One of the most troubling aspects of adult incontinence is maintaining good skin integrity, and healing those irritating rashes that occasionally develop on delicate skin from exposure to wetness. We all know the usual treatments for these skin conditions: frequent cleansing, thorough drying, zinc oxide ointment, hydrocortisone cream, etc. Here are ten suggestions you may not have thought of and are not usually mentioned in skin care instructions.
1. Forget the shower. A daily soak in the bathtub will be better to remove all of the urine and whatever else may be causing the irritation. Blot dry. If the tub is too difficult, use a sitz bath.
2. Expose to air. Keep the diaper off whenever possible. Use an underpad on the bed and open up the brief or remove it altogether when lying down.
3. Use a hair dryer to dry after washing to get the skin really dry, especially in those creases. Set the dryer on warm (not hot), and keep it moving so there are no burns. Don't do this with baby--only adults or older children.
4. Increase fluid intake, especially water, to decrease urine concentration.
5. Take vitamin and mineral supplements. Skin is one of the first things to break down, and healing is delayed when nutrition level is low. The minimum daily requirements are the "minimum" for health. We need more than the minimum for good health and healing. Take extra vitamin C, E, A, B vitamins, and zinc. Vitamin D is important if you don't get outdoors in the sun much. Take fish oil because the mega-3 fatty acids also benefit skin integrity. Take Co-Q10 too, because it helps build new elastin and other skin molecules that are needed for repair and regeneration.
6. Eat enough calories. This is important. Our bodies need adequate calories from protein and wholesome foods for the energy and nourishment it takes to resist damage and to repair and rebuild. If there are skin problems, this is not a time to go on a diet. From my personal observation, it is those people who are picky eaters, or have poor appetites and eat very little who develop skin problems.
7. Try a different brand of brief. There may be something in the brief now being used that is causing a reaction. Look for a product with super-absorbent polymer which will gel the moisture and hold it away from the skin. Buy a "breathable" product and, very importantly, be sure it is the right size--not too small or tight. Medline makes a "Restore Brief" that has skin repair cream already in it.
8. Use an anti-fungal powder at the first sign of irritation. It helps absorb moisture, reduces friction, and staves off a fungal or yeast infection. Don't allow it to cake up in creases though, which may cause problems of its own. I sprinkle it on and then use a clean, dry washcloth to lightly wipe away all of the excess.
9. Alternate soap and water cleansing with using premoistened wipes. Soap and water removes the skin's natural moisture barrier and makes it more susceptible to breakdown. With a cleansing wipe, cleanup is quicker and easier. Use wipes that contain no alcohol and that restore the skin's normal pH value. Alternating soap and water cleansing with premoistened wipes decreases the negative effects and enhances the positive effects of each.
10. I recommend the use of Remedy skin care products. The Remedy products contain no harmful ingredients and they do more than just moisturize and protect; they contain ingredients that nourish the skin and provide what the cells need for health and healing. Try the Remedy Cleansing Lotion for no-rinse cleaning that protects the skin from moisture loss and leaves a light barrier. After washing use Remedy Nutrashield or Dimethicone Skin Barrier to re-moisturize and protect from wetness.
Whether you are a caregiver for someone with sensitive skin, or if you are experiencing skin troubles yourself, take note of these 10 suggestions and give some or all of them a try. I can almost guarantee there will be improvement and, oh the joy, when healing happens.
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