need plus-size incontinence products. TotalDry sells everything you need to stay clean and protected if you are experiencing incontinence. Share these tips for how to care for your skin when you have incontinence with your friends and loved ones who may need assistance today