Diaper Rash

Adult Diapers and Diaper Rash

The causes of incontinence can be plentiful, but the result can be discomfort, embarrassment, and even pain due to “diaper rash.” Adult diaper rash is similar in many ways to the rash babies develop when in diapers. The common theme is that skin in the diaper area gets wet and is not able to dry. This lack of air flow can lead to what is known as irritant or contact dermatitis. There are a number of reasons why; ranging from incontinence to poor hygiene.

How to Prevent Adult Diaper Rash

Once you understand what causes this issue, combating it can be easier. It goes without saying that the best way to treat adult diaper rash is to avoid it altogether, but if it does rear its ugly head taking the proper steps to healing can go a long way to avoiding discomfort or infection. Urine or stool can lead to serious skin breakdowns and should be dealt with immediately. Steps you can take to avoid adult diaper rash include:

• Keep the Perineal Area Clean: Avoid using plain soap and water since this can actually dry the area. Use a soft, rinse free cloth after every change. The First Quality Prevail Adult Incontinence Washcloths are perfect for effectively cleaning while being gentle on skin.

• Daily Thorough Cleaning: Use a rinse free, soap free skin cleanser to moisturize and protect sensitive areas. Just wipe on and be sure the entire area is dry when done. Try the 3M Cavilon No-Rinse Skin Cleanser for simple, cost effective protection.

• Apply Skin Barrier: After cleaning and drying the area, apply a skin barrier to effectively form a protective barrier protecting perineal skin. The Cardinal Health Protective Skin Barrier Cream does this perfectly by providing latex free, water repelling.

Diligence is important in avoiding any possible complications down the road. This includes keeping the skin dry and clean by frequent inspection and changing as soon as possible.

Treating Your Rash

Even with diligent inspection sometimes a rash can be unavoidable. How and when you deal with this problem is critical. Usually, home treatment is all that is necessary to solve a nasty case of adult diaper rash. Some tips include:

• Keep the Area Dry: The best way to treat the affected area is to be sure that the skin is not constantly exposed to moisture.

• Change Your Undergarment Frequently: This removes urine or stool away from affected skin and should be done as soon as the undergarment is soiled. Covidien Kendall Sure Care Protective Underwear can be your dignified, discreet incontinence protection for moisture and odor control.

• Avoid Baby Wipes: These sometimes contain alcohol or propylene glycol which can dry the skin or spread bacteria. This can lead to cracked skin and infection.

• Use Skin Cream: This can prevent skin from drying and/or cracking leading Medline Curad Petroleum Jelly moisturizes rough, dry, chapped skin and is also used to help soothe diaper rash.