Incontinence is experienced by a wide variety of people across all age groups and life experiences. With the right kind of products and education, managing incontinence can be greatly simplified, enabling incontinence-impacted individuals to live their daily lives to the fullest.

Unfortunately, all of those who are affected by incontinence might be facing additional challenges. Excess moisture in certain areas of human body can lead to a range of skin disorders, such as redness, peeling, irritation and dermatitis.

It’s common for people with incontinence, particularly older adults, to experience incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD).

IAD occurs when the protective barrier created by your skin is damaged, often a result of exposure to the bacteria in urine or stools. This exposure can cause painful symptoms, including burning and itching, around areas such as genitals, thighs and abdomens.

IAD is also commonly referred to as perineal dermatitis, irritant dermatitis, moisture lesions or diaper rash - however, each of these terms can relate to a different and specific condition.

When skin is in optimum health, it works as a barrier between the external environment and our bodies. Incontinence-associated dermatitis can cause erosions of this barrier, leading to uncomfortable and ongoing symptoms.

These symptoms include:

• Redness
• Inflammation patches or in a large area
• Warm, firm skin
• Lesions
• Burning
• Itching
• Tenderness or pain

The severity of symptoms will depend on the pre-existing condition of the skin tissue, overall health and nutrition, and the amount of allergen exposure.

Incontinence was historically managed by cleaning the impacted areas with soap and water. However, this can cause dryness or rubbing of the skin, leading to painful inflammation. As this can result in IAD, soap and water are no longer a recommended standard of care for incontinence management.

Management of IAD includes a combination of preventative and reactive treatments. Tools such as soft, gentle linens can be used to clean the impacted area, as well as cleansers that are designed to balance skin’s pH levels.

Use petroleum barriers sparingly as per manufacturer’s instructions. If applied thickly, these cremes can transfer onto continence devices and create a barrier between the skin and the aid. Remember, less is more.

Individuals can protect their skin and health by using incontinence management products that are scientifically designed to reduce the likelihood of IAD through appropriate absorbent and coverage.

ConfidenceClub’s continence management products are of exceptional quality, with an exclusive European-made product range that utilises unique advanced technologies to deliver higher absorbencies, better odour control and a more comfortable fit.

This can significantly reduce the likelihood of IAD, creating better protection for the skin surrounding the impacted area and removing the opportunity for urine and stools to come into contact with sensitive skin.

Find the support you need to live life to the full every day with innovative, industry-leading continence management supplies, and give your skin the protection it needs in the process.