Cloth Diapers Vs. Catheters: A Comprehensive Comparison

Cloth Diapers Vs. Catheters: A Comprehensive Comparison

One of the numerous changes that come with becoming older is incontinence, often known as unexpected leaking; about 12% of males and 60% of females over 60 deal with urological difficulties. 

But incontinence can also be caused by other conditions, such as pregnancy, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, prostate surgery, obesity, childbirth, or a transient health condition. When the underlying reason is manageable, incontinence typically only lasts a short while and is easily controlled. Nevertheless, there are instances where it becomes worse and ultimately cannot be treated.  

You must make a vital decision when it comes to living a healthy life with incontinence. This involves considering the benefits and drawbacks of the two popular options for managing incontinence: adult cloth diapers and catheters.

What Are Cloth Diapers For Adults? 

Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers are diapers made of fabric and are reusable. They tend to be cotton, wool, or other similar fabrics. No matter what size or shape you need, they are versatile and simple to use repeatedly. The two main parts of a cloth diaper are the inner layer that absorbs liquid and the outer layer that’s waterproof.  

These layers’ structure and design separate one brand of adult cloth diaper from another. While some absorbent inlays are integrated, others are detachable.  

When you compare cloth diapers and disposable diapers, using adult cloth diapers will save you far more money over time than disposables. You can clean and reuse these adult diapers, unlike their disposal counterparts and catheters. 

However, disposable adult diapers also have many perks: 

a. Minimizes the outbreak of skin rashes. 

b. Innovative designs enable easier usage. 

c. Absorbs more fluids. 

d. Convenient to use

Pros of Adult Cloth Diapers

  • It’s easy to find cloth diapers for adults. They are widely available at supermarkets, convenience stores, and large box retailers. They are even available for purchase online with convenient delivery to your home or workplace.  
  • The fact that they come in a wide range of sizes, from extra-small to extra-large, is an additional perk.  
  • You can choose between different absorbency levels. Select light absorbency to accommodate sporadic leakage or maximum absorbency to provide extra protection.

Cons of Adult Cloth Diapers

  • Adult underwear, including diapers and pads, can cause skin irritation if not changed often enough.  
  • Switching out and washing your reusable diapers can further reduce the pleasure of using them. This is particularly true at night when moisture might interfere with a good night’s sleep.  
  • Also, insurance usually does not pay for adult diapers, which can be quite pricey.  
  • Leaks can occur from poorly fitting absorbents and low-quality products.  
  • Lastly, you might notice an embarrassing smell or hear sinking or crinkling. 

What Are Catheters?

Catheters

A urinary catheter is essentially a silicone penile sheath (sometimes called a pipe) that is inserted into the patient’s body as a conduit to drain the bladder and gather urine. Its exposed surface remains concealed beneath the wearer’s garments. Patients with limited movement or those who will only be bedridden for a brief period often have this alternative suggested to them.  

Urinary catheters come in various forms, including indwelling, external, and intermittent catheters.  

  • Intermittent catheters – These catheters, sometimes known as Nelaton or “in/out” catheters, are temporarily placed into the bladder to enable emptying and then taken out. 
  • Indwelling catheters – They are also termed Foley catheters. The idea is to keep them in the bladder for extended periods. 

Due to the numerous adverse effects of employing catheters, a doctor will only recommend a silicone urinary catheter as a last resort to address incontinence.

Pros of Catheters 

  • Helps bedridden patients empty their bladder. 
  • Facilitates treatment of urinary tract obstruction. 
  • Their concealable nature ensures privacy and discretion.  
  • New designs are soft and pliable for improved comfort. 

Cons of Catheters

Cons of Catheters

  • Urinary Tract Infections 

Most catheter infection cases typically involve treatable urinary tract infections (UTIs). It will substantially impact your overall welfare, given that it can induce considerable discomfort and psychological distress. Because a urinary catheter is essentially a tube, bacteria may enter the body through it and cause infections in the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. Some signs of urinary tract infections (UTIs) brought on by catheter use include aches in the groin or stomach. 

  • Leakage around catheters 

This issue can happen with any indwelling catheter. It may be the result of bladder spasms or the passage of bowel movements. It is an indication that the catheter is blocked in some way. When it comes to indwelling tubes, blood in the catheter is another typical concern. 

