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Keep sensitive skin moist and safe
Skin care is an easily overlooked part of managing incontinence. Protecting the skin against constant exposure to moisture and urea is critical. Without that protection, the skin can begin to break down in a painful process of rashes, ulcers, and infection. But there's no reason for that to happen. Many soothing moisturizers are available to help keep the skin pliant, and sophisticated protectors can help keep skin safe.
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Extra Protection for Delicate Skin
The skin around your anus and perineum is very sensitive and fragile, yet it's subjected to multiple wipings and cleanings and contact with urine and/or feces. Protective moisturizers and creams can soothe irritated skin and provide a protective barrier between it and urine and fecal matter.
Proper cleansing and frequent changing of absorbent products, plus the use of perianal protectants and moisturizers, can keep your skin free from infection and irritation. Do not try to use just any kind of moisturizer or cream -- use only those designed specifically for the unique needs of the perineum and anus.
How to Shop for a Perianal Protectant
- As is the case with many incontinence products, pharmacies usually do not carry a wide selection. Ask your doctor where to locate a larger selection.
- Shopping for a perineal moisturizer or protectant is not like shopping for face cream; you are guarding the health of your skin and protecting it from irritation and infection.
- You may need to experiment and try a few different brands.
- Some moisturizers only provide substances which keep skin from getting chapped and dry. Others utilize petrolatum or dimethicone to produce a barrier that keeps moisture in and urine and fecal matter out.
- Silicone-based formulas (which contain some form of dimethicone) have proven to be the most effective in maintaining a protective barrier against urine and feces.
- If you tend to have allergies or have extremely sensitive skin, stay away from moisturizers or creams with heavy fragrances.
- Is the cream clear or opaque? An opaque cream may make it difficult for you to see skin irritation or sores.
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INGREDIENTS
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What Perineal Moisturizers and Protectants Do
- Perineal moisturizers and protectants moisturize the sensitive skin surrounding the anus and the skin of the perineum.
- Because of frequent wiping and washing, perineal skin is under a great deal of stress and prone to irritation and chapping.
- Perineal moisturizers and protectants provide barriers to protect the skin from urine and feces, which can cause the skin to break down.
- Silicone-based or dimethicone protectants form a shield that blocks contact with urine and feces and locks moisture into the skin to prevent chapping.
- Moisturizers work just like regular lotions but have special anti-microbial properties and are designed for the special needs of the perineum.
How to Use
- Use perineal moisturizers and cleansers on clean skin only. You may be trapping feces and urine against your skin if you apply creams to soiled skin.
- You must reapply moisturizers and creams after each washing as the perineal cleansers remove most of the moisturizers.
- Learn to use your fingers to take notice of unusual bumps, ulcers, or rashes.
- Consult a doctor if you come across anything unusual.
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Irritation May Occur
- If you experience any irritation, rashes or allergies, discontinue use of the perineal moisturizer or protectant and consult a doctor immediately to learn about alternatives.
- NEVER apply moisturizers or creams to broken, infected, or open skin. The cream can trap bacteria in the wound and cause a serious health risk.
- Take good care of your skin -- infection and ulcerations are common, so pay close attention to your skin health and note any changes.
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Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers
Sources & Further Reading
Books
- 1. Fauci, Anthony S. et al. Eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th ed. New York: MacGraw Hill 1998.
- 2. American Medical Association. The American Medical Association: Guide to your family's symptoms. Washington, D.C.: American Pharmaceutical Association 1992.
Find more books on health and wellness at  barnesandnoble.com.
Articles
- 1. Brink, Carol. "Trends in incontinence management". Nursing Homes; Vol. 47 2/1/1998.
- 2. Gallo, Mimi. Et al. "Urinary incontinence: steps to evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment". The Nurse Practitioner; Vol. 22 2/1/1997.
- 3. Reid, Robert. "Incontinence patients dissatisfied; treatment guidelines revised". Modern Medicine; Vol. 64 5/1/1996.
- 4. Weksler, Marc E. "Urinary Incontinence: taking acation against this 'silent epidemic'". Geriatrics; Vol. 51 4/1/1996.
- 5. Bruck, Laura. "Incontinence Products: trends in upgrading". Nursing Homes; Vol. 45 4/1/1996.
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