Most individuals associate incontinence with occasional bladder leaks or mishaps that interfere with everyday activities. However, that’s not what incontinence is all about.
Proper skin care is equally vital for people managing incontinence, particularly when using absorbent products, as conditions like adult diaper rash frequently accompany incontinence.
Although diaper rash usually is not severe, if you don’t address it, it will eventually get worse. It is essential to treat it implementing the best course of action to ensure comfort and care.
This article will explore what adult diaper rash is, its causes, and how it can be treated.
Table of Contents
What is a Diaper Rash?
Diaper rash is a form of dermatitis that looks like patches of inflamed skin on the buttocks, thighs, and genitals. There may be redness and tenderness on the skin in mild instances. However, open sores that hurt could be present in a more serious diaper rash.
Although it is most prevalent in newborns, it can also affect an adult who wears a diaper to manage incontinence. Here is what leads to adult diaper rash in people dealing with incontinence:
Causes of Adult Diaper Rash
Diaper rashes can be caused by the following reasons:
1. Prolonged Exposure to Moisture
When using any type of incontinence product, wetness for a longer time is never a good thing. Moisture buildup can result in irritated and sensitive skin that can break down easily. It might be caused by waiting too long between diaper changes or using a diaper that isn’t absorbent enough.
2. Friction & Rubbing
There will be friction created when your skin comes into contact with your incontinence product. This is referred to as chafing, and it can irritate the skin. Wearing an adult diaper that is either too big or too tiny for your body can result in chafing.
3. Fungal or Bacterial Infections
Fungal infections caused during incontinence can also pave the way to skin rashes. Since bacterial illnesses like urinary tract infections (UTIs) and fungi like yeast infections (Candida) usually arise after your incontinence product has been moist for a long time, they might irritate your skin. This can trigger your skin and develop a rash.
4. Allergic Reactions
Some people may react adversely to chemicals, perfumes, or other allergens in adult incontinence products due to sensitive skin.
5. Improper Hygiene
The germs found in incontinence can irritate and inflame skin if exposed to them for extended periods. This might occur if you’re not changing
6. Eczema or Psoriasis
People with eczema and psoriasis, for example, may already have dry, sensitive skin, making them more susceptible to developing adult diaper rash.
How To Treat Diaper Rash
Although diaper rashes can be troublesome, they can be treated at home easily by adhering to the following practices.
1. Use Wet Wipes
Diaper rash in adults can be treated by using medicated wet wipes. These wet wipes keep your skin dry and clean, preventing it from coming into touch with any form of microorganisms that can trigger a rash.
It is mandatory to wipe oneself with wet wipes both before and after diaper use as this not only ensures hygiene but also soothes the skin after prolonged use of an adult diaper. It is important to note that you should avoid excessively rubbing your skin with a wipe, as this might lead to friction and skin irritation. Once you have wiped your skin, let your skin dry naturally with air.
2. Use Super Absorbent Diapers
Never skimp on the quality of your diapers. If your diaper does not absorb enough water and you always feel wet, switch to a more comfortable and absorbent variety and cease using that specific type.
Skin irritation and rashes are mostly caused by wetness. Wearing the same diapers over time may exacerbate your skin issue. Quality pull-ups, or absorbent pants, are intended to hold up to eight hours of absorption. Any hour above that demands a change of diapers. The smooth fabric of quality diapers comes into contact with your skin, leaving you feeling dry while it works.
3. Buy Anti-Rash Cream or Powder
For severe rashes, talc-free powder and anti-rash treatments are frequently prescribed by medical professionals. These creams have a high zinc oxide concentration, which helps treat rashes and other skin irritations. For optimum effects, apply the cream to the afflicted region three to four times daily.
However, it is important to note that you shouldn’t wash yourself with ordinary body wash or soap as this can lead to severe rashes and promote skin inflammation. When needed, use a medicated body wash or light soap. For at-home rashes, only use the lotions and powders that have been recommended or prescribed by doctors.
4. Change Diapers Frequently
One of the main ways to treat skin rashes caused by adult diapers is personal hygiene. One’s likelihood of exposing one’s skin to moisture for extended periods of time increases when one wears diapers for a longer duration to treat incontinence. Due to the dampness of the exposure, the skin may become sensitive and vulnerable to catching infections caused by germs.
Changing diapers timely can help keep one’s skin clean and stop the growth of germs. Therefore, adults who use diapers to manage incontinence should change them frequently.
In addition to this, take warm or moderate baths twice every day, regardless of how busy you are, to maintain your hygiene. You can also use baking soda in your bath as it will aid in the destruction of microorganisms that can cause a diaper rash.
Conclusion
Adult diaper rash is a prevalent issue among those who are suffering from incontinence. The reasons can include underlying skin disorders, infections, allergic responses, and extended exposure to dampness and friction.
It can be efficiently treated and prevented by emphasizing prevention through good hygiene, the use of high-quality absorbent materials, regular diaper changes, and the use of prescribed creams or powders.
Those who struggle with incontinence can significantly reduce their suffering and encourage better skin by being proactive and following a skincare regimen.