  • Bladder Spasms 

When the muscles that surround the bladder tighten or contract, a painful and burning feeling known as a bladder spasm can ensue, typically accompanied by an overwhelming need to pee. This condition might be as uncomfortable as stomach cramps. 

  • Injury to Several Parts of the Urethra 

During their insertion, the catheter might cause damage to some parts of the urethra. Also, since Alzheimer’s patients tend to yank it out owing to their agitation, this is another prevalent concern among those who have the disease.

What Research Says About Catheters 

Research about Catheters

One of the most common types of hospital-acquired infections, per the National Health Safety Network, is catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). They can lead to several serious medical problems, including bacterial endocarditis, pyelonephritis, and urosepsis. Aside from patient safety problems connected with CAUTI conditions, there is rising worry about the incidence of multidrug-resistant infections.  

A national study examined how many CAUTIs were caused by pathogens resistant to multiple drugs in long-term acute care hospitals. They found that vancomycin was ineffective against Enterococcus faecalis in 44% of cases recorded in 2010 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in 25% of those cases. At the national level, Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are responsible for at least 13,000 fatalities annually.

Final Verdict

As long as the patient or guardian swaps the diapers frequently and practices good hygiene, adult diapers, in general, are safer for managing incontinence than catheters because the right fabric can stay comfortably over the patient’s body. More essentially, they also don’t cause UTIs.

So, whether you’re a caregiver seeking a suitable incontinence solution to handle a patient’s leakage or a patient dealing with bladder incontinence, we recommend that you forego catheters and use adult diapers instead. Safe, clean, and effective in managing incontinence, they are an excellent choice for most people worldwide.  

To get expert advice on which adult diaper is right for you, your condition, and your daily habits, feel free to contact our specialists anytime. 

How to Convince your Elderly Parent to Wear a Diaper

We grow up associating diapers with young children and never think we might need them later in life. In fact, not many know that there are diapers specially designed for adults. This is a touchy subject because not many adults are willing to accept that they need diapers.

So, what happens when your elderly parent needs to use adult diapers? How do you convince your parents that the best course of action is wearing diapers? This might sound like an impossible mission but it’s not as hard as you think. Besides, caregivers are trained to make people who need their help to understand why certain actions must be taken.

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How to Prevent Diaper Rashes While Using Adult Diapers

Diaper rash is an inflammation of the skin in the area of ​​the body that is covered with a diaper. Anyone who uses diapers or incontinence products can have a diaper rash, regardless of their age and gender. Although diaper rash is the most common skin infection in infants and young children but can occur at any age if you wear diapers. Adult diaper rash is commonly characterized by redness, swelling and irritation in the diaper area include genitalia, buttocks or thighs.

It is important to determine if skin irritation is mild or severe. This distinction is usually quite easy to make. One of the first signs of diaper rash is redness in the area usually covered by the diaper. In mild cases, it may be a faint redness while in severe cases you may see small red dots as well.

Here is what you can do to prevent diaper rashes or any other skin infection while using adult diaper:-

1. Use of super-absorbent diaper

Super absorbent disposable diapers are best suited to keep the skin dry. These diapers are made with super absorbent polymer, which makes the diapers able to absorb more liquid for a long period of time. However, experts say diapers need replacing six or seven times a day and immediately after bowel movements because urine enzymes and other fecal substances can irritate the skin.

Most of the diapers are made of plastic, which prevents the flow of air into the bottom area. As a result, urine and moisture become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi and often aggravate the situation of rash. You need to make sure that you use only natural, harmless and organic products. This way your skin will not be irritated or sore.

2. Practice frequent diaper changes

Do your best to keep your skin clean and dry. This means that wet or soiled diapers should be changed immediately. Your skin may become red and sensitive when exposed to moisture and chemicals in common diapers. Microorganism often goes into contact with diapers due to wetness and humid temperature inside the pants. Avoid this kind of problem and practice changing your diaper every 4-5 hours.

3. Apply anti-rash ointment or powder

Skin ointments increase the tolerance of your delicate skin. There are also some bathing soaps that do not contain alkali, which makes it suitable for your skin. Apply the cream on the affected area to treat diaper rash. Use the cream after each diaper change in areas prone to diaper dermatitis.

If you are not using a lotion or lubricating cream, then use medicated talcum powder and smooth out in your skin. Apply it daily or as needed to absorb moisture and sweat to avoid harsh diaper rash. You can also use wet wipes as they are hypoallergenic and do not irritate the skin; instead, they can help prevent diaper rash and other skin conditions.

