How to Treat Skin Irritation from Urinary Incontinence

Skin irritation from urinary incontinence can affect an individual's quality of life. Luckily, there are ways to keep the skin barrier healthy. One of the most important things to do when living with incontinence is to keep the genital / buttock areas clean and dry. However, if you or someone you are caring for experiences skin irritation, there are incontinence rash treatments that can help.

What Causes Incontinence Rashes?

The most common cause of incontinence rash is wetness from urine or stool. Incontinence rashes occur when moisture and bacteria build up. This can result from infrequent diaper changes or improper hygiene practices.

What is Incontinence Associated Dermatitis (IAD)? 

Incontinence associated dermatitis is when the skin's protective barrier is damaged. The skin will look red in color and will feel sensitive to the touch. Sometimes, bumps or bed sores may appear depending on severity of the condition. When experiencing IAD, it is important to keep the affected areas clean and dry. Prolonged exposure to bacteria in urine or stool can cause painful skin irritations that can develop into infections if not properly treated.

Incontinence Rash Symptoms & Diagnosis

Here are some incontinence dermatitis symptoms that help you recognize the problem so you can manage and/or treat it in a timely manner. 

• Burning 
• Itching 
• Tenderness
• Unusual pain
• Inflammation patches on the skin
• Redness or harsh rash 
• Bumps or Lesions

How to Treat Incontinence Associated Dermatitis (IAD)

When living with incontinence, it is necessary to maintain proper hygiene to prevent any further skin irritations and/or infections. Treating incontinence rashes require keeping the affected areas clean and dry. Using medications and incontinence products can help treat IAD.

Helpful Tips for Treating IAD

When dealing with IAD, doing the following can help ease the discomfort. 

1. Clean the affected area regularly with a pH cleanser (~pH 5.5)
2. Apply a barrier cream or ointment to protect the skin from further irritation 
3. Apply a moisturizer or petroleum based ointment to hydrate the skin
4. Use incontinence products to absorb urine leaks
5. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids

You can also try out other incontinence products such as pH cleansing wipes to balance the skin’s pH level, products containing zinc oxide, and other moisturizers.

Incontinence Rash Treatment

Creams and ointments for diaper rash are the most common incontinence rash treatments. Antifungal creams and powders may be prescribed by a physician or purchased over the counter at your local drug store. Other products such as antibacterial wipes can help remove any remaining urine leak or fecal residue that may aggravate the skin. 

How to Prevent Incontinence Rashes

IAD affects a significant amount of people worldwide, especially older adults. Incontinence associated dermatitis causes immense pain, rashes, and discomfort. That’s why taking necessary precautions to prevent IAD is important when it comes to urinary health.   

Helpful Tips for Preventing IAD

• Be very careful with your incontinence supplies' quality
• Change incontinence products more frequently, especially when soiled
• Keep your skin dry and clean
• Don't expose your skin to water unless necessary (i.e. pools, hot tubs, etc)
• Use moisturizer or barrier creams to restore and hydrate the skin
• We don't recommend rinsing the skin with soap or wet wipes. 

How to Maintain Proper Hygiene 

Maintaining proper hygiene is necessary to live a healthy life. With proper care and attention, your skin should start to improve within a few days. 

• Wear disposable diapers, underwear, or pads that fit your body well. 
• Change underwear daily. 
• Change diapers or pads immediately when soiled.
• Take a bath daily using products that balance the skin's pH level.

Absorbent Incontinence Products to Reduce Skin Irritation

If you are experiencing an incontinence rash, it is crucial to take steps to protect your skin and prevent further irritation. You can use creams and ointments to create a barrier between your skin and soothe the rash.

Investing in high quality incontinence products can also help reduce skin irritation. There are many different types of incontinence supplies to choose from. Many highly absorbent products are available on the market that can help someone manage incontinence rashes. While absorbent products are good for catching leaks, it is important to change incontinence products regularly when dealing with skin irritation.

SPC Super Absorbent Incontinence Products 

The quality of incontinence products is important! Friction can cause a skin rash, especially when a brief or diaper is tight fitting. It is important to find incontinence supplies that fit properly with maximum absorbency to draw moisture away from the skin.   

San Pablo Commercial has undergone extensive product testing and only partners with leading manufacturers to ensure high quality, absorbent incontinence medical products. We source out premium materials and have designed a maximum fluid locking technology to make our products more absorbent than competitor brands. We want our customers to be satisfied with our products so they can worry less about incontinence, spend more time with family, and improve their quality of life. 

SPC super absorbent incontinence products: 

• Reusable protective cotton underwear
• Bladder control liners
• Disposable adult diapers
• Sanitary pads
• Absorbent disposable bed pads