Incontinence Skin Care: A Look at Barrier Creams

Managing incontinence can be a challenging and delicate task. Aside from the need to use the restroom more often, there is the issue of skin irritation that typically comes with this condition. Fortunately, there are skin products that can help with this.

However, choosing the right skincare products for your needs is essential in maintaining your overall well-being, comfort, and confidence. Delve into this post about barrier creams to learn why they’re crucial for incontinence skin care, how to determine the best barrier cream, and where to get these products.

Why Skin Protection Is Important

As the body’s largest organ, the skin is a protective barrier against external factors such as bacteria, pollutants, and temperature changes. However, people dealing with incontinence will likely expose their skin to bodily fluids that can cause irritation, inflammation, and even infection. Prolonged exposure to these waste materials compromises the skin’s integrity, making it more susceptible to damage.

This is where barrier creams come in to assist. They act as a shield, forming a protective layer on the skin to keep out moisture and irritants. By using an effective barrier cream, those suffering from incontinence can significantly reduce the risk of skin breakdown, rashes, and infection, significantly improving their quality of life.

How To Determine Which Barrier Cream Is Best

Selecting the right barrier cream depends on a range of factors, including the severity of incontinence, the individual’s skin type, and specific sensitivities or allergies. Consider the following as you determine the best barrier cream:

1. Ingredients: A good barrier cream should contain key ingredients that promote skin protection and healing. Look for creams with ingredients such as zinc oxide, petrolatum, silicone, or dimethicone, which can create a strong barrier against irritants.
2. Skin Type: As with any skin care product, it is essential to take your skin type into account. If you have sensitive skin, opt for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free barrier creams to minimize irritation.
3. Consistency: A proper barrier cream should have the right balance of thickness and ease of application. It should be thick enough to create a durable barrier yet easy to apply and remove without causing further irritation.
4. Recommendations: Consult with your healthcare professional for recommendations tailored to your specific needs. They can help you determine the most suitable barrier cream based on your incontinence severity, skin type, and personal preferences.

Which Options Are Available To You

While your doctor will have some good insight into which barrier cream you should use, it never hurts to know your options. In this section of our look into barrier creams for your incontinence skin care, we’ll cover popular options on the market to give you an idea of what might work.

Vaseline: A Well-Known Solution

Vaseline is a popular, affordable option for incontinence skin care. It is a petroleum-based jelly that provides an effective barrier on the skin, protecting it from moisture and other irritants. The occlusive nature of Vaseline helps to seal in moisture and prevent dryness. Additionally, it is gentle on the skin, making it a suitable choice for many people in need of barrier protection.

A&D Ointment: A Dual-Purpose Product

A&D Ointment is a well-established product that provides both skin protection and treatment in one. Containing both petrolatum and lanolin, it forms a protective barrier on the skin, while vitamins A and D promote the healing of irritated and damaged skin. This dual approach makes A&D Ointment a versatile option for those seeking incontinence skin care solutions.

Cavilon: Long-Lasting Protection

Cavilon is a silicone-based, no-sting barrier film that offers long-lasting protection. Its unique formula is easy to apply and doesn’t cause any discomfort, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin. It provides up to 72 hours of protection, which means fewer applications and less hassle for those in need of effective incontinence skin care.

Aloe Vesta: Soothing and Nourishing

Aloe Vesta is a highly regarded cream due to its use of aloe vera, a potent plant extract known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. This cream combines aloe vera with other moisturizers and emollients to create a protective, nourishing barrier on the skin. Aloe Vesta is an ideal choice for those who want a gentle, yet effective approach to incontinence-focused skin care.

Lantiseptic: A Heavy-Duty Cream

Lantiseptic is a versatile, heavy-duty cream that uses lanolin to provide a high level of skin protection. Its thick texture adheres well to skin, offering long-lasting moisture protection and soothing relief. This cream is also effective in treating minor cuts, burns, and other skin irritations, making it a powerful ally in incontinence skin care.

Calazime: Odor-Fighting Properties

Calazime is a zinc oxide-based barrier cream that adds a unique odor-fighting component. Zinc oxide can absorb moisture, reduce redness, and protect skin from irritants. By adding menthol, Calazime delivers a fresh, clean feeling to those who have incontinence.

Aquaphor: A Gentle, Effective Moisturizer

Aquaphor is a gentle skincare solution that excels at hydrating and healing the skin. It is a petrolatum-based ointment that creates a protective barrier, locking in moisture and promoting healthy skin. Because it is gentle on sensitive skin and fragrance-free, Aquaphor is a suitable skin care option for many individuals with incontinence symptoms.

Sensi-Care: Sensitive Skin Solution

Sensi-Care is an effective incontinence skin care product free from fragrances, dyes, and preservatives, making it perfect for sensitive skin. It is a rich zinc oxide cream that protects and soothes irritated skin with its blend of natural botanicals. For those requiring gentle but effective incontinence skin care, Sensi-Care offers an ideal solution.

iLex: A Medical-Grade Option

iLex is a medical-grade skin protectant designed to adhere to damaged and irritated skin. It is a water-based, non-greasy cream that forms a protective barrier, helping to relieve pain and promote healing of skin abrasions, ulcers, and other wounds. iLex is an ideal option for those in need of advanced in-home incontinence skin care.

Where To Get Your Barrier Creams

Generally, you can find some of the barrier creams in this list from any local store with medical and hygiene supplies. However, if you want to ensure you get the best quality barrier creams available, you need a place specializing in incontinence-focused products. Luckily, you’re already in the right place for that.

Here at My Care Supplies, we have everything you could ever need to handle your incontinence symptoms. In this case, we have a wide selection of incontinence skin care products for you to choose from. Take the time to search through our online store to find the barrier cream that works best for you. Once you’ve placed your order, we’ll have it shipped out to you as soon as possible.