Incontinence Products - Part 4 - Cleansers, Wipes, and Skin Care

By Anna Hazard

View the Rest of the Series

Part 1 : Pads, Boosters, & Drip Collectors
Part 2 : Adult Diapers, Briefs, Protective Underwear
Part 3 : Bedding, Seating, & Surface Protection

Introduction

Skin problems such as redness, burning, irritation, fungal or bacteria infections, as well as the sloughing or breakdown of the skin membrane tend to go hand in hand with incontinence. Common problems include the maceration of skin whereby it becomes waterlogged and overly fragile, greatly increasing the chance of further damage due to friction with clothes, bed sheets, and other nearby surfaces as well as dermititis (also commonly known as diaper rash) which is the inflammation & breakdown of the skin due to over-exposure to moisture and chemicals in urine and feces.
 
Besides increasing the pH of the skin causing irritation, the ammonia present in urine is also used as a fuel source in the production of bacteria leading to further infection, especially if the micro-organisms are absorbed into the body through scrapes, cuts, or cracks in the nearby skin. In addition to bacteria, the damp warm skin is also a good breeding ground for fungal infections.
 
To combat the side effects of repeated exposure to ammonia and other waste products
which causes breakdown of the skin, its best to use products that have been specifically tailored for incontinence or to be used in the perineal skin area (genital area between the anus and female vulva or male scrotus).

Products

Anti-Fungus

• Most anti-fungus products that have been specifically tailored for incontinence also pull double duty as barrier creams to help prevent further exposure to the wastes that originally caused the fungal infection. Some also contain moisturizing elements. Anti-fungal treatments are available in both cream & powder form with the cream & ointment types more common for the perineal area.
• Aloe Vesta | Cardinal Health | Medline | Dynarex | Coloplast [1 , 2] | Secura
  

Anti-Bacterial:

• Anti-bacterial treatments for incontinence tend to come as sprays in liquid or foam form and thus are particularly suited for sensitive or fragile skin that may become further damaged by the use of rubbing creams or ointments. They often can also be used as no-rinse cleansers or have additional moisturizing or odor neutralizing capabilities as well.
• Medline | Cardinal Health | McKesson | Secura | Smart Choice | Provon
  

Cleansers:

• To help treat or prevent skin problems associated with incontinence, gentle cleansers meant for the perineal skin should be used. Perineal cleansers tend to be sprays or foams, but they can also come as wipes, creams, and lotions. Products should be non-irritating, non-drying (containing no alcohol), and pH balanced. Particularly sensitive skin may require the use of scent free items. No rinse cleansers (products meant to stay on the skin instead of being rinsed off) are easiest for those who are bedridden or otherwise have mobility issues. Some cleansers can also be moisturizers or have anti-microbial functions as well.
• Aloe Vesta | Tena | Medline | Cardinal Health [1, 2]  | McKesson | Ca-Rezz | Coloplast | Dynarex | AmeriDerm [1, 2] | Provon | Restore
  

Wipes

• Disposable incontinence wipes, towelettes, and pre-moistened washcloths are generally meant for quick cleanings & are formulated to help remove bodily wastes. They can also contain moisturizing & skin conditioning elements or anti-microbial properties.
• Covidien | Prevail | Attends | Aloe Vesta | Tena | Tranquility | Cardinal Health | Medline | Abena | Ca-Rezz | Dynarex
  

Barrier Creams & Ointments

• Perineal skin should be further protected using moisture barrier ointments, creams, pastes, or sprays that have been specifically designed to form a protective coating on the skin to minimizes its contact with urine and other waste matter. Most of these types of skin protectants contain petrolatum, dimethicone, or zinc oxide. Many anti-fungal treatments also double as moisture barrier creams.
  
• Apollo | Aloe Vesta [1, 2] | Calmoseptine | Tena | Medline | Cardinal Health [1, 2, 3] | Ca-Rezz | Coloplast [1, 2] | Medline | Dynarex | AmeriDerm | Secura [1, 2] | Provon | Smart Choice
  

Barrier Sprays

• As opposed to creams & ointments, barrier sprays are used for particularly fragile & sensitive skin to help avoid further damage caused by the friction from rubbing. Another benefit of this particular form includes the lesser chance of cross contamination since no part of the bottle or towel touches the affected skin. Less common than their cream variations, some sprays can also perform as cleansers.
  
• Aloe Vesta | Sensi-Care | Restore | Dr. Smith's | Cutimed