Blog Post

Incontinence Skin Care

•   Coloplast
•   August 19, 2024  
• |   579 

How incontinence affects the skin

If you ever experience incontinence, it is very important to know how to protect your skin from damage. Skin provides our first line of defense against germs and infection. Long-term exposure to moisture from urine or stool can cause the skin to soften, weakening the skin’s ability to serve as a protective barrier.

With frequent incontinence, skin problems may occur. Typical symptoms are redness, burning and irritation around the buttocks, rectum, groin or between the thighs. If there is persistent moisture from urine and stool, it increases the risk for infection or skin breakdown.

Caring for your skin

If you experience incontinence-related skin problems, follow the steps below to ensure proper skin care.

Step 1: Clean your skin

1. Remove and throw away the briefs, pad or other soiled material.
2. Wash your skin each time it has been soiled. Use a pH-balanced, no-rinse skin cleanser.
   TIP: Avoid harsh soaps like bar soap and antimicrobial hand-washing soaps. These can dry the skin and lead to skin breakdown. (¹⁾
3. Gently clean the area from front to back using a soft washcloth or disposable soft cloth.
4. Pat your skin dry. Do not rub.

Step 2: Protect your skin

A skin protectant is a moisture barrier cream, ointment or paste. It is used to protect your skin from urine and stool.  Most skin protectant ointments contain petrolatum, dimethicone, zinc oxide or a combination of these ingredients. (2)

1. Apply a thin, even layer of skin protectant.
2. Some people use absorbent underpads, or briefs. Change pad or brief after it has been soiled. Avoid products that have a plastic lining.

Contact your doctor or nurse if symptoms do not improve or your condition worsens.

Coloplast products for incontinence-related skin ailments

Sproam® - No rinse cleanser

Bedside-Care® – pH-balanced, no-rinse cleanser

Critic-Aid® Clear – Clear moisture barrier ointment