Incontinence and Adult Nappy Rash

It's not something generally discussed openly, but dealing with incontinence is a serious issue for millions of people. If you do suffer from the condition you will often wear incontinence products such as pads or diapers (nappies), and while they are good at containing the problem, their use can lead to uncomfortable rashes and in severe cases, sores. There are, however, some simple ways to minimise the problem, and when it does occur, to treat the rash.

Nappy rash is a form of dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) that occurs when the skin is in contact with urine or feces for any length of time. It can also lead to a nasty cycle of increasing problems as keeping skin too moist also reduces its' effectiveness as a barrier, and so is more likely to allow other bacterial and fungal infections attack the afflicted area, leading to more sores and discomfort. Dealing with what may at first seem a mild case of rash quickly is crucial to preventing other problems from developing which may need antibiotics or anti-fungal medicines to treat them. Signs of bacterial infections include tiny blisters and pustules that easily break all around the affected area. Signs of yeast and fungal infections are bright red skin with 'satellite' sores at the edges of the irritated area.

The key to preventing and treating a rash is that the underlying "dermal" layer of skin must be moist but the outer layer, the epidermis, must remain dry. So the sufferer must be drinking enough to keep themselves well hydrated - a minimum of 8 glasses of water a day - but also be helped with a good regime of skincare for the affected area. This should include:

Use the best incontinence pads or diapers you can. The lower the quality of the incontinence product, the less it will be able to absorb and keep moisture away from the skin.
Change the incontinence pad or nappy regularly. How long you should go between changes will depend on the quality of the pads and the severity of the incontinence, but the general rule is if you can feel wetness on the skin, change.
When cleaning the skin between changes, avoid rubbing and friction. Use a softly woven cloth or skin wipe and pat the area rather than rub it. Take a couple of minutes to soak the skin clean by laying a cloth gently on the affected area, and then pat it dry. Use warm water rather than hot and if the person is having a bath, keep it short so the skin doesn't get too "clammy".
Use a soap or cleaner that has an acidity level (pH) close to the 5.5 pH of normal skin. If you're unsure about this ask a chemist to recommend a good product.
Once you have cleaned the area, use emollients and skin agents that soften and soothe the skin but that don't add excess water to the skin, which has already been damaged from excess moisture. Again seek advice from a chemist or healthcare professional on the best products to use.
Cover the area lightly with a sheet, but don't replace the incontinence pads for a time. Leaving the area exposed to fresh air is one of the best ways to help the area heal and remain healthy. If you are worried about accidents, you can place an incontinence sheet under the person.
When you are finally ready to replace the incontinence pad, first apply a protecting barrier cream to the skin.

Traditional remedies that work well when dealing with nappy rash include baby powder, corn starch and Vitamin A and D creams. Zinc oxide creams are also good for healing. Some natural home remedies include products that contain calendula, aloe and chamomile extracts. Drinking cranberry juice can be helpful as it is helps control urinary tract and yeast infections which make the urine more irritating on the skin...

But as always, the first thing to do when a someone develops this kind of rash is take them to the doctor to make sure they are not suffering from one of the more severe forms of irritation that may require prescription medicines.

Jerry runs http://www.icare4.co.uk/, an online provider of products and information for those cared for at home in the UK, whether elderly, ill or disabled. Visit now for further information on incontinence pads, mobility aids and other homecare products.