If you are suffering from urinary leakage, it is important to treat the rash that can develop. In addition to using high quality incontinence underwear, treatments include cleansing, moisturizing, and applying barrier cream.
Incontinence rash, also called diaper rash, is a common skin condition among people with urinary or fecal incontinence. It is characterized by redness, irritation, and blistering or peeling in the genitals and buttocks.
Cleanse
Cleansing your skin will remove dirt and impurities that can lead to breakouts, dehydration and premature aging. Water alone will not remove these contaminants from your skin, but cleansers emulsify the impurities so that they can be easily washed away.
A good cleanser will also help to reduce redness and inflammation caused by irritated skin. Look for cleansers that are formulated with humectants, such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
If your skin is dry or very sensitive, you may want to choose a cleanser with added emollients, such as jojoba oil or sunflower seed oil, which will help keep the skin hydrated.
Perineal skin is delicate and susceptible to irritation, infection and inflammation. To reduce this risk, clean the skin every time you urinate or have a bowel movement with a gentle, pH balanced cleanser. Rinse thoroughly and pat the area dry. Follow with a barrier ointment or diaper rash cream to maintain healthy skin integrity.
Moisturize
Your skin needs moisture to function properly, so if you don't moisturize it regularly, it will dry out and become irritated. Moisturizers can be found in creams, lotions or oils that are applied directly to the skin.
Depending on your skin type, you may need to use a heavier moisturizer or switch to one that is more humectant and lighter (more emollient and occlusive). This will help keep your skin hydrated and feeling smooth.
Moisturizing your skin is a critical part of treating incontinence rash. It helps replace the natural lubricants lost during skin cleansing and adds an extra layer of protection against wetness, so it can reduce the risk of rashes from accidents and other fluids.
The key is to apply a barrier cream that is specifically designed for the diaper area. This will prevent chafing and increase air flow, so it can stop a rash from forming. It can also help reduce itchiness, redness and inflammation.
Apply Barrier Cream
After you cleanse and moisturize, applying barrier cream is essential to treating incontinence rash. A good moisture barrier cream hydrates and protects against skin irritation, while also helping to prevent infections.
A good barrier ointment will be zinc oxide-based, and will contain ingredients like dimethicone, lanolin, and panthenol to help the skin heal. Choose a barrier ointment that is paraben-free and fragrance-free.
Apply a thick layer of moisture barrier cream to the affected areas of the body every time you change diapers, as well as at bedtime and any other time when your child may be exposed to wet diapers. This will prevent irritation from the diaper and help to promote faster healing of the skin.
After applying the barrier cream, use a soap-free cleanser to gently wash the skin. You can also use a product that is specifically designed for sensitive skin, such as No-Rinse Cleansing Spray or Flushable Cleansing Wipes. These products can help speed up the process of cleaning and hydrating skin while also helping to control odors associated with incontinence.
See Your Doctor
When you feel like you’re in pain or have a symptom that isn’t normal, it can be difficult to know when it’s time to call the doctor. But it’s important to be proactive about your health and check in with a professional when an ache or bump pops up.
The first thing your doctor will want to do is ask you questions about your symptoms. This includes your medical history and what medications you’re taking.
Your doctor will also run a few tests to get to the bottom of your incontinence. These include a urine leak test or a bladder diary.
Your doctor may also recommend some medicine or a medical device to help with your urinary incontinence. These can be helpful if your incontinence doesn’t respond to other types of treatment, such as exercises and behaviour training.