4. Allow your skin to dry

An important step in treating diaper dermatitis is to keep the bottom area clean and dry. When you have finished cleaning your butt area, dry it before applying a thick layer of protective cream. Leave your skin without a diaper for a while to let the butt dry in the air. Give the diaper area plenty of fresh air. It is not always necessary to wear a diaper; you can remove it for 10-15 minutes. Other few things to keep in mind are:-

  • Avoid incontinence diaper with fragrance.
  • Clean your bottom front to back.
  • Do not rub your skin.
  • Gently clean your diaper area, never be harsh on yourself.

5. Ensure correct diaper size

An adult diaper should sit comfortably on the body. If the diapers are too small or too tight, they stick to the skin, which in turn can cause painful rashes. The tight size of diaper limits the flow of air in the perineum and creates a moist environment in which bacteria can grow. If the diapers are too wide or too loose, there may be holes that irritate the skin. Know your correct size by ordering free diapers first.

6. Get a dermatologist appointment

Patients with diaper rash are at risk of much more serious infections and skin problems. If the diaper rash does not disappear despite the above resolution, consult a doctor. Doctors usually diagnose diaper dermatitis by looking at the patient’s medical history and performing a physical examination.

Diaper rash may not seem like a big problem because it’s so common, but it can get a little tricky if proper care is not given. Therefore, consult your dermatologist, if the diaper rash persists for more than a week.

If shame prevents you from talking to your doctor about diaper rash, then you should know that millions of men and women face this problem every day. It is important to consult to doctor in order to reduce the chances of more complicated medical problems.

Conclusion

We can conclude from the above tips that diaper rash can be treated at home. A rash in the diaper area can be the result of many causes. It may be difficult to distinguish one type of rash from another, but appropriate treatments are readily available. The rash disappears when diapers are changed more frequently, the skin is washed and thoroughly cleaned, or when medicated ointments are applied to the skin.

How to Prevent Diaper Leakage at Night

As we get older, we often experience conditions of incontinence due to many factors, such as injuries that cause weakening of the pelvic muscles, women who have had a heavy vaginal birth and others. Some people also suffer from stress or gastrointestinal infections that cause an involuntary loss of urine when they sneeze, cough, or laugh. At night, the problem of bed-wetting become more prominent because of the position in which we sleep, causing a large amount of urine to leak out of diapers.

Incontinence can also affect people emotionally. The involuntary loss of urine can become so serious that they are afraid of leaving their homes, losing their social invitations and friends, and even losing their jobs.

To prevent leakage at night, you can try these following tips to get a good sleep without needing to worry:-

1. Switch diapers frequently
Urine is acidic, and can cause rashes if it remains in contact with the skin for a long time. It is important to understand that you may need to change diapers every three hours. Although sometimes people tend to ignore this, it is necessary to change your diaper if you feel a leakage at night. Keep in mind that delaying the change of a soiled diaper can cause rashes and skin irritation.

To sleep peacefully, switch diapers frequently and try different brands, to find one that is perfect for you.

2. Use extra-absorbent overnight diaper
If you are an extremely heavy wetter, especially at night, use diapers from trusted absorbent brands that can work for a long stretch – over night.

A diaper should be tight, but not to the point, that wearing them causes discomfort. If the layer is too large for the user, there may be gaps between the skin and the layer of the diaper, which can cause liquids to leak.

Also, use adult pull-ups if it is frustrating to change diaper from time to time. Pull-ups are amazing as they can hold more urine than other run of the mill diapers.

3. Limit fluid intake
Do not drink too much water or any other fluids just before you go to bed. Consuming fluids raise the need to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, which will only make your sleep worse. Do not limit liquids, but drink plain water. Some people are more likely to wet their bed at night after drinking sugary, carbonated, or caffeinated drinks.

4. Put a waterproof sheet on the bed
Use a reusable or even disposable mat to protect bedding. Place this layer of protection in between you and the sheets of your bed.

5. Wear correct size diaper
Resizing your diaper can make a significant difference to your comfort. However, first you must find the right products for your immediate and future needs. Always use better quality and superior absorbent substrate to keep bedding and other surfaces dry and safe. Instead of investing in disposable diapers, you can look for sturdy reusable products instead. These cloth diapers are available in many shapes and sizes and are a good way to prevent diaper leakage in adults.

