Adult diapers are the simplest and the most convenient way to deal with the involuntary release of urine or loss of bowel control. So, when you are suffering from incontinence, you have to buy adult diapers to stay comfortable and lead a stress-free life. Often, you have to use them all day long and even during the entire night to stay dry and prevent leaks. And sometimes you also have to suffer from rashes caused due to their constant use. But it is not the adult diapers for men and women to blame here but our carelessness. We fail to maintain optimum hygiene or ignore the correct way to use them, leading to the development of itchy and painful diaper rashes. But they can very well be prevented with some care and if you do counter them anyway, you can also take some steps to heal them naturally at home.

Let us learn in-depth about this today.

Symptoms of Adult Diaper Rash

Adult diaper rashes can most commonly be observed on the skin area which remains covered by diapers. These prominently include your inner thighs, genitals and buttock regions. The common symptoms of diaper rashes in adults can be seen as follows:

• Angry red spots
• Inflamed warm skin
• Skin peeling
• Unusually tender skin
• Pain on touching the affected area
• Itching and irritation

Causes of Adult Diaper Rashes

There are some very important but simple ways that you can prevent adult diaper rash from developing. Some of them are given below:

Incorrect Size

The first and foremost thing to do to prevent rashes is to buy adult diapers correctly. Whether you are shopping for them at your local chemist or online, always make sure to buy the correct size of diaper that fits well. A diaper that’s too tight can irritate the skin while on the other hand, a diaper that’s too loose can cause liquid to pool, again, irritating the skin.

Harmful Ingredients

If your diaper has any inflammatory for skin irritating ingredients such as certain chemicals like SLS or Paraben, any artificial fragrances, dyes or bleach, then they can irritate your skin. It is especially problematic for those individuals who have sensitive skin.

Harsh Material

Those adult pant-style diapers which are rough on the skin or are discomforting in any way can constantly pinch on the skin causing rashes. Hence, you must always look for diapers which have a soft and cottony top layer which is gentle on the skin.

Faulty Absorption

While buying diapers you must always look for highly absorbent ones which can soak up enough fluid as per your requirement. However, it doesn’t just end at that. You must also take care to buy adult diapers which can also swiftly absorb the liquid as if urine remains in contact with your skin for long, it can cause inflammation.

Constant Use

If you wear diapers all the time without letting your skin breathe between the changes then you risk higher chances of developing rashes. This is because over time some moisture can seep out of the diaper and cause rashes to develop as a result of bacterial growth. Hence, it would be ideal to give yourself a break here and there from disposable adult diapers for men and women, and instead either use regular underwear or cloth diapers for some time.

Delayed Diaper Change

If you are in the habit of keeping on wearing the same soiled diaper for long hours then too, moisture can seep out from the potentially full diaper and cause rashes. If you also suffer from bowel incontinence then it is even more crucial to change your diaper immediately once you pass stool in it as the acids and bacteria from the solid waste can come in contact with the skin, causing its inflammation. So, you must always change your diaper regularly, preferably after every 5-6 hours of use, and in case of bowel incontinence, asap.

Preventing and Treating Adult Diaper Rashes

Here are some things you can do to prevent and treat adult diaper rashes.

 

• Avoid wearing the same diaper for too long and change them regularly.
• Change your diaper immediately once you experience an episode of bowel incontinence in it.
• Keep your diaper area clean and dry.
• Use petroleum jelly over the diaper area to create a barrier and keep the moisture away from it.
• Let fresh air on the affected area for 10-15 minutes every time after removing a soiled diaper to soothe the affected area and promote healing.
• Wear comfortable loose clothing.
• Size up your diaper if it is too tight.
• Use diaper rash creams or ointments before putting on a fresh diaper to heal the rashes.
• Maintain optimum hygiene with the use of fragrance-free gentle cleanser during baths.

Conclusion

Preventing diaper rashes in adults is not so difficult. You just have to take care to buy adult diapers keeping in mind the points we discussed above and maintain good hygiene.