When dealing with incontinence as an adult, especially if this is a new situation, it is very important to consider the emotional well-being and dignity of the individual. There is no singular cause of adult incontinence and it may be brought on by many situations including child births, disease, injury, certain medications, infection, or other conditions out of the control of the individual. If this is a new situation is is important to speak with a doctor or health care provider to help find the cause and provide advice for proper care. Click here for information about ways to help speak with your doctor about incontinence.
Types and Levels of Incontinence
You should always consider the feelings of the individual dealing with incontinence. They may be embarrassed, angry, confused, in denial, or ignoring symptoms hoping that they will go away. Many times a caregiver will be a family member or somebody close to the individual that is new at dealing with the situation and corresponding conversations. Being a caregiver can be a demanding job dealing with both the physical and psychological issues.
Recognize the Emotional Support Needed
Be sure to recognize and support an individual that has made the decision to seek help. Allow them to speak about their concerns and think about how you would want to be treated if the roles were reversed. The ultimate goal is to educate and provide the best possible care and solutions to the issues surrounding incontinence. Be supportive and resourceful and be willing to apply yourself willingly with a positive attitude to protect and maintain a positive relationship. And remember when dealing with adults - they are adults and this is a tough situation for them to be addressing.
Kinds of Wearable Products that are Available
Many people find themselves trying to determine what they need and start by asking all kinds of questions. For example, where should I start and what am I looking for to solve this because there are so many options? What is the difference between a pad and a brief (also known as “adult diapers”). Are there pull-ups for adults so they can dress themselves?
You can start by addressing the level of incontinence. Is is a couple of drops here and there, are there times when the urge to go comes too late to make it to the toilet, or is there a need for a wearable product to ensure there are no “accidents”. Click here for more information on types and levels of incontinence.
Once you have identified the absorbency requirements you can consider the actual types of wearable products to consider for use. Here is a link to the types of products available to wear including information about the differences between pads, briefs/adult diapers, and pull-ups/ protective underwear. Understanding your options, how they work, and the absorbencies they are available in will help you narrow down your selection process.
Other Products Needs for People with Incontinence
Many people new to incontinence care also wonder what other types of products may be needed. It is very important to keep skin clean and healthy. Keeping skin healthy is more comfortable and much easier to deal with than trying to repair damaged skin or clear up a nasty diaper rash. Here is a link to skin cleansing and skin care products to help keep skin healthy. Avoid skin cleansers with harsh soaps or alcohol to ensure that fragile and sensitive skin is not irritated.
Keeping the environment clean and fresh smelling will benefit both caregiver and patient. Simply covering up smells with perfumes is a temporary solution. Consider biological odor eliminators like those used in hospitals and healthcare environments. These deodorizers attack and neutralize odors to make for a more pleasant environment for all. Also, surface disinfectants for hard nonporous surfaces will help keep your environment clean and healthy.
Disposable gloves for medical care are also a very inexpensive way to keep a barrier between you and urine and or feces. There are many types of gloves including vinyl, nitrile and latex available for caregivers.
Summary
If new or increasing issues with incontinence are occurring see a doctor or healthcare provider. Identify the level of protection needed and the type of wearable incontinence products that best fit your need, keep skin healthy and clean, and maintain a fresh smelling environment pleasant to caregiver and patient.
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Thursday, June 23, 2016
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Diaper Rash caused by Adult Incontinence
Yes, adults can get diaper rash just like children. Diaper rash is often caused by incontinence soiling and the subsequent rubbing of skin by clothing or incontinence garments. It can also be caused by sweat and clothing rubbing on skin. Any fluid and rubbing by garments can cause an irritation and followed by a rash. Most times these rashes can be identified and treated quickly. If left unattended it may take more effort (and considerable discomfort) to treat.
Adult Diaper Rash (aka diaper dermatitis) is a skin condition caused by skin rubbing against a diaper or pad, and contact with the chemicals in urine and stool. The skin may look red, raw, scalded or burned. It can occur at any age if diapers, protective underwear or pads are used. As stated bore, it is not strictly a child or baby related issue.
It often happens in adults when a rash occurs in the genital area in an area is not cleaned well. Skin irritations can also be caused by products that have perfumes or are allergenic. Fungal or bacterial infections may also cause diaper rash. The skin may appear to be red and swollen with a mild rash or blister and peel in a severe rash. A diaper rash that becomes raw, oozes fluid or bleeds will be harder to treat and advice from a doctor or healthcare professional may be required.
It is very important to deal with diaper rash at the earliest signs of discomfort and the rash appearing. The farther along and more severe the rash the more difficult it is to treat and cure.
The most common causes of diaper rash are:
We hate to mention it, but neglect by a caregiver that does not treat a diaper rash at the time treatment is needed. We hope that this is never the case, but there have been issues where caregivers do not treat a diaper rash because of anger directed at a vulnerable adult.
