It’s quite discomforting when it is raining and you are out on a street with your clothes wet to such an extent that it is causing itchiness to your skin.
*Akash Rastogi, a 55 year old resident of Nagpur started feeling the same kind of discomfort during the monsoons in September 2016. He felt itchiness around the anus, (caused by urinary incontinence,) which he underestimated at first, by just wiping it off with a hand towel. However, by the time he realized the situation had not got under control, his skin had already turned a little red and sore, which made him consult his doctor. Subsequently, the doctor recommended the right treatment options and advised him to use adult diapers to manage it and to protect his skin until the treatment commenced. Today, after 3 years, he is living a happy, relaxed life with no sign of incontinence at all.
The water/ liquid present in urine dulls the skin tissue, which makes it easier for the skin to get burnt. Once the skin is damaged, it is prone to skin infections, such as urinary tract infections and bacterial infections. So, for people with incontinence, taking care of their skin and keeping it healthy and well-moisturized to prevent these upsetting skin issues is quite essential. Many people believe that cleansing skin with soap and water is enough, but that is not true in the case of incontinence.
Here are some good tips on how to protect your skin from incontinence:
1. Wash the skin with care
Wash your skin with a disposable wet wipe or wash-cloth, before putting on a new diaper every time. Instead of soap, use perineal cleansers specifically designed for delicate skin. They do not irritate the skin and eliminate the collection of urine or faeces from it.
2. Keep it well-moisturized
In order to keep the skin healthy and well-moisturized, you can use exclusive skin care products, like barrier cream, film-forming skin protectant, and anti-bacterial cream. All of these products are specifically made to ensure that skin is not affected by excessive moisture or the urine/ faeces that might get attached to the skin.
3. Take extra care of sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin or skin allergies, then avoid using perfumed moisturizers. Also, make sure that you do not use liquids with alcohol or any sort of disinfectant while washing the skin, as they can cause soreness and skin rashes.
4. Consume plenty of fluids
Water or healthy drinks help your skin to get rid of toxins. So, consume plenty of fluids as well as water, to keep it healthy. Many people are under the impression that water intake might ruin the problem of incontinence as it amplifies the frequency of the urge to urinate, but that is a myth. Dehydration leads to concentrated urine, which is more painful as it passes through the bladder.
5. Change adult diapers frequently
Once the diaper starts feeling a bit heavier as well as uncomfortable, then change it. Ensure you change the diapers twice in one day, at least - although this depends on the level of incontinence one is suffering from. Changing your diaper frequently ensures that the skin is not exposed to leaked urine or faeces, for a considerable amount of time.
As mentioned above, not only do you need skin care products specifically designed to protect skin from bacterial infections, but you also need to avoid certain things, in order to keep it healthy and unaffected by incontinence. Other than the suggestions given above, eating a balanced diet and getting a good night’s sleep is also very essential to retain the quality of your skin.
