How to Maintain Hygiene for Incontinent Patients Without Using Water?

Jak na hygienu inkontinentních pacientů bez použití vody?

Jak na hygienu inkontinentních pacientů bez použití vody?

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Absorbent Aids and Special Cosmetics to Prevent Skin Complications

Anyone can struggle with incontinence, but the most at-risk groups for related skin problems are the elderly and immobile patients. As age increases, numerous changes in skin properties occur, and its natural ability to regenerate declines. In immobile patients, constant contact with aggressive urine further supports the development of pressure sores.

Due to the impaired mobility of the elderly and immobile, intimate hygiene can sometimes be neglected. However, regular and thorough skin care can significantly reduce skin damage associated with incontinence. Prevention of skin complications involves using high-quality and sufficiently breathable absorbent aids. Equally important is the use of special cosmetics designed for incontinent individuals. Frequent use of water and soap is no longer recommended as it unnecessarily dries and irritates the skin. Suitable alternatives include no-rinse cleansing preparations and disposable hygiene products that do not require water.

No-Rinse Cleansing Products

The skin of intimate areas should be cleaned and treated with every change of incontinence aids. Products intended for use without water are user-friendly, gentle, and kind to the skin, while effectively removing impurities including stool residues, and also contain odor-neutralizing ingredients. No-rinse products can come in the form of cleansing creams or foams.

Cleansing foam is available as a spray that is applied to the skin. Its major advantage is its whipped cream-like texture, which slowly dissolves and doesn't run off. Usage is very simple, just shake, spray on the skin, let it sit for a moment, and then simply wipe off with a disposable hygiene item, such as a dry wipe or washcloth. The foam or cleaning cream not only cleans the skin but also nourishes, hydrates, and helps maintain its natural pH balance.

There can be noticeable differences among products in terms of foaminess, texture, scent, and composition. However, this does not affect their cleansing ability.

Another type of no-rinse cleansing product is a 3-in-1 cleansing cream that can be used to clean the entire body.

Wet Wipes for Incontinent Patients

Practical helpers in skin care for incontinent patients include hygienic wet wipes and other disposable aids such as cleansing washcloths and supplementary products. Wet wipes offer a quick and very easy way to freshen up and clean during the change of incontinence aids. Their special structure and added active ingredients also regenerate and protect the skin. An advantage over baby wet wipes is their large format, which covers the entire palm area of the caregiver, increasing the comfort of use.

Also available on the market are unscented wipes intended for very sensitive skin. A special type of wet wipe is the intimate hygiene wipe containing substances that strengthen the skin's natural microflora. These are especially appreciated by active users of incontinence pads. Naturally, they neutralize unpleasant odors, and their practical packaging is also a great advantage.

Conclusion

No-rinse preparations cannot replace classic hygiene with the use of water. However, they are essential products in the care of incontinent patients as they significantly ease the care, keep the skin healthy, and prevent irritation.

Although the view sometimes persists today that products intended for children are suitable for the sensitive skin of seniors, the opposite is true. It is actually important to choose special products designed for mature skin because children's skin and senior skin have very different care needs. A properly chosen product can significantly improve the quality of life for an incontinent patient and prevent the development of health complications.

(mraf)

Source: SENI. Available at: seni.cz