Incontinence & Overactive Bladder Health Center
Related to Incontinence & Overactive Bladder (OAB)
Skin and Wound Care
Treatments for Incontinence & Overactive Bladder (OAB)
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Incontinence and Good Skin Care

Men and woman with urinary or fecal (bowel) incontinence are often at risk for skin rashes and skin break- down. Urine is irritating to the skin and can quickly damage the tissues underneath. Practicing good skin care habits are critical to preventing skin from breaking down.
Tips for Good Skin Care
  • Look at your skin on a daily basis to monitor for reddened or soft areas.
  • Wash your skin on a daily basis with a gentle soap or cleansing agent, such as peri-solution right after your urinary incontinence episode. Pat dry or air dry following cleansing the skin.
  • Choose your absorbent product carefully. Try samples of products first so you find the right quality incontinence product that will keep urine away from the skin. You can get free samples of Woodbury Health Products.
  • Make sure your incontinence product is not too tight or rubbing against the skin and irritating it.
  • Change your absorbent product as soon as they become wet or soiled.
  • Choose skin moisturizers and skin barrier products to help protect your skin when you do have an incontinence episode.
  • Clean the skin and perineal area right after incontinence occurs. Perineal washes are convenient, save time and work well to remove urine.
  • Take a sitz bath for thorough cleansing of the perineal area.
  • Call your healthcare provider if the skin appears to be pink, bright red, burned, irritated or chafed.
  • Avoid using powders that will cake and trap moisture in skin folds leading to yeast infections.
  • If the person is confined to bed, be sure to turn them frequently to avoid pressure sores.
  • Keep bedding clean and free of lumps or wrinkles. Wrinkled sheets can cause irritation and friction against the skin.
  • Consider buying an air mattress or an egg-crate mattress to cushion the bed, which will reduce pressure on skin.