Sometimes a diaper rash may occur with other skin conditions including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or seborrhea. The rash may be red or oozing. A crust may form. There will often times be similar patches of rash on other parts of the body.
Diaper rash is uncomfortable and can lead to worse skin issues and wounds. The earlier they are identified and treated the better. Avoiding getting a rash all together is an even better approach.
Tips for controlling and treating diaper rash:
If possible, leaving diapers, protective underwear or pads off for a time may promote air circulation that keeps skin dry and promotes comfort and healing.
Protect the the healthy skin near the rash with protective lotions or creams. Be careful not to apply creams to broken skin unless directed as it may slow the healing process. Use of a lotion, cream or ointment that is formulated for sensitive skin and free of harmful perfumes and allergens. Also, a moisture barrier cream or lotion will help keep moisture out allowing skin to comfortable heal. Be sure to be gentle when applying any lotion or cream to sensitive skin.
Use a disposable incontinence product with absorbent gelling material (super absorbent microbeads) as these will pull moisture away from the skin.
Showering or bathing multiple times throughout the day and gently drying the area may help. Reapply lotions, creams, or ointments after drying.
Do you have any suggestions on dealing with adult diaper rash that might benefit others? If so, please leave detailed comments on this post. Thank you!
Please note you should consult with your doctor or healthcare professional with any diaper rash or skin care issue to ensure you are taking the proper steps to treat the issue. The information provided is of a general nature and should not be considered not medical advice.
Adult Diaper Rash (aka diaper dermatitis) is a skin condition caused by skin rubbing against a diaper or pad, and contact with the chemicals in urine and stool. The skin may look red, raw, scalded or burned. It can occur at any age if diapers, protective underwear or pads are used. As stated bore, it is not strictly a child or baby related issue.
It often happens in adults when a rash occurs in the genital area in an area is not cleaned well. Skin irritations can also be caused by products that have perfumes or are allergenic. Fungal or bacterial infections may also cause diaper rash. The skin may appear to be red and swollen with a mild rash or blister and peel in a severe rash. A diaper rash that becomes raw, oozes fluid or bleeds will be harder to treat and advice from a doctor or healthcare professional may be required.
It is very important to deal with diaper rash at the earliest signs of discomfort and the rash appearing. The farther along and more severe the rash the more difficult it is to treat and cure.
The most common causes of diaper rash are:
- Not changing a wet or soiled incontinence product enough. Skin in contact with urine and/or stool becomes irritated.
- Rubbing of the skin by an incontinence pad, diaper or protective underwear product. This may cause irritation in areas including thighs, genitals, buttocks, or belly area.
We hate to mention it, but neglect by a caregiver that does not treat a diaper rash at the time treatment is needed. We hope that this is never the case, but there have been issues where caregivers do not treat a diaper rash because of anger directed at a vulnerable adult.
Sometimes a diaper rash may occur with other skin conditions including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or seborrhea. The rash may be red or oozing. A crust may form. There will often times be similar patches of rash on other parts of the body.
Diaper rash is uncomfortable and can lead to worse skin issues and wounds. The earlier they are identified and treated the better. Avoiding getting a rash all together is an even better approach.
Tips for controlling and treating diaper rash:
- Keep the skin dry. Also, make sure that the skin is not in contact with urine or stool.
- Change the adult diaper, protective underwear, or pad every time is is wet or soiled. It is advisable to check the garment every three house during the day. Changes may be needed during the night to prevent or clear up a rash.
- Gently wash the diaper area with warm water and a soft cloth. Rinse well and dry completely. There are many mild no-rinse and rinse skin cleansers available for incontinence perineal skin cleansing to help aid in the cleaning and healing process.
- Do not use soap unless the are is very soiled. Use only a mild soap if soap is needed.
- Do not use wipes or baby wipes that have alcohol or propylene glycol if diaper rash is present. They may burn the skin and spread bacteria. Most adult wipes are formulated without these chemicals to ensure the most comfortable cleaning possible.
- You might want to try using a blow dryer on the warm setting to get the area fully dry (this technique shouldn’t be used on babies or small children.
If possible, leaving diapers, protective underwear or pads off for a time may promote air circulation that keeps skin dry and promotes comfort and healing.
Protect the the healthy skin near the rash with protective lotions or creams. Be careful not to apply creams to broken skin unless directed as it may slow the healing process. Use of a lotion, cream or ointment that is formulated for sensitive skin and free of harmful perfumes and allergens. Also, a moisture barrier cream or lotion will help keep moisture out allowing skin to comfortable heal. Be sure to be gentle when applying any lotion or cream to sensitive skin.
Use a disposable incontinence product with absorbent gelling material (super absorbent microbeads) as these will pull moisture away from the skin.
