Roughly 41% of adults at home and in long-term care facilities experience some type of skin damage associated with urinary and/or fecal incontinence.  Exposure to urine and/or feces can lead to perineal skin damage.  Perineal skin damage secondary to incontinence ranges in severity and may include erythema (redness); swelling; oozing; vesiculation (blistering); and crusting and scaling in the groin, perineum, and buttocks region.

Multiple variables work together and can lead to perineal skin injury.  Moisture from incontinence can alters the skin’s protective pH and increases the permeability of the skin.  Urine and feces contain bacteria that can permeate and irritate the skin, allowing for secondary infections.  Damaged skin can lead to reduced blood flow or the loss of collagen or elastic fibrous connective tissues which affect skin nutrition, elasticity, and strength.  Perineal skin injury can lead to ulceration and bacterial (Staphylococcus) and yeast (Candida albicans) infections that lead to discomfort and increased treatment costs.  Additional problems associated with perineal skin damage include diminished quality of life, increased pain and costs, and possible pressure ulcer development.

The bad news is that perineal skin damage secondary to incontinence is painful, expensive, affects quality of life and can lead to depression and other emotional issues.  The good news is that with the right products and care it is preventable.  Here are some suggestions for managing incontinence and preventing skin breakdown or damage associated with urinary and/or fecal incontinence.

1. Establish a bowel and bladder toileting schedule for patients with incontinence.
2. Avoid excess friction on the skin by using high quality perineal products with soft wipes.
3. Cleanse skin gently at each time of soiling with pH-balanced cleanser.
4. Use incontinent skin barriers as needed to protect and maintain intact skin.
5. Select underpads, diapers or briefs that are absorbent to wick incontinence moisture away from the skin.
6. if needed, consider utilizing a pouching system or collection device.

Compliance with product usage is more likely to occur if the user of the product accepts or likes the product and that the products are easy to use.  There are many products available for use when dealing with urinary and/or fecal incontinence.  Types of products include: Pre-moistened washcloths or wet wipes, no-rinse perineal spray or foam cleansers, dry wipes or dry washcloths and numerous types of skin protectants, diaper rash ointments and protective barrier creams.

The single most important product that can be used in preventing skin damage associated with urinary or fecal incontinence is an effective skin protectant and barrier cream.  GentleCare Skin Care Products features a broad selection of skin care items specifically designed for patient skin care and caregiver skin care.  Two such products that stand out when it comes to incontinence management are the GentleCare No-Rinse Perineal Foam Skin Cleanser and the GentleCare Protective Ointment.

If you would like more information regarding perineal care management and product options available to you, please contact us and one of our knowledgeable staff will be more than happy to assist you in establishing a protocol for success.

Sizing adult diapers and incontinence products can sometimes be confusing. You see, most all adult diaper products come in 4 and sometimes 5 sizes.

There are small diapers for adults, medium size diapers, sometimes regular size adult diapers, large and x-large size adult diapers. Most manufacturers classify these by waist size. Unfortunately, this is not always the best way to determine your correct size. Body mass size and the shape of the body will directly impact the way the diapers fit.

The simplest and most accurate way to determine which size is best for the incontinent person is to measure from the middle of the hip bone across the front to the middle of the adjacent hip bone and then double the measurement. Then match this to the waist size to determine which size is best.

The hip bones and not the waist is the largest area and directly affects the fit of your adult diaper or other incontinent care garment. Utilizing this measurement will assure that you have made the best decision regarding the size of your diaper product.

I hope this helps. Please contact us if you have any additional questions by calling (800) 262-8670.

First let me start by thanking the many customers that we have had the pleasure of servicing for the past 9 years.  As we get ready to celebrate our 10 year anniversary I cannot express enough the gratitude that I have to all of you that have remained loyal.

HomeHealthDelivery.com has gone through many changes over the last decade and we have continually worked to improve all aspects of our business.  From the latest technology in online e-commerce software to consistent quality and selection of products.

Through this latest addition to our web site, we will try to provide useful and valuable information about adult diapers, incontinence care, skin care, aids to daily living and topics related to caring for yourself, a  loved one and health care in general.

Thank you for visiting our site and we hope that you will consider us for all of your home health care needs.

Sincerely,
Kevin DuBois
President / Owner
Paragon Marketing Group, LLC