Download INCONTINENT SKIN CARE

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AT HOME
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WHERE HEALING HAPPENS™
TWO-STEP HOSPITAL-GRADE SYSTEM
INCONTINENT SKIN CARE
Cleanses, moisturizes and protects red, irritated skin
Calms to help prevent more severe skin damage
Incontinence Dermatitis
Patient Education
D. Elizabeth McCord,
Ph.D., FAPWCA
Incontinence is a common and life-changing problem for
many people including both patients and their caregivers. We
have used a team approach in the preparation of this booklet
about caring for the skin of someone with incontinence.
Nurses, pharmacists, and physicians have worked together to
provide you with information that we hope you will find useful
for preventing or treating some of the most common
skin-related issues experienced by people with incontinence.
With warm regards,
WARNING: Consult your healthcare provider. This booklet is provided as a guideline only.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
What is Incontinence-Associated
Dermatitis?
Excreted wastes (i.e., urine and stool) cause a significant
amount of skin breakdown when in contact with skin and
result in a condition called incontinence-associated
dermatitis (IAD). The breakdown and irritation of skin seen in
IAD usually happens due to a combination of the following:
• Direct irritating effects of excreted waste on skin
• Excessive moisture
• The presence of undesirable bacteria and yeast
• Direct irritation from undergarments or other
incontinence care products
• Improper cleansing
Excreted waste is typically at a
different pH than the skin and
it also contains digestive
enzymes and other irritating
compounds. The longer that
skin is in contact with excreted
waste, the more likely a person
will experience IAD and other
complications including chronic
wounds and infections.
Prevention is Paramount
The primary skin care goal for a person with incontinence is to
prevent any skin breakdown from happening. This can be done
by limiting the exposure of the skin to excreted wastes and
maintaining appropriate moisture levels. When this is done
properly, it greatly reduces the chance of skin breakdown and
subsequent complications including wounds and infections.
Absorptive undergarments (i.e. diapers and pads) can trap
moisture, excreted waste, and pathogens close to the skin, so
they need to be changed frequently to prevent IAD. However,
changing undergarments frequently enough to prevent IAD or
its complications is often not possible or practical for a variety
of reasons. The use of special skin cleansers and protectants is
almost always required to prevent IAD.
Tips for Preventing IAD:
• Change undergarments as soon as possible after
becoming soiled
• Use undergarments that are properly fitted and have the
appropriate level of absorption and waste-containment
• Work with healthcare professionals who will educate and
guide you through the best possible care protocols
• Work with your healthcare team to prepare a written plan
tailored to your needs, wants, and expectations to help ensure
you receive the appropriate level of care and support
• Use this handy guide as a reminder of how to make sure your
skin and body remain healthy
Helpful Tips
If any of the following symptoms develop on your skin,
immediately contact your healthcare provider, as they
could be the sign of a serious complication or infection:
• Redness, warmth, swelling or pain
• Open sores or bleeding
• Weeping or oozing skin
Two-Step Hospital Grade System Kit
Getting Started
1. Purchase the Incontinent Skin Care Kit from your local
pharmacy. Your health care provider may suggest additional
items like disposable undergarments, a mirror, gentle cleansers,
and gentle sanitary wipes.
2. Change undergarments as soon as possible after they have
been soiled, following the appropriate procedure
recommended by your healthcare team including gentle
cleansing and application of a skin protectant.
3. Bathe daily or as recommended by your healthcare team using
water that is warm but not hot. You can use a thermometer to
be sure to keep the water between 90 to 95 degrees F.
4. Use a soft towel to gently pat your skin dry, avoiding heavy
rubbing that can damage the skin.
5. Examine the skin thoroughly and record any changes during
each undergarment change.
6. Keep a diary and record your findings so that you will be able
to document any changes in your skin and will not have to rely
solely on memory.
Products Found In the Incontinent Skin Kit
Improving Incontinence
Ideally, the best way to avoid IAD would be to resolve the issue of
incontinence altogether. This is not possible in all situations, but
there are a number of medical conditions and medications that
could actually be contributing to incontinence. In these cases
there are some interventions that might help improve symptoms
of incontinence such as changing medications or incorporating
physical exercises. Talk to your healthcare providers about the
causes and treatments for incontinence to help determine what
options are available.
Using a Clinically Proven Treatment System
1. Remove soiled undergarments and cleanse the skin by
spraying Antiseptic Skin Cleanser-CS onto the affected areas.
The container will release the product from any angle – even
up-side down. Rinse with warm water. You may gently use a
soft moistened cloth or wipe to assist in the removal of waste.
2. Gently pat dry with a soft cloth and carefully check your skin
for any signs of redness, irritation, or sores. Be sure to notify a
healthcare professional of any changes or concerns.
3. Gently apply SkinMineralZ™ to dry skin that could potentially come in contact with excreted waste after cleansing with
Antiseptic Cleanser-CS. Apply the product using the flat of the
hand and a gentle stroking motion. Avoid applying pressure
that can damage skin.
4. Put on the appropriate clean undergarment, ensuring proper
fit and comfort. SkinMineralZ™ can be used on the skin around
the waist and leg bands of the undergarment to help protect
against irritation.
Reducing Exposure to Irritants
Skin that is damaged from incontinence is very sensitive to
irritants. You need to protect your skin from anything that could
increase dermatitis, and this includes ingredients commonly
found in products used on skin that can be affected by IAD.
1. Avoid skin products, undergarments, and sanitary wipes
(toilet tissue) with artificial colors or fragrances or deodorizers.
2. Avoid use of traditional soaps and cleansers that contain
irritating ingredients such as sodium laureth sulfate (SLS) or
ethanol/alcohol.
3. Only use products that are pH balanced and hypoallergenic.
4. Avoid the use of cloths, wipes, or tissues with abrasive texture.
5. Be aware that laundry detergents and dryer sheets used on
undergarments, bedding, and cloths/towels can potentially
contribute to skin irritation.
Conclusion
Keeping skin clean, intact, appropriately hydrated, and out of
contact with excreted wastes are the most important factors
in preventing and treating IAD. The severity of IAD and
development of complications are dependent on several factors,
many of which are easily managed. Early interventions focused
on prevention, plus early detection and treatment of problem
areas can greatly help reduce the risk of pressure ulcers and
infections. It’s important to pay close attention to your skin and
report any problems to your healthcare provider. You are a big
part of your skin health, and if you take good care of your skin
every day as suggested, you will have taken control of an
important part of your health care to ensure the best quality of
life for yourself.
Health Care
Professional Team
Healthcare Educator
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Physician
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Other
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Address: _________________________________________
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Notes: ___________________________________________
Two-Step Hospital Grade Kits Available
• Antifungal Skin Care
• Fragile Skin Bruising Care
• Chronic Dry Skin Care
• Incontinent Skin Care
• Diabetic Skin Care
• Radiation Skin Care
• Edema Skin Care
• Venous Skin Care
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