Many urinary incontinence patients experience adult diaper rash at some point. That happens when they wear briefs or diapers and take extra time before changing them. It could also be when you wear tight and unfitting clothes that cause moisture and friction. Adult diaper rash symptoms include irritated, pink-to-red, and peeling skin color. The probability of getting skin rash increases with age.
Wearing a diaper longer than recommended allows stool and urine chemicals to irritate the delicate and sensitive skin. You can treat diaper rash with prescription medication or over-the-counter tropical. It is easier to prevent it than to treat it, though.
Ways to Prevent Diaper Rash
Preventing adult diaper rash is an effective way to stay healthy and reduce costs associated with managing incontinence. The pain and frustration associated with diaper rashes can be depressing. Discover the top tricks recommended for preventing this diaper-triggered skin condition.
1. Proper Diaper Fitting
A diaper has to fit snugly and comfortably to keep you dry and prevent friction. Loose or tight diaper fitting creates room for urine and feces to leak, triggering reactions and rashes. Get the correct diaper size. Speak with a professional for guidance on picking the ideal diaper size.
2. Change the Diaper Frequently
Diapers hold your excretion for a predetermined period. Sitting on a soiled diaper for longer can lead to diaper rashes. Clean the area covered by the diaper after every change. You should use mild soap and lukewarm water. Non-irritating wipes can work in the place of cleaning.
3. Change Your Diaper Type
Not all adult diapers are hypoallergenic. Some cannot absorb and wick moisture away from your skin. If the adult diaper you use causes unending episodes of diaper rash, look for those made of natural materials. You can go for washable or reusable cotton pads and briefs.
4. Use Moisture Barrier Ointment
This product is one of the best for protecting against diaper rash. Apply it before wearing your adult diaper to prevent diaper rash. It forms a strong barrier on your skin, protecting it against moisture and other irritants. That saves you against irritation and friction when you experience a leak.
Effective Methods of Treating Diaper Rash
Treating diaper rash might require an extra investment in time and finances. There are many methods of treating diaper rash, but each depends on the patient. The following are four primary treatments for adult diaper rash you should try.
1. Maintain Cleanliness
The simplest and most effective method of treating diaper rash is to upgrade your cleanliness game. Bath regularly with lukewarm water and gentle cleansers to ease the affected area. Do your cleaning from the front to the back. This approach prevents the spread of bacteria that can trigger further infection or irritation. Always dry immediately after washing the affected area. You can aid dry or use a soft towel to dry off irritated skin.
Chemical-infused wipes and soaps irritate adult diaper rashes, worsening the condition. They can irritate the area around the affected skin and make the rash more painful. You need a pH-balanced cleanser and hypoallergenic diapers. All fragrances and alcoholic soaps worsen skin irritations.
2. Natural Remedies
There are many proven effective and reliable natural diaper rash remedies. Aloe Vera is the first and most practical solution, known for its healing and soothing properties. You can apply it on your skin or bath with it to relieve pain and itching. Coconut oil comes second as an effective natural remedy for adult diaper rash. It has potent antimicrobial, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Oatmeal baths have long-established credibility in treating most types of adult diaper rashes. It can absorb moisture from an irritated skin. They help clean an affected area, removing all bacteria that could worsen the condition.
3. Keeping Your Skin Dry
Skin rashes worsen due to moisture and wetness. Removing the moisture content in an area affected by adult diaper rash quickens healing. Use high-quality diapers designed to hold and wick moisture away. You must change the diapers as often as you can. Air drying your skin before wearing another diaper aids with the healing process.
You should use high-quality and reliable absorbent materials. Besides, adult diapers should be made professionally to handle your type of problem. A suitable adult diaper can help keep the skin dry and reduce issues with irritation and pain.
4. Using Protective Barriers
Use protective lotions and creams to maintain dry skin on the irritated areas and prevent moisture effects. You should consider all-natural and safe lotions and creams. Ointments with zinc oxide are effective. They help keep your affected areas dry by creating a barrier between your skin and moisture-producing irritants.
Wrapping Up
Are you experiencing adult diaper rash and feel you need a prompt solution? You can prevent the problem by taking the proper precautionary measures. Always wear the right type and size of adult diaper, and do not keep it on long.