If there are any leaks, you may need to get yourself a diaper in a different size. Red marks on your skin may indicate that the size of your current diaper is small, while spaces or gaps indicate that the one you have on is larger than what you need. A wrong size diaper is the most common reason for leaks.

6. Escalate pelvic floor muscle capacity
Pelvic floor muscle exercises help you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. If you do not know how to do pelvic floor muscle exercises correctly, there are videos online that would help you understand the basics. You can perform a simple search on Google or YouTube to locate videos discretely. Kegel exercises are the best ways to improve and maintain bowel and bladder function. Both men and women can perform these exercises to increase the strength of their pelvic floor and improve or even eliminate urinary incontinence.

7. Sleep in a comfortable position
Sleeping on your tummy, may cause stress on the urinary bladder, causing urine to leak, especially at night. Finding a solution to nocturnal urinary incontinence may take some time. Working on your sleeping position, can help you to protect yourself from urine leaks.

8. Go frequently before bedtime
If you wake up several times at night to urinate, this may indicate a more serious health problem. Consumption of an ample amount of liquids before going to bed can aggravate incontinence and cause leaks. Putting off going to the washroom especially just before sleep means that you cause your bladder to holding pee for a long time. This regularly can cause bladder muscles to weaken. Make it a habit to visit the bathroom as frequently as needed, especially before bedtime to relax your bladder. Do not use the phone or work just before you sleep, instead take a minute to visit the washroom before falling asleep.

Is it important to look out for other symptoms carefully?

People who face leakage at night are obviously suffering from incontinence or some kind of bladder issue. However, understanding the kind of incontinence they face is an actual question. The answer will provide them and their family doctor with information to understand and arrive at a good cure.

If you only focus on treatments of let us say overactive bladder, you will only focus on the bladder, not the kidneys. However, the fact remains that both organs are affected by incontinence in some way.

If you experience less severe symptoms, wait for a while and try out some of the suggestions discussed above to see if the problem disappears automatically. However, if the leakage does not stop despite several efforts, visit a doctor to get the best possible treatment.

How to Manage Dry Skin While Wearing Adult Diapers

Diaper Rash

Every person who ever used a diaper has faced dryness and other kinds of skin irritations at least once in their life. Dryness occurs due to moisture in the diaper and sometimes due to germs and unsanitary conditions.

People should take care of their skin before and after wearing a diaper. They should choose the right type of adult diaper according to their needs.

Diaper dermatitis like diaper rash and bacterial infections are also caused by wet or dirty diapers. It occurs when urine or feces in the diaper irritate the skin and make it dry and red.

Wearing diapers may be the simplest and easiest option, but sometimes it can be difficult for your sensitive and tender skin. One of the most observed difficulties is dry and itchy skin in adults. To avoid such skin issues, one needs to follow certain tips to manage dry skin and remain cool and comfortable. Here are some tips to manage dry skin:

Wear breathable clothes

Wear loose cotton fabrics while exercising. Sweating can lead to outbreaks of dryness and itching. Therefore, wearing a breathable fabric like cotton can help minimize this. Showering immediately after training can prevent skin irritation.

Also, keep your diaper size in mind; it sometimes varies from brand to brand. Choose a diaper from a brand that fits you perfectly i.e., ensure that the diaper you wear is neither too tight nor too loose. Your clothes should also be light and airy to prevent feeling unwanted pressure all the time.

Do not wear excess clothes if not necessary. Keep your skin cool by wearing light and loose cotton clothes, especially in hot and humid climates. Humidity also makes the skin dry.

Do not use scented diapers

Most skin irritation occurs when you continue to wear a dirty or scented diaper for too long. These kinds of diapers can be harsh and are more likely to cause the skin to dry out. The chemicals in a scented diaper can even cause harm when they react with your body sweat. This is usually one of the reasons for diaper rash.

Use a lotion or coconut oil

Many people use a lotion to lubricate the skin in their private areas to protect their bottom from dryness and rashes. However, lotions may not suit every type of skin. Coconut oil is suitable for all kinds of skin types and helps to moisturize the skin. You can also use diaper ointments that your doctor prescribes.

Apply mild or medicated cleansers and washers. This helps to moisturize the skin exposed to a diaper. Do not use fancy soaps and body gels.

