Adult diapers, also known as incontinence briefs, are necessary for individuals with incontinence. These products are top-rated among senior citizens, a demographic noted for its high prevalence of age-related urinary incontinence.
High-quality incontinence briefs from trusted brands are exceptionally effective at soaking up urinary and bowel fluids due to their thick absorbency layers. Such diapers allow you to pursue an active lifestyle without worrying about having bathroom accidents.
But despite their efficacy, wearing adult diapers comes with inherent challenges. One such problem is increased susceptibility to adult diaper rash.
In this blog, we shall unpack what adult diaper rash is and highlight the most prevalent types of rashes caused by incontinence briefs.
What Is An Adult Diaper Rash?
An adult diaper rash is precisely what the name implies – a skin rash associated with wearing incontinence briefs. Besides, adult diaper rash is also known as diaper dermatitis. It typically presents as allergic reactions in the diaper area.
Symptoms may vary from one individual to another, although nearly all cases produce irritation, redness, and discomfort.
What Causes Adult Diaper Rash?
The causes and symptoms of adult diaper rash are more or less similar to those of baby diaper rash. The condition generally results from skin wetness due to prolonged contact with the chemicals in urinary or bowel fluids.
Note that both urine and stool contain potentially toxic compounds, including ammonia. Extended exposure to such chemicals might cause allergic reactions on the skin. That underscores the significance of changing diapers regularly.
Adult diaper rash could also share a cause-effect relationship with certain fungal or yeast infections.
In other words, extended skin wetness may provide a breeding ground for fungal infections, exacerbating the symptoms of adult diaper rash.
Similarly, a preexisting fungal infection may diminish the skin’s immunity in direct contact with adult diapers, making the area more susceptible to adult diaper rash.
What Are The Types Of Adult Diaper Rash?
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Irritant Diaper Rash
Irritant adult diaper rash, also known as irritant dermatitis, is the most commonly reported type. The condition results from prolonged exposure to irritating chemicals in urine and stool.
Irritant dermatitis typically produces pinkish or reddish patches on the diaper area. The rash mainly affects the groin folds, as these are the areas of the skin in direct contact with urinary and bowel discharge.
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Allergy Diaper Rash
Nearly all adult diaper wearers are allergic to specific chemicals in these products. However, people with sensitive and dry skin types usually display higher levels of sensitivity.
Common diaper ingredients known to be problematic include elastics, dyes, fragrances, and preservatives. Avoid parabens, phthalates, and sulfates especially.
Note that the risks of adult diaper rash increase with sensitivity to chemicals in the product. Therefore, it’s prudent to test-drive a diaper brand before committing fully to it.
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Yeast Diaper Rash
Yeast infection is a skin condition resulting from the overgrowth of a fungus that naturally inhabits the digestive tract. This fungus is an essential part of the gut microbiota. But if certain biological conditions cause it to grow beyond healthy levels, it can present a rash on the skin.
Symptoms of yeast adult diaper rash include brilliant red or pinkish patches marked by sharp edges on the diaper area. The rash may burst into sores and ooze blood or discharge.
Yeast rash mainly affects the groin folds. While not directly an adult diaper problem, this infection usually worsens with prolonged diaper use.
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Bacterial Diaper Rash
Bacterial adult diaper rash, or impetigo, is the rarest form of diaper dermatitis. However, it can still occur if the conditions are right.
Numerous bacteria can trigger bacterial adult diaper rash or worsen an existing rash. Common ones include staph and strep.
Bacterial rash mainly affects the skin around the anus or vagina (for women). Look out for bright red patches, yellow crusting, or pimples.
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Inflammation Diaper Rash
The skin can develop inflammation due to physical injuries or chronic diseases like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Inflamed areas on the skin are usually more sensitive to contact. Wearing snugly fitting adult diapers on already sensitive skin can trigger an adult diaper rash or worsen an existing one.
NOTE: Many rare but more severe inflammatory skin conditions may mimic or exacerbate an adult diaper rash. These include seborrheic dermatitis, marked by the overproduction of sebum, and acrodermatitis enteropathica – a genetic condition characterized by zinc deficiency.
What Are The Symptoms Of Adult Diaper Rash?
Adult diaper rash can present a range of symptoms, depending on the type and cause. Some of the tell-tale signs of diaper dermatitis include;
- Red or pink patches on the skin
- Skin irritation, marked by a burning or itching sensation
- Inflamed or burnt-looking patches
- Skin lesions
- Small bumps or pimples
Diaper dermatitis is common in the areas directly in contact with a diaper. These include upper thighs, genitalia, and buttocks. But depending on the cause, the rash may extend to adjacent areas, such as the hip and lower thigh.
Without urgent interventions, adult diaper rash can cause pain and tenderness in the affected area. Any bumps produced may burst and ooze pus or blood. Symptoms like fatigue, fever, and generalized body pain could eventually set in, indicating that the situation has become dire.
What’s The Right Way to Treat Adult Diaper Rash?
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Choose high-quality brands
Wearing cheap incontinence briefs only increases exposure to the common toxins in adult diapers. If you suffer allergic reactions when using certain adult diaper brands, it’s time to switch to premium-quality diapers formulated from dermatologically certified ingredients.
In the same vein, choose properly sized diapers made from highly absorbent and breathable materials. Studies indicate that using breathable diapers may lower the risks of diaper dermatitis by up to 62% in adults.
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Practice proper diaper hygiene.
Proper diaper hygiene starts with regular diaper changes. While you can wear an incontinence brief for several hours before it gets soiled in pee, changing the diaper after each bowel movement is wise.
Be sure to also wash your genitalia properly when bathing and after each diaper change, using lukewarm water and hypoallergenic cleaners. Then, rinse the soap and pat dry the area with a towel.
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Create a Barrier
Applying cream or ointment to create a barrier between your skin and the diaper is another effective adult diaper treatment method.
You may use plenty of home remedies instead of store-bought creams, including regular toothpaste. Just ensure the product is free from irritants.
Summary
Ultimately, adult diaper rash can cause unbearable discomfort while it lasts. But it’s great to know you can implement numerous tips to manage the condition. Consequently, explore your options and consult your healthcare provider for a more comprehensive treatment and course of action.