How to Treat Severe Diaper Rash in Adults?

Diaper Rash

Diaper rash or diaper dermatitis is one of the most well-known skin issues. It is an irritation that occurs when the skin remains in contact with chemicals found in urine and stool for long durations. Among other reasons, this irritation is caused due to occasional and infrequent diaper changes. Some other factors that cause diaper rash in adults include fungal or yeast infection, allergic reactions, skin frictions, warm and sensitive genital skin, etc. The infected area may include the genitals, buttocks, thighs or inner skin areas.

Common Symptoms:-

  • Redness in the diaper area: People usually notice redness in the diaper area. This is the first stage of a diaper rash.
  • Frequent diarrhea: Almost half the people who face severe diaper rash, do so after constant diarrhea.
  • Dry skin: Rashes make the skin dry.
  • Itching: Itching is a natural symptom during diaper rash.
  • Urge to scratch or rub: In diaper rash, one can’t keep their hands to themselves because there is always a strong urge to scratch the affected area. Scratching and rubbing provides comfort for few seconds but results in severe irritation.
  • Swelling: Apart from all these, one may notice some swelling, patches or bumps in the affected area. This is a sign of an extreme case of diaper rash.

If you experience any of these symptoms while wearing a diaper or just after removing a diaper, then, you are destined to have severe diaper rash.

Degrees Of Diaper Rash

  • Slight – This is the first stage of diaper rash. During slight rashes, you may notice a slight redness in the affected area.
    By taking proper care, one can get rid of a slight diaper rash within 24 hours.
  • Mild – A mild rash is the next stage. Rashes are more visible at this stage.
  • Moderate – Moderate Diaper rash is more intense because it causes irritation that can persist for 4-5 days.
  • Severe – This kind of diaper rash spread all over the sin covered by a diaper and may take a whole week to recover.

Once a person gets rashes, it becomes difficult to treat them on time. It is necessary to get rid of the extreme discomfort they feel, as quickly as possible. Here are some notable treatments to avoid and reduce severe diaper rash in adults.

How To Treat Diaper Rash

1 Use Wet Wipes

Diaper rash in infants and adults are more or less the same. However, treatments may differ in case of an adult because a grown-up person has comparatively less delicate skin. Using medicated wet wipes help in reducing diaper rash. It prevents your skin from coming in contact with any kind of bacteria by keeping it clean and dry.

Use wet wipes before and after wearing your diaper to prevent rashes. Do not rub your skin too much because doing this creates friction that can cause skin inflammation. You should pat your skin gently with wet wipes and then leave the skin exposed to dry naturally.

2 Use Super Absorbent Diapers

‘Quality products leads to quality life’. Do not compromise with the quality of your diapers. If your diaper is not absorbing enough and leaves you with a wet feeling all the time that means you should stop using that particular type of diaper and shift to another one which is super absorbent and comfy. Wetness is the main cause of skin irritation and rashes. Continuity of using the same diapers can make your skin condition worse. The Wellness absorbent underwear (pull-ups) is designed to absorb up to 8 hours. They leave you feeling dry since urine gets absorbed in the underwear and nothing, but the soft fabric comes in contact with the skin.

3 Buy Anti-Rash Cream or Powder

Many doctors recommend using anti-rash creams and talc-free powder to treat severe rashes. These creams are rich in zinc oxide, which help in treating the rashes and also to cure other types of skin irritation. Apply the cream on the affected area three to four times a day for better results.

(Caution)
Do not wash yourself with regular soaps or body wash. Doing this increases skin inflammation and causes severe rashes. Use a mild soap or medicated body wash when necessary. Only use prescribed creams and powders to treat rashes at home.

4 Change Diapers Frequently

Cleaning yourself plays a major role in minimizing skin rashes. When one uses diaper to manage incontinence, the chances of their skin being exposed to wetness for prolonged periods increases. This exposure can harm the skin and cause bacterial infections because of wetness. Changing your diapers frequently prevents the build up of bacteria and keeps your skin clean. Hence, people who use diapers during incontinence should change their pads or diapers more frequently.

Bathe twice a day with warm or mild water, even if you have a busy schedule.
You can add baking soda to your bath. This will help kill bacteria. Avoid using scented soaps or body washes.

5 Give Your Skin Opportunities To Air Out

Wearing diapers for more than 15-20 hours will undoubtedly cause skin irritation and rashes. Take some time to air out your skin without covering up with a blanket or other underwear. Air exposure in the diaper area helps your skin to breathe for a while and also to heal rashes quickly.

When Should You See A Doctor?

Although diaper rashes are painful and can cause inconvenience, there are many ways to prevent them, to ensure normal and healthy skin condition.

When treated properly severe diaper rash never remains for more than 1 or 2 weeks. However, if your rashes are not going away despite the above treatments, then it is the time to get yourself checked by a specialist.

Dermatologists suggest treatments according to a patient’s condition. The suggestions they offer may differs from one person to another. Rashes can be normal, moderate or severe, but in all cases, one should get a proper check-up.

Ignorance in an ongoing diaper rash can lead to major problems in your skin and body. Hence, make an appointment with your doctor and take the necessary tests along with the medicines the doctor prescribes or request a free adult diaper samples today.