Check the material of your diaper

Sometimes the material used to make a diaper can be the reason for skin dryness. There are wide varieties of diaper fabrics from which to choose. Most doctors recommend the use of cotton or cloth pads. Diapers made of plastics are a big NO for patients who suffer with dry skin.

Dryness also happens due to leaks, so always choose a diaper that provides the best absorbency. Patients should choose a diaper that provides the level of absorption that is appropriate to manage their urinary habits. If a person empties their bladder in large quantities, it is advisable to choose a super-absorbent alternative or adult diapers that they can wear for the whole night. The super absorbent varieties available on the market can absorb almost 8 to 10 cups of liquid.

Change diapers frequently

We understand that dry and itchy skin can be frustrating and difficult to get rid of. However, do not try to scratch too much and change your diapers as soon as it gets wet. It is important to keep your skin away from wetness in order to prevent dryness and itches.

In between diaper changes, let your skin air out (in normal room temperature) rather than wearing another diapers quickly.

If possible, try to remain without a diaper 3 to 4 times a day. When you keep your skin exposed to open air for a while it helps you feel better and rashes to heal faster.

Maintain personal hygiene

Bathing twice a day is the best option to avoid irritation and dryness. A balanced diet and regular exercise strengthen the immune system and help fight germs. Avoid allergic reactions by avoiding things that cause allergies.

It is also essential to drink an ample amount of water. Staying well hydrated prevents the growth of bacteria.

Do not share the creams and ointments you use with others, not even with your siblings or spouse. Do not touch the affected skin and put your fingers back into the ointment tube. Use another finger if you need more ointment.

Use wet wipes

Wipes create a protective barrier that can prevent irritants from aggravating dry skin. It also blocks moisture, calms, and soothes the skin. Use wet wipes after you defecate because rashes are found around the anus more often.

You can also use wet cotton balls, as they come in handy and serve the same purpose. Also, make a note of whether your skin appears red after using wet wipes. It you see redness stop using the wet wipe immediately. This redness may be caused due to a reaction on your skin. There are some alternatives for wet wipes, these include ultra-thin towel that have been soaked in clean warm water.

Call your doctor

Although dry and itchy skin is not a serious problem, a doctor can examine a persistent skin condition that occurs due to wearing a diaper. A person with dry skin can use some home remedies and consult a doctor afterwards if the remedies do not work or the result gets worse.

It is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist for a correct diagnosis. A complete diagnosis involves a physical examination because the doctor must know the condition of your skin in order to treat any problems with it.

Bottom line

Dry skin is not a medical problem but it can be frustrating, especially for people who work outside. In order to avoid potential long-term health problems, it is best to set aside the shame and determine the cause of the dryness so that adequate treatment can be provided.

8 Ways to Tell it’s Time to Transition to a Tab-Style Diaper

The inability to control an involuntary leakage of urine can be embarrassing. People who suffer from urinary incontinence know exactly what this feels like. Dealing with incontinence while coping with the challenges of day to day life can be difficult. Incontinence products, like easy to use adult pull up diapers and tab style briefs are a boon, coming to the rescue of incontinent patients. They help keep the patient dry and comfortable through the day and at night as well.

one? Are you looking for information about how each of these incontinence products differs from one another? Or are you looking for a solution that would help you or a loved one manage incontinence?

Let’s have a look at two popular kinds of incontinence products, adult pull up diapers and tab style briefs:

  • Adult Briefs or Tab-Style Diapers are comfortable fitting briefs that come with adjustable tabs that you can use to fasten the diaper. They sit around the waist and have comfortable leg openings. They are designed to prevent the leakage of urine. A caregiver doesn’t even have to remove clothes to change the tab style adult diapers.
  • Pull Up Style Diapers or Underwear-Style Diapers are disposable underwear that are thinner than tab-style diapers. These are preferred for managing light incontinence issues. They look and function like regular underpants, and are easy to put on as well as remove.

Tab-Style Diaper

Choosing which adult diaper to use can be tricky. If you are a caregiver, things can become uncomfortable because you may be tending to an adult who might not feel okay discussing about their issues with you openly. Hence, the more knowledge you gain about diapers for adults, the better for you and your loved one.

It is important for you to know that using incontinence products is a dynamic process. You require a lot of patience and testing to find out what works best for your loved one.

