Chaffed, Cracked Skin. How to Get Back to Healthy

How to get back to healthy skin.

Are you an individual or caregiver to an individual who suffers from urinary or fecal incontinence? If so chances are you have experienced chaffed, cracked skin at some point or another. 

Unhealthy skin due to incontinence is not surprising, but it is avoidable and treatable. The following is a look at what leads to unhealthy skin, and how to get back to healthy, treat, and protect the skin. 

There are a few main factors that lead to chaffed, cracked, and unhealthy skin in an incontinent individual. The first is a change in the skin’s pH, the second is prolonged wetness, and a third is friction.

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Finding the Best Adult Diapers

Try our Sample Service to avoid wasting money on trial and error.

Incontinence is a problem that is affecting more and more people. People of all ages, genders, and health status are on the lookout for the right incontinence product to meet their needs. Many adults with incontinence, and their caregivers, choose to use adult diapers. They are made for both men and women who need maximum protection for heavy to complete loss of bladder and bowel control. This product is often referred to as an adult diaper because they offer tape tabs for easier removal by caregivers.

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Wrapping Up National Cholesterol Education Month with an LDL-Lowering Checklist

Manage cholesterol with a healthy diet.

by Dianna Malkowski, Physician Assistant & Nutritionist

In recognition of National Cholesterol Education Month, we’re reminding readers why it’s important to have cholesterol checked and how healthy habits can reduce low-density lipoproteins (LDL).

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Top Rated Incontinence Products For Women

Poise products are designed with women in mind.

When looking for the top rated incontinence products for women, it is important to understand what criteria are being rated. The ‘best’ absorbent products often depend on the goals or priorities of the individual. Here are some criteria to consider:

1. Looks like normal underwear

2. Fits well and feels like normal underwear.

3. Sized right for protection

4. A good value

5. Not confusing or misleading jargon

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Guide For Using Canes, Walkers, and Assistive Devices Safely

Know how to use these devices safely.  

Many people find that as they grow older they need a walker, cane or other assistive device in order to help with mobility. These devices are often what allow an individual with mobility issues to remain independent. However, there are safety issues that both users and the caregivers should be aware of. When these devices are not used safely, it can pose the potential for falls and other injuries that can be devastating and even life-threatening for an older person. By knowing how to use these devices safely the individual and the caregiver can maximize their mobility potential. Here is a guide for using walkers, canes, and assistive devices safely-

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Helping An Incontinent Loved One To Wear Adult Diapers

Don't let your incontinent loved one live in denial.

Many incontinent individuals live a little in denial, they may even refuse to wear absorbent products and adult diapers, leaving caregivers and family members feeling frustrated and unsure what to do. If your incontinent loved one refuses to wear absorbent products, consider the following:

First, let’s address some of the reasons an incontinent individual wouldn't want to wear absorbent products.

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Catheter Area Skin Irritation and Breakdown Prevention

Provide your skin with a barrier to keep it protected.  

Individuals who must have a catheter, due to incontinence, or any other reason, need to know how to prevent skin irritation and breakdown. Moisture is one of the main causes of irritation and breakdown. When skin has prolonged exposure to moisture, it weakens the skin integrity, and the skin breaks down more readily, can become irritated or inflamed. Thus, protecting the skin from moisture should be a top priority. 

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Bowel Incontinence Products

Many bowel incontinence sufferers choose Wellness
because of their absorbency rate. 

Bowel incontinence is a common problem that many people simply are not comfortable talking about. However, the reality is that a large number of people must deal with this difficult problem. By understanding the causes of bowel incontinence, along with how to deal with it effectively, those who must manage fecal incontinence can find solutions that are effective in helping them take care of it and continue on with their daily lives.

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When To Make a Switch With Your Incontinence Products

When should you make a switch? 

When it comes to incontinence there are a lot of options for absorbent products, and buying the wrong ones can get costly. Recognizing when the products you are using are not working for you can help save headache and expense.

