Incontinence-associated skin care: gentle daily help

1. Ask about the skin and the cause of leakage

Tell a continence or district nurse about redness, soreness, itching, burning, odour, broken skin and how long the problem has been present. Describe when leakage occurs, bowel changes, toilet access, mobility, medicines and the products used.

2. Clean gently and dry without rubbing

Follow the nurse’s advice for cleansing after each episode. Use a gentle, suitable cleanser or water as advised, remove residue carefully and pat the area dry rather than scrubbing. Frequent soap, fragranced wipes, vigorous rubbing or hot water can irritate fragile skin.

3. Use protection as advised

A clinician may recommend a barrier cream, ointment or film to reduce contact with moisture. The right type depends on the person’s skin, continence product and clinical plan. Apply it as instructed; excessive layers or incompatible products can interfere with absorbency.

4. Know how pressure damage differs

Moisture-related irritation often affects skin exposed to urine or stool and may be spread over a larger area. Pressure damage is more likely over a bony area or under a device and can begin as a persistent colour change, pain or unusual warmth. Appearance varies across skin tones.

5. Arrange review and a practical home routine

Ask the continence or district nurse to write down the cleansing, barrier and product plan, how often skin should be checked, and who to contact if it worsens. If someone else provides care, show them how to preserve privacy and record changes.

6. Look at changes as well as the colour of skin

Build a brief skin check into the agreed care routine and ask the person about soreness, itching or discomfort. Bradford District Care lists darkening, weeping and cracks among changes to look for, as well as redness. A mirror or an agreed helper can make an awkward area easier to inspect. Write down where a change appears and whether it is spreading, rather than labelling it yourself as a pressure ulcer or infection. Ask the nurse to review any uncertain area. Kent Community Health advises contacting a healthcare professional for suspected moisture damage or a pressure sore so that assessment and advice can be arranged.

7. Check that cleansing and protection work together

The skin-care plan should say what to cleanse with, how to dry the area and which protective preparation to use. Bradford District Care advises warm rather than hot water, gentle cleansing and patting dry, without harsh soap or scrubbing. Check skin folds carefully when drying. Ask the nurse about the person's continence products before changing creams, because thick creams or powder can reduce pad absorbency according to Kent Community Health. Keep the approved preparation available where care takes place. If another helper takes over, show them the written routine and ask them to report discomfort or a product that seems to leave moisture against the skin.

8. Request review when the routine is not helping

Skin damage needs reassessment if it worsens despite the agreed care. Tell the nurse or GP about bleeding, an unpleasant smell, an enlarging area or treatment that is not helping. Bradford District Care identifies these as reasons to contact a healthcare professional. Explain what products are used and how often wet clothing or pads are changed, so the team can review the whole routine. Ask whether pressure, friction or reduced movement also needs attention. Kent Community Health notes that pressure or friction on a moisture lesion increases pressure-ulcer risk. Follow the clinician's advice about movement and pressure relief rather than adding equipment or changing prescribed seating unaided.

Common questions