Suppose you are tending to a loved one who has been using adult underwear-style diapers and has been pretty comfortable using them. However, lately, you have noticed signs of discomfort or the problem of incontinence has increased with age. You need to know when to make the transition from pull up style diapers to comfortable fitting tab-style ones.

So, what are the signs you need to look out for? We’ve got you covered!

Signs that show you may need to make the Transition to a Tab-Style Diaper

There are times when nothing works like a fitted brief! Their soft cloth or poly material-made waterproof backing keeps your loved one dry and comfortable. Also, they sit on the waist and the leg openings fit so perfectly that nothing ever has a chance of leaking.

One can use them:

1. To prevent leakage especially while sleeping on one’s side

While wearing adult diapers and sleeping on one’s side, one may notice leakage through the leg openings. These leaks can cause the patients to feel uncomfortable, and can cause the patient’s undergarments, clothes and bed to get wet. These are events that should not be ignored. The patient needs a stronger protection against leakage. Tab-style diapers can come in handy at such times.

These diapers come with adjustable tabs that can help to give the patient a better fitting. So, a fitted brief is better than pull up diapers for adults when you need stronger anti-leakage protection!

2. If they experience bowel incontinence

Like urinary incontinence, some people also suffer from bowel incontinence. The leaking of faecal waste can cause strong odours, causing discomfort to both the patient and for others. Using adult pull up diapers to trap strong odours might not work as they are not designed for that purpose.

However, the tab-style diapers come with a back-sheet which locks in odours and keeps adults with such incontinence issues safe and free from embarrassment.

3. If they suffer from heavy incontinence

Adult tab-style diapers are generally thicker than underwear styles and are therefore, more absorbent in nature. If one is suffering from heavier incontinence, no matter whether it is urinary or bowel, they can consider using the fitted tab-style briefs. Tab-style briefs provide more protection and hence, a patient using them will be safe at all times.

4. As they are very easy to change

Tab-style briefs for adults can be worn and taken off with zero effort. How? Without even taking off clothes or pants! Yes! You read that right. Patient who use tab-style briefs are able to fight their incontinence troubles more efficiently and confidently. They can even change their diapers by themselves, even at public places, without any hassles.

5. At times a patient may require assistance

Due to their age or medical conditions, some patients may require assistance from a caregiver to change their adult diapers. They can either have trouble getting out of bed, be suffering from serious ailments or other problems. Tab-style diapers put and remove by a caregiver easily without removing cloth, and hence, are preferable in such conditions.

6. If they are always on the go

Does your busy lifestyle have you worrying about changing your diapers? With the tab-style diapers, you would not have to think twice. Since they are easy to use, very absorbent and easy to change, they will keep you dry and comfortable all day long. You can even change them at public restrooms easily.

7. In case of usage of medical products

There are certain medical products, for example, catheters and feeding tubes, the use of which may hinder or prevent the proper fitting of pull up style diapers. However, fitted tab style briefs can comfortably go around or across them, thanks to the adjustable tabs.

Moreover, these tabs can be of different types. Some designs have breathable sides, some have straps, and some have loop closures, and more. So, you can choose the best type depending upon your body type and situation you wish to manage while wearing them. In any case, tab style briefs score more than the pull up adult diapers.

8. If there is an increase in discomfort

You know change is constant. So, at times, one might feel that they aren’t comfortable wearing pull up style diapers for adults. There could be a number of reasons for this discomfort – leakages, irritations, rubbing and scratching in the stomach, waist, groin area or more.

Hence, we need to pay attention to the signs and realise when it’s time to make the transition from the pull up style brief to a tab style brief. We cannot let pain and discomfort continue. Can we?

Conclusion

Managing incontinence is not easy. However, just so one knows, both adult pull up diapers and tab-style diapers, are available for use to make one’s journey easier. And it’s okay to not stick to one kind of product for the entire journey.

Adult diapers are designed to keep one dry, safe, comfortable while giving them full freedom to do all the things that they love.

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.

Seven Ways to Treat Diaper Rash

Diaper rash develop when skin in the diaper-covered region remains wet and warm for long durations. These rashes appear like red spots that can grow to become blisters when not attended to as soon as possible. It is upon caregivers to ensure that they do not occur at all or are not too severe on the skin of people under their care.