Sometimes a product works well for a while, but needs change. What would cause your absorbent needs to change? There are a number of factors that can contribute to a change in your incontinence. For many men who have had prostate surgery, incontinence gradually lessens as time passes and the muscles strengthen. Thus, right after surgery they may need a pull on style absorbent product, but can transition down to a guard, and eventually nothing.

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5 Easy, Inexpensive Ways to Instantly Improve Home Safety for Falls Prevention Awareness Day

Lynn Wilson

by Lynn Wilson, Founder of The CareGiver Partnership

In recognition of Falls Prevention Awareness Day Sept. 22, here are five easy and inexpensive ways to instantly improve safety at home, as well as a link to a free 25-page fall prevention guide.

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Still "Dad"- Slow Dementia and Renew bonds with Dementia Friendly Activities

Slow dementia and renew bonds with dementia friendly activities.

In 2009, Lisa Genova, author and holder of a Ph. D in neuroscience from Harvard University, published a book entitled “Still Alice.” It is a compelling novel about a 50-year-old woman who has early onset Alzheimer's disease. While fictional, the story accurately depicts the heartbreaking realities faced by those whose world unravels due to this debilitating disease, both the one diagnosed and his or her family and friends.

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Top Rated Disposable Incontinence Briefs

TENA is the #1 global brand and a great option.

With a large number of adult absorbent product types to choose from, and a wide range of absorbent needs, it can be challenging to select the right incontinence product, and manufacturers don’t help make the process any easier. It is certainly not easy to shop and compare options. There is a variety of styles and options to choose from, and names, descriptions, and products are continuously changing.

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How To Prevent Skin Damage From Exposure To Urine and Stool

Clean, moisturize, protect and treat. 

Incontinence affects the skin. It can lead to impaired skin integrity, and cause skin breakdown and susceptibility to:

• Maceration.
• Incontinence dermatitis.
• Bacterial infection.
• Exposure to Caustic Agents.
• Fungal infection.

How can you prevent skin damage from exposure to urine and stool? Proper and consistent skin care is needed to prevent skin damage from incontinence. You want to keep the area clean and dry, use the right products, and adopt a good skin care regimen. The proper regimen is to clean, moisturize, protect, and treat. 

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Incontinence Skin Care and Prevention Tips

Incontinence skin care can be an added challenge for caregivers.

There are a lot of misconceptions about incontinence, and one of the biggest is that all it involves is finding an absorbent product like an adult diaper to help catch leaks. This could not be further from the truth. In fact, in order to properly manage incontinence, skin care is an important consideration.

Why is skincare so important? When skin care is not considered as a part of incontinence management, redness, peeling, irritation, yeast infections, and great discomfort may result. This can result in not only the frustrating medical condition of loss of bladder or bowel control, but incredible discomfort, an added challenge for both caregivers and incontinent individuals.

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Is My Incontinence Permanent?

Talk to your doctor about
whether or not your incontinence is permanent.

If you find yourself amongst the 25 million adult Americans who suffer from some degree of incontinence, you might be asking yourself the all-important question: “Is my incontinence permanent?”.  This may also be a question the caregiver of a loved one with incontinence may find him or herself asking. And what will most physicians say in response to this question? It depends on the circumstance, but for most, the answer is “no”. Incontinence does not have to be permanent.

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10 Tips to Help Those With Dementia Manage Incontinence

Dianna Malkowski

by Dianna Malkowski, Physician Assistant & Nutritionist

A recent study shows patients diagnosed with symptoms of dementia are more likely to be incontinent. Following are practical tips for managing incontinence while coping with dementia and information on how one company is engaging minds and funding Alzheimer’s research.

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Parkinson's and Incontinence, A Caregiver's Guide

Parkinson's and Incontinence

Incontinence is a common condition found in those with Parkinson’s disease. In fact, if you have Parkinson’s disease, there is a high likelihood that you will deal with bladder control at some point. Often the severity is determined by the severity of the Parkinson’s disease. The following is a look at some of the things caregivers should know in order to best manage incontinence associated with Parkinson’s with dignity and greater ease.

