Incontinence Products – Tips and Advice

Washcloths and Wipes

Washcloths and wipes are used to provide cleanliness along with skin wellness to bed or wheelchair bound people. They provide hygienic and soothing cleansing with a variety of shapes and sizes.

What to consider when buying Incontinence Products?

While buying incontinence products, it is easy to get confused with the huge variety of options available. It is not uncommon to end up buying a product that does not address your incontinence issues. To choose which product is most appropriate for you, there are several things which should be taken note of:

• Size – Any undergarment which is too large or small will not be able to efficiently manage incontinence. Large size may cause leakage whereas small size may make user uncomfortable. Therefore, it is very important to measure oneself and order a size matching to that of manufacturer sizing guide. Sizes are not always universal, size of one manufacturer may or may not match with the other.
• Absorbency – Choice of the type of incontinence products depends largely on the severity of incontinence user faces. If there is only light incontinence, an incontinence pad might be enough. But if there is a large volume of urine loss, adult briefs might be required.
• Gender-specific– For different needs of each gender, gender-specific products work best. Products like Tena Women Protective Underwear and Tena Men Protective Guard are specially designed to fit male and female anatomy and meet their special needs.
• Cost– While buying incontinence products, cost should not be the only important factor. Choice of the product should be based on absorption and leakage protection. To save money, user can either buy washable and reusable products or shop in bulk.
• Additional Features – While not a major deciding factor, some of the additional features in a product can help determine whether or not that product is for you or worth the extra cost. They may include wicking capabilities, tear away side seams, side barriers, odor control, refastenable tabs, wetness indicator, etc.

Prevention against Incontinence Issues

While using incontinence products, users may sometimes face some issues like diaper leaks and diaper rashes. These may be caused by slight negligence of users in either choosing the right product or maintaining skin wellness. Below given are some measures which can be taken care of to prevent incontinence related issues.

Diaper Leaks

Constant use of incontinence products can lead to skin irritations and infections. Stale urine or stool, damp conditions and lack of airflow can lead to skin breakdown and cause diaper rashes. These rashes and skin infections can be prevented in following ways:

• Use the Right Product: Wrong choice of incontinence product can cause more friction and wetness, both of which lead to diaper rashes. Right product can minimize the risks of skin breakdown and prevent diaper rashes.
• Limit Friction: Limiting the friction can reduce the chances of skin breakdown. If the area is already affected, avoid any contact of the affected area with the clothing or diapers for faster healing.
• Keep the Area Dry:Moisture can weaken the skin tissues and can cause damage to the skin. So it is best to let the moisture escape away and keep the skin dry to prevent diaper rashes.
• Apply a Medical Cream: Medical creams protect the skin against skin breakdown. Applying a skin barrier, after washing the area can create a protective coating on the skin that prevents diaper rashes.
• Expose Area to Air: Regular airflow keeps the skin healthy and prevents diaper rash. Whenever possible, remove the adult care product and allow the skin breathe to remove any moisture that might have accumulated.
• Change Frequently: Change the incontinence products as soon as soiling occurs to prevent the rashes from forming. Thoroughly pat the skin dry before putting on a new product to prevent the moisture from trapping inside.
• Wash Thoroughly: Thoroughly wash the skin that was covered by the incontinence product to kill bacteria that can lead to diaper rash. Use of antibacterial soap and drying the skin before putting on a new product is recommended for healthy skin.

Diaper Rashes

Constant use of incontinence products can lead to skin irritations and infections. Stale urine or stool, damp conditions and lack of airflow can lead to skin breakdown and cause diaper rashes. These rashes and skin infections can be prevented in following ways:

• Use the Right Product: Wrong choice of incontinence product can cause more friction and wetness, both of which lead to diaper rashes. Right product can minimize the risks of skin breakdown and prevent diaper rashes.
• Limit Friction: Limiting the friction can reduce the chances of skin breakdown. If the area is already affected, avoid any contact of the affected area with the clothing or diapers for faster healing.
• Keep the Area Dry:Moisture can weaken the skin tissues and can cause damage to the skin. So it is best to let the moisture escape away and keep the skin dry to prevent diaper rashes.
• Apply a Medical Cream: Medical creams protect the skin against skin breakdown. Applying a skin barrier, after washing the area can create a protective coating on the skin that prevents diaper rashes.
• Expose Area to Air: Regular airflow keeps the skin healthy and prevents diaper rash. Whenever possible, remove the adult care product and allow the skin breathe to remove any moisture that might have accumulated.
• Change Frequently: Change the incontinence products as soon as soiling occurs to prevent the rashes from forming. Thoroughly pat the skin dry before putting on a new product to prevent the moisture from trapping inside.
• Wash Thoroughly: Thoroughly wash the skin that was covered by the incontinence product to kill bacteria that can lead to diaper rash. Use of antibacterial soap and drying the skin before putting on a new product is recommended for healthy skin.

Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.