Showering or bathing multiple times throughout the day and gently drying the area may help. Reapply lotions, creams, or ointments after drying.
Do you have any suggestions on dealing with adult diaper rash that might benefit others? If so, please leave detailed comments on this post. Thank you!
Please note you should consult with your doctor or healthcare professional with any diaper rash or skin care issue to ensure you are taking the proper steps to treat the issue. The information provided is of a general nature and should not be considered not medical advice.
Sunday, June 12, 2016
Why Does Urine Smell?
Urine is the body’s liquid waste that is primarily composed of water, salt, and chemicals called urea and uric acid. The kidneys produce it when filtering toxins and other bad substances from your blood.
The smell of urine is directly related to the volume and concentration of a variety of substances excreted by the kidneys. Normal urine contains a lot of water and has little to no odor. Urine that is highly concentrated with little water may have a strong smell of ammonia. This may cause addition stress and an unpleasant environment for people with urinary incontinence, family members and caregivers.
Many individuals dealing with urinary incontinence get dehydrated trying to reduce their consumption of liquids to reduce the volume of urine. Dehydration makes urine very concentrated resulting in a strong smell of ammonia.
Other influences on the smell of urine include foods eaten and medications (including vitamins and other supplements) that are being taken.
Odors in urine may also indicate a medical condition or disease including, but not necessarily limited to issues such as bladder infection, cystitis (bladder inflammation), congenital heart disease in adults, diabetic ketoacidosis (high levels of blood acids called keytones), gastointestinal-bladder fistula (abnormal connection between intestoines and the bladder), maple syrup urine disease (rare genetic disease that cases difficulty breaking down specific amino acids), metabolic disorder (a problem with the way your body converts the foods you eat into energy), type II diabeties (uncontrolled), and urinary tract infect (UTI). Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or health care provider for an accurate diagnosis. Click here for helpful information on how to speak with your doctor or healthcare profession about incontinence.
Many disposable incontinence products such as pads, adult diapers and protective underwear incorporate odor controlling features to help maintain a pleasant environment. These features include superabsorbent microbeads that absorb liquids and hold in smell. Many also have features that help inhibit bacterial growth with helps reduce odors and help maintain healthy skin.
Keeping incontinence products changed regularly and keeping skin in incontinence areas clean will also help manage offensive urine related odors.
There are also many odor reducing household sprays and room deodorizers that do more than simply cover up offensive odors. They attack the cause of biological odors rather than simply trying to overpower an offensive smell with a flowery or pleasant smell. Covering odors with another odor only lasts as long as the new odor stays stronger than the offensive odor. Biological odor eliminators for rooms will actually absorb and neutralize bad odors and prevent them from building up. Click here to go to room deodorizers to find one that is right for you.
The smell of urine is directly related to the volume and concentration of a variety of substances excreted by the kidneys. Normal urine contains a lot of water and has little to no odor. Urine that is highly concentrated with little water may have a strong smell of ammonia. This may cause addition stress and an unpleasant environment for people with urinary incontinence, family members and caregivers.
Many individuals dealing with urinary incontinence get dehydrated trying to reduce their consumption of liquids to reduce the volume of urine. Dehydration makes urine very concentrated resulting in a strong smell of ammonia.
Other influences on the smell of urine include foods eaten and medications (including vitamins and other supplements) that are being taken.
Odors in urine may also indicate a medical condition or disease including, but not necessarily limited to issues such as bladder infection, cystitis (bladder inflammation), congenital heart disease in adults, diabetic ketoacidosis (high levels of blood acids called keytones), gastointestinal-bladder fistula (abnormal connection between intestoines and the bladder), maple syrup urine disease (rare genetic disease that cases difficulty breaking down specific amino acids), metabolic disorder (a problem with the way your body converts the foods you eat into energy), type II diabeties (uncontrolled), and urinary tract infect (UTI). Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or health care provider for an accurate diagnosis. Click here for helpful information on how to speak with your doctor or healthcare profession about incontinence.
Many disposable incontinence products such as pads, adult diapers and protective underwear incorporate odor controlling features to help maintain a pleasant environment. These features include superabsorbent microbeads that absorb liquids and hold in smell. Many also have features that help inhibit bacterial growth with helps reduce odors and help maintain healthy skin.
Keeping incontinence products changed regularly and keeping skin in incontinence areas clean will also help manage offensive urine related odors.
There are also many odor reducing household sprays and room deodorizers that do more than simply cover up offensive odors. They attack the cause of biological odors rather than simply trying to overpower an offensive smell with a flowery or pleasant smell. Covering odors with another odor only lasts as long as the new odor stays stronger than the offensive odor. Biological odor eliminators for rooms will actually absorb and neutralize bad odors and prevent them from building up. Click here to go to room deodorizers to find one that is right for you.
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