Autumn is already here which means winter is coming. During this season of fluffy snow, crisp chill, and comforting food, individuals suffering from incontinence must keep an extra-close eye on their skincare. 

Those who care for people with incontinence should also keep these winter skincare methods in-mind. In this article, you will read tips on improving your patient’s winter skincare routine, as well as about products that will help them live a normal life. 

Hydrate Inside and Out 

When the weather outside becomes cold and dreary, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate invite us to slip into their comforts.  

These winter beverages do little harm if consumed in moderation. However, they can contribute to dehydration if not consumed with enough water. In individuals with UI, both dehydration and caffeine can exacerbate urge incontinence, as well as little leaks^1,2. Make regular hydration part of your winter incontinence care plan by encouraging your patient to drink at least 1.5 litres of water per day. 

On one hand, drinking water helps but there are additional solutions you can use to take even enhanced care of your patient’s skin. Cold, dry conditions leave incontinence patients especially vulnerable to dermatitis as well as other, more serious bacterial infections³. 

Apply a gentle lotion or gel to the patient’s skin immediately after a shower or bath. If you live in a region where the air becomes dry during winter, consider using a humidifier⁴. Both will help replace the skin moisture lost during the cleaning process, as well as provide a barrier against urine.  

Cool it with the Hot Water 

There’s nothing like a nice, hot shower or bath during a cold, dry winter day. The heat loosens tight muscles, the steam soothes dry sinuses, and scented soaps make the icy season just a bit more bearable. 

Though hot water has its advantages do note that it can break down the skin’s natural oils, which can contributes to itchiness and dryness⁵. For individuals with incontinence, this breakdown leaves the skin vulnerable to urinary and faecal bacteria⁶. 

When practising incontinence skincare this winter, bathe your patient with warm or tepid water. Keep baths and showers under ten minutes to help the skin retain maximum moisture. 

Smell little, Smooth a lot

For people with incontinence, a winter skincare routine involves frequent bathing, cleansing, and moisturising.  

Many household body cleansers are not completely hypoallergenic, which means they contain preservatives that could cause an allergic reaction⁷.  

When caring for someone with incontinence this winter, choose the best hypoallergenic soaps, wipes, and barrier creams on the market. More traditional selections like iD Care Cleansing Foam and iD Care Cleansing Milk offer soap-free, minimal-rinse ways to sanitize and moisturize regions that need frequent cleaning. iD Care Wet Wipes leave the skin feeling refreshed anywhere and anytime, including during late-night holiday dinners. And when the washing is done, turn to iD Care Moisturizing Body Milk and iD Care Zinc Oxide Ointment to provide extra barriers against dryness and infection.  

---

[1] N. N. Maserejian, C. G. Wager, E. L. Giovannucci, T. M. Curto, K. T. McVary, & J. B. McKinlay. “Intake of Caffeinated, Carbonated, or Citrus Beverage Types and Development of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men and Women.” American Journal of Epidemiology, 2013. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3676152/

[2] « The Importance of Hydration. » Bladder and Bowel, n.d. Source: https://www.bladderandbowel.org/news/importance-of-hydration/

[3] N. Silver & D. Sullivan. “What Is Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis and How Is It Treated?” Healthline, 30 mars. 2017. Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/overactive-bladder/incontinence-associated-dermatitis

[4] K. Liu. “Banishing Dry Winter Skin.” Harvard Health Blog, 14 mars 2019. Source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/banishing-dry-winter-skin-2019031416142

[5] E. McKenzie. “Hot Showers Can Dry Out Your Skin.” University of Utah Health Minute, 30 avril 2019. Source: https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_8qzmzdxl

[6] “Skin Care and Incontinence.” Medline Plus, n.d. Source: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003976.htm

[7]“There’s a Preservative That Can Give You An Awful, Itchy Rash – And It’s Probably In Your Bathroom.” Consumer Reports, 20 juillet 2015. Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/consumerist/theres-a-preservative-that-can-give-you-an-awful-painful-rash-and-its-probably-in-your-bathroom/