Understanding the causes of diaper rash will help you treat them when the need arises. Diaper rash are a result or irritation that can arise from contact with urine and stool. New products that are not compatible with your skin will cause a rash. A sensitive skin will also develop a rash easily. Using diapers that are too tight or that are tightened too much while wearing them can also cause these rashes to occur. So how can you prevent diaper rash from occurring? Lets’ find out.

Ways to Treat a Diaper Rash:-

1. Buy Quality Diapers

Incontinence products are made of different quality. The quality of the product you use determines how well it handles urine. Luckily, there are high-quality diapers that are designed to provide wearers with maximum dryness while wearing them. They come with improved technology that allows them to absorb more urine without breaking. These high-quality products are designed to ensure that they do not irritate the skin. A high-quality product can irritate the skin if it is made using alcohol-related ingredients, especially if your body is sensitive to alcohol.

Read reviews of adult incontinence products before buying them. These reviews come from other clients who have already used these products. Their reviews will give you an idea of how well the product reacted with their skin, the cost, and absorbency provided by the product, and other factors. With quality diapers, you will avoid incontinence and rash.

2. Consider the Skin Type

Diapers are manufactured for different skin types. There are diapers for sensitive skins, normal skin, dry and oily skin. Each incontinence product will have a label that provides information to guide users. By buying a diaper that is meant for the type of skin of the wearer, you can avoid rashes or negative reactions.

People with normal and dry skin might not have a big problem with rashes. This is because their skins do not present the right condition for the development of rashes. However, oily and sensitive skins are vulnerable and therefore require more care. Sensitive skin can bruise easily and therefore is at a higher risk of developing rashes. Oily skin, on the other hand, presents a moist surface for the rashes to develop. Therefore, you should ensure to use products that are suitable for the type of skin of the wearer.

3. Change Diapers Often

Do not wear a diaper for too long after it is soiled. Rashes result from urine and stool that stay in contact with the skin for too long. By changing diapers often, this combination of urine and fecal material will not leave rashes on the skin. Changing the diapers often requires that you understand the soiling patterns of the wearer. This routine ensures that at no point will the wearer experience prolonged wetness. Even the best adult diapers can cause wetness if they are left too long on the body.

Frequent changes also help to relieve the wearer of stress. The person will not experience episodes of prolonged wetness. As a result, he or she will be comfortable in the diapers and not have to worry about wetness or their incontinent condition.

4. Right Diaper Size

Choose the right adult diaper sizes. Adult diapers are classified in the same way as cloths. There are small, medium, large and extra-large sizes. Measure the waist of the wearer to avoid buying diapers that are too tight or too loose. The size of a diaper is a sensitive issue because it can change several times in a short span. Health conditions and prevailing environment causes people to lose and add weight. It means that the size that fits today might not fit in the future.

As a result, you may need to change the sizes in the future. Diapers should not be too loose or too tight. Loose diapers will generate friction where it makes contact with the body to the point of leaving bruises. If the diaper is too tight, it will also make the skin uncomfortable, resulting in rashes. The wearer must be comfortable in the diaper. Take the size of the waste regularly and adjust the diaper size accordingly.

5. Use Creams and Jellies

Medicated creams and jellies can help you deal with rashes that are caused by prolonged use of diapers. They are used to soften the skin and therefore preventing lacerations. These lacerations can open up and form wounds. These creams are also used to cover small wounds so that they do not extend into rashes. These creams form a barrier between the diaper and skin so that friction does not cause a problem. In the absence of creams and jellies, the skin will be too dry and could crack to form rashes. You must use approved skin products for diaper rashes. Some products could react negatively with your skin causing more rashes. To be on the safe side consider your skin type when buying specific jellies and creams.

6. Allow the Wearer to Relax Without a Diaper

People with incontinence should be allowed to stay without diapers for a while. This allows the skin to breathe and dry up before the next phase of using a diaper. In case the skin has gotten soaked in urine or moisture, it will have time to dry up. A time to relax without a diaper helps the wearer feel natural and comfortable. It has a psychological advantage because the person begins to feel that he or she is not helpless and can stay without a diaper. This is important for good mental health. Studying the routine of soiling will allow you to know the perfect time for such a break.

7. Visit a Physician

A physician can provide the best solution for rashes. The causes of the rash will differ from one person to the other. A physician can help you by diagnosing the real cause of the rash and by recommending safe solutions.

Each diaper rash situation is unique. You must gather the facts around each case in order to find an effective solution. It is necessary to seek help from a professional if a rash proves to be stubborn.