PROTECTING YOUR SKIN
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Caring For Your Skin When You Have Incontinence
Anyone who has incontinence knows that caring for your skin is just as important as preventing leaks. Adult absorbent products such as pads, pullups, or briefs with tabs are great at preventing leaks, but they also trap moisture close to the skin, which can become a problem if it’s not taken care of right away. Built-up moisture can cause many problems and skin irritation around the buttocks, hips, and genital areas. Redness, peeling, itchy skin, and even yeast infections can happen when you sit in a wet absorbent product for too long.
The first step in caring for your skin is to prevent any irritation from happening to begin with. This means:
Changing your product as often as possible to prevent any urine or stool from being trapped close to the skin for too long of a period.
Clean and dry the area immediately after urinating or having a bowel movement
Use a mild soap that won’t irritate your skin.
Most people assume that regular cleansing with soap and water is all that is needed to protect the skin and prevent odor. Special cleansers which remove urine and stool without the need for scrubbing and which are not drying to the skin, no matter how often they are used each day, are important to people with incontinence.
Wet Wipe/Wash Cloth. A non-irritating cleanser in handy, disposable wipes. Gently dissolves irritants.
Perineal Cleanser. Soapless, non-irritating cleansers. Gently dissolves and removes feces and urine. Many contain deodorizers in their formulas. Specifically, seek out perineal cleansers formulated especially for delicate skin.
Moisturizing Cream/Lotion. Protective moisturizer formulated, especially for the perineal area.
Barrier Cream/Ointment. Barrier creams are designed to protect the skin from irritation caused by stool, urine, or excessive moisture. While many of the products have a lanolin or petrolatum base, caregivers of individuals at risk of skin breakdown from pressure ulcers due to immobility should seek the advice of a nurse specialist in the selection of appropriate products.
Film Forming Skin Protectants. Film-forming skin protectants are packaged in the form of wipes, aerosol spray, pump spray, and applicator sponges. When the film dries, a clear invisible barrier is left to protect the skin from irritation.
Antibacterial/Antifungal Cream. Cream application with non-prescription strength ingredients to topically treat bacterial or fungal skin infections.
Skin Powder. If the skin is moist much of the time, and if yeast infections are a problem for you, you may want to use a special powder that contains antifungal properties to help keep the skin dry. (NOT baby powder.) Barrier creams or ointments may be applied over powders.
When using any of the products above, keep in mind that you must still clean the area each time you urinate or have a bowel movement. You can reapply the products after the area has been fully cleaned and thoroughly dried.
If you start to have problems with your skin that don’t seem to be going away, see your doctor right away. Skin issues might include:
Your skin is severely irritated and doesn’t seem to be getting better.
You develop an itchy, red rash.
Your skin is peeling.
Your skin is raw and tender.
If you’re caring for a loved one who has incontinence, and especially if they are bed-ridden or in a wheelchair, be sure to take special measures to protect their skin.
Change their position often – in a bed, or in a wheelchair – to avoid getting bedsores. You also may want to try using pillows or pads to reduce pressure on certain parts of the body where bedsores may develop.
Clean any soiled underwear and clothes, absorbent products, bed sheets, chairs, or blankets right away.
Wash and dry the pelvic area after each void.
Be diligent about changing absorbent products regularly (use a timer if helpful).
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In fact, bladder cancer is listed among the top 10 most diagnosed cancers worldwide.
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Showing incontinence who’s the boss in the workplace
Managing urinary incontinence is challenging enough, but bladder leaks, sudden urgency and frequent trips to the restroom can be especially stressful when you’re trying to get through a busy workday.
In this episode, we share practical strategies for managing bladder symptoms on the job, whether you’re commuting to an office, sitting through a long meeting, working from home or navigating a packed schedule. We’ll talk about bladder training and bathroom planning, hydration and potential bladder triggers, keeping a bladder diary, preparing for unexpected leaks, choosing incontinence products, staying active and more.
Why Bladder Health Matters More as We Age
Aging and the Bladder: What Changes?
As we grow older, the urinary system naturally undergoes changes that can affect bladder function.
Common age-related changes include:
Reduced bladder capacity
Increased bladder sensitivity
Changes in pelvic floor muscle strength
Hormonal changes, particularly after menopause
Enlarged prostate in men
Increased prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and neurological disorders
These changes can contribute to symptoms such as:
Urinary urgency
Frequent urination
Overactive bladder (OAB)
Urinary incontinence
Nocturia (waking at night to urinate)
While these symptoms become more common with age, they should never be viewed as something people simply have to live with.
The Hidden Connection Between Bladder Problems and Falls
One of the most overlooked consequences of bladder symptoms in older adults is an increased risk of falling.
Many falls occur during urgent trips to the bathroom, particularly at night. An individual may wake suddenly with a strong urge to urinate, rush through a dark room, become dizzy when standing, or trip over furniture, rugs, or other obstacles.
Research has shown that urinary urgency, frequency, and nocturia are associated with a higher risk of falls and fractures in older adults.
For seniors, a fall can have life-changing consequences, including:
Broken bones
Head injuries
Hospitalization
Loss of independence
Reduced mobility
Increased risk of future falls
In many cases, addressing bladder symptoms can be an important part of a comprehensive fall-prevention strategy.
How Nocturia Impacts Healthy Aging
Waking multiple times each night to urinate is more than a sleep disturbance.
Nocturia can contribute to:
Daytime fatigue
Reduced concentration
Memory difficulties
Mood changes
Increased fall risk
Lower overall quality of life
Older adults who experience frequent nighttime bathroom trips often report feeling less energetic and less able to participate in activities they enjoy.
Protecting sleep is an important part of protecting overall health.
The Emotional Impact of Bladder Leaks
Many older adults quietly manage bladder leakage without discussing it with family members or healthcare providers.
Unfortunately, untreated bladder symptoms can lead to:
Social withdrawal
Anxiety
Depression
Reduced physical activity
Fear of leaving home
Loss of confidence
Some people stop exercising, traveling, attending social events, or spending time with friends because they worry about finding a bathroom or experiencing leakage in public.
The result can