Individuals with urinary and or fecal incontinence often suffer from perineal dermatitis. This is when the skin breaks down, bacteria grows, and irritation, infection, and more sets in.
How can incontinent individuals and caregivers treat and prevent perineal dermatitis? A good skin care routine for caring for perineal skin, frequent changes of absorbent products, and preventative measures are needed to maintain skin integrity and repair existing damage. The following are some suggestions for how to beset treat and prevent perineal dermatitis:
Prevent and treat incontinence.
Incontinence is not always permanent, and it is not something that is unavoidable, or a natural part of aging. There are several different types of incontinence, from stress incontinence, which occurs when someone laughs or sneezes, to functional incontinence when an individual can't reach a bathroom, usually due to mobility issues. The first step in preventing and treating perineal dermatitis is to talk to a doctor about prevention and treatment of incontinence.
Choose the right absorbent product.
Incontinence happens, and while it is often treatable and preventable, it is important to manage it while you have it. Perineal dermatitis is most commonly found in those who use absorbent products such as a pad or containment brief. Prolonged exposure to urine and feces, and improperly fitting absorbent products can lead to perineal dermatitis. Choose products that best fit your absorbency, size, and frequency needs. Then be sure to change these products regularly to reduce the skin's exposure to waste.
Skin care routine.
The next step is to adopt a skin care routine that helps to maintain the skin's integrity, and give it every advantage for health. A good skin care routine should be three parts: Clean, Moisturize and Protect
1. Gently clean with a pH balanced cleanser. The ammonia produced by urine will increase the skin's pH, causing breakdown, and providing food for bacteria. A pH balanced cleanser will help restore balance.
2. Moisturize skin a daily moisturizer designed for perineal skin, which will help to maintain skin integrity. This will keep skin from drying out, cracking, tearing, and other forms of breakdown.
3. Help treat and protect the skin, and protect it with a zinc oxide based ointment to protect the skin from moisture. The skin naturally produces sebum, to help protect itself from moisture. However, incontinent individuals need more than this natural protection.
Treat existing damage.
Aggressive management of incontinence-related dermatitis is essential for skin health. This means that should the skin become compromised, measures should be taken to treat the damage. This means keeping the area clean, dry, and protected. It means eating a healthy diet so that body has what it needs to heal itself. It means reducing risk of frictional and shear damage.
Preventing perineal dermatitis is better than treating it. Take steps to keep skin healthy by eating right, exercising, consulting your doctor, reducing risks, and adopting a good skin care routine.