Differences in Types of Incontinence Skin Care Products

Individuals who are incontinent are at risk of developing skin problems in and around the genital area. Wearing diapers to prevent messes can make the situation worse because then the skin may spend prolonged periods of time in direct contact with urine or stool. Individuals who are incontinent need to keep the skin as dry and as clean as possible. A variety of different types of skin care products are available to assist in achieving this goal. Differences in types of incontinence skin care products are discussed below.

Washcloths

Personal care washcloths are a popular option for caring for skin. These washcloths are usually single-use disposable items that come sealed in individual-use packets for ease of transport or sealed in bulk packets for use at home. They are pre-moistened wipes used to clean the skin. Some personal care washcloths come infused with aloe, vitamin E, and/or creams to help soothe and heal irritated skin.

Wash creams

Washing creams are intended to be used an alternative to soap. They are used during showers or baths to clean the genital area. They are designed to clean effectively without irritating and over-drying the skin, which can happen when using soap as a cleanser.

No-rinse cleansers

No-rinse cleansers are washing creams used during a sponge-type bath. They are used to clean the area using a washcloth or sponge, but do not need to be rinsed off. The cleanser is applied and just wiped off. These cleansers are designed to soothe and protect the skin while cleaning it thoroughly.

Protective ointments

Protective ointments are intended to be applied to clean, dry skin to form a protective barrier over the skin. The ointment protects the skin from exposure to acidic urine. Many of these ointments also contain ingredients intended to soothe and heal irritated skin such as jojoba oil and aloe. Protective ointments come in variously sized containers, including small tubes ideal for transport and larger containers ideal for home use.

Most individuals with incontinence may need several different types of skin care products to keep their skin in its best condition.