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Paying For Incontinence Care

Incontinence supplies can be very expensive
and may not be in the budget.

Incontinence supplies can be very expensive, and for many seniors, an expense they cannot truly afford. However, when absorbent products are needed, individuals must find a way to pay for them. The cost does not only include the absorbent products, but often includes things like paying for additional laundry, cleaning supplies, extra care, and more. The cost can be, on average $750 + a year, and typically rests on the individual. If this is not in the budget, what are the options?

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The True Cost of Medical Care and Supplies

The true cost of caregiving is often overlooked.

There is no denying that care giving can be a draining experience. Statistics show that care giving for most families can represent a large dollar cost. However, what is often overlooked is the true cost of time and energy as family members often have to rearrange personal and work schedules, take vacation time, and use up other resources in order to provide care for their family member. 

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Creating a Skin Care Regiment To Protect Against Incontinence

Try this three-part skin care regimen.

When dealing with incontinence, it is vital to consider more than just absorbent products, but also to consider the skin. Because incontinence often means the skin is exposed to urine, feces, and perspiration, proper and consistent skin care is needed in order to maintain skin integrity, and avoid irritation or breakdown.

In order to best protect skin against the negative effects of incontinence, try this three-part skin care regimen:

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A Guide To Bathing and Hygiene For Incontinent Loved Ones

A guide for bathing and hygiene care of an incontinent loved one.

Many caregivers find that one of their biggest challenges is the bathing and hygiene care for their incontinent loved one. This can present a number of different challenges depending on the health status and severity of the incontinence of the person under care. The following is a guide for the bathing and hygiene care:

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Helping Your Healthcare Dollars Go Further, 7 Helpful Tips For Spending Less and Getting More

7 Tips For Spending Less and Getting More 

Do you feel like you are spending a lot on healthcare, and getting very little? You are not alone. Between doctor’s visits and medical supplies, it can sometimes feel like you are spending a fortune just to go about your daily routine. The following are 7 tips for spending less and getting more when it comes to incontinence:

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The CareGiver Partnership Announces September Sweepstakes Prize from Abena and Heaven Scent

by Lynn Wilson, Founder of The CareGiver Partnership

Abri-Flex featured in our September prize.

As part of our “Helping You Get On With Life” monthly sweepstakes, we are giving away a prize package designed to help manage incontinence.

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Incontinence Help

Take advantage of these resources for incontinence help.

If you are one of the 25 million adult Americans that suffer from some degree of incontinence, you should know there is help and resources available. The following is a look at some of the resources available to incontinent individuals, and why you would want to take advantage of said resources. 

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A Guide For Buying Incontinence Supplies Online

A guide to help you get the right protection at the right price...online.

Buying incontinence supplies can be slightly embarrassing. No one wants to walk through a department store with a cart full of adult diapers, thus making online purchasing of absorbent products a very popular option. However, there are some inherent problems with buying incontinence supplies online. The following is a guide to help you get the right protection at the right price.

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Catheter Care: Preventing Maceration and Inflammation of Skin

Cleansers made specifically for incontinence care
are superior to soap and water. 

Those who suffer from incontinence, or must use a catheter should be conscious of skin care. Prolonged exposure to moisture, fecal matter, urine, and perspiration leads to skin irritation and breakdown. You can take precautions to prevent maceration and inflammation of the skin.

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Incontinence: A Taboo Subject

Why is incontinence such a taboo subject?

Despite incontinence affecting 25 million adult Americans, male and female, old and young, healthy and sickly, it is something no one seems to want to talk about. Why is incontinence such a taboo subject? On average, it takes a man who has experienced an episode of incontinence over 4 years to talk to their doctor about it, and women are even worse. The average woman waits 6 years from her first episode to talk to her doctor.

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