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| Dianna Malkowski, Physician Assistant and Registered Dietitian |
Taking good care of your skin is important at any age, but over the years skin becomes thinner, less elastic, and more prone to injury and infection. For seniors managing incontinence, it’s even more important to keep skin clean, moisturized, and protected to prevent irritation and infection.
1. Use a gentle yet effective cleanser.
Because frequent cleansing is an important part of managing incontinence, it’s important to choose gentle products made to avoid skin breakdown and odor. The most effective routine includes a mild cleanser after elimination occurs, thorough rinse if product requires, and gentle patting with a clean, dry towel. Cleansing options include soothing lotions and foams, antimicrobial products and convenient no-rinse cleansers.
2. Replenish moisture daily.
Frequent cleaning can cause dryness and irritation, and cracked or chafed skin can let in infection-causing bacteria, especially if exposed to urine or stool. After cleansing, skin should be replenished with moisturizers formulated to help manage incontinence, such as alcohol-free, protein-rich ingredients that absorb quickly.
3. Protect and treat damaged skin.
Once skin is cleaned and moisturized, it’s important to protect it from moisture caused by urine and perspiration. After each elimination, skin should be cleansed, dried and treated with a protecting yet breathable moisture barrier. Other solutions for problem skin include antifungal ointments and powders to treat yeast infections.
4. Choose a product line made for senior skin.
The CareGiver Partnership carries two full lines of products designed to keep senior skin healthy. TriDerma provides medical-grade effectiveness for specific skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, facial redness and extreme dryness. TriDerma contains no cortisone or steroids, for fast healing without side effects.
Lantiseptic is a line of skin care products made for those managing incontinence. Daily Care Cleansing Foam is a no-rinse, pH-balanced cleanser that deodorizes and moisturizes, and Daily Care Skin Protectant serves as a barrier against chafing and other skin problems.
5. Choose skin-friendly incontinence products.
In addition to following the three steps to proper skin care, choose incontinence products designed to be kind to skin. Look for breathable materials such as those found in many Seni products, those designed for sensitive skin, and advanced absorbency features such as those found in Wellness briefs and pull-on underwear.
For help choosing products, try our free online Incontinence Product Finder tool. And don’t forget to Try Before You Buy!
Watch this video to learn more about The Incontinence Product Finder
Further Reading:
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About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wisc. Visit http://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.
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