Skin diseases related to incontinence 
One serious side effect of incontinence is skin damage, which must be treated to prevent additional problems. 
Incontinence is the difficulty or inability to control the bladder (urine) or bowel (faeces). This problem is common, but those who experience it are often too embarrassed to ask for help. 
Although incontinence is more common in older people, it is not part of the normal aging process. Urinary incontinence may be caused by medical problems such as pelvic floor muscle weakness, diabetes, or an enlarged prostate gland. It can also be caused by certain medications. Common causes of fecal incontinence include constipation, diarrhea, or damage to the anal sphincter muscles from childbirth. It can also be caused by improper diet or taking certain medications.

How does incontinence affect the skin? 
If your patient is experiencing incontinence, it is important that they know how to protect their skin from damage. The skin provides the first line of defense against germs and infections, and prolonged exposure to moisture from urine or feces can soften the skin and weaken the skin's ability to act as a protective barrier.  
With frequent incontinence, skin problems may occur. Common symptoms are redness, burning, and irritation around the buttocks, anus, groin, or between the thighs. If there is constant moisture from urine and feces, it increases the risk of infection or destruction of the skin.  

skin care 
If your patient suffers from incontinence-related skin problems, they should follow the steps below to ensure proper skin care.
Step 1: Cleanse your skin  
1. Remove and discard the pad or other contaminated material. 
2. Wash your skin every time it gets dirty. Use a skin cleanser with a balanced pH and no need to wash (zitan foam). 
Note: Avoid harsh soaps such as liquid and molded soaps and antimicrobial soaps for washing the skin. These can dry out the skin and lead to skin breakdown.  
3. Using a soft washcloth or soft disposable cloth, gently clean the area from front to back. 
4. Dry your skin by compressing. Do not rub.     

Step 2: Protect your skin. 
A skin protector is a cream, ointment or paste that prevents moisture. which are used to protect the skin against urine and feces. Most skin protection ointments contain petroleum jelly, dimethicone, zinc oxide, or a combination of these ingredients. 
1. Apply a thin and even layer of barrier to the surface of the skin. 
2. Some people use underlay or absorbent shorts. Change underwear or panties after they get dirty. Avoid products with plastic covers.

Incontinence issues 
Because the treatment options for incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) and pressure ulcers differ, it is important to be able to distinguish between the two conditions.
The following guide will help you distinguish an IAD from a pressure ulcer.   

Appearance: Irregular, widened edges, may include bare areas (the surface layer has been removed). In the perineum area, the inner thigh, buttock and adjacent skin folds are located. 
Damage: starts from the upper layer of the skin and moves inwards. 
Cause: moisture and friction. 
Color: red or shiny red. 
Odor: The skin may smell of ammonia.
Depth: partial thickness damage.
Texture: without necrotic tissue.
Symptoms: pain or itching.
Treatment: Use a moisturizing ointment, paste, or cream to prevent skin damage and protect against irritants.

Pressure ulcers
Appearance: The lesion is a defined area, usually on a bony prominence. 
Damage: Starts from the inside and moves outward.
Cause: pressure and cracks.
Color: red, yellow, brown, black or purple.
Smell: When bacteria are present, it smells bad.
Depth: minor or severe damage.
Texture: If it is full thickness, it may have necrotic or rotten texture.
Symptoms: pain or itching.
Treatment: Redistribution of pressure and special wound healing dressings should be used.

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Tel: +98 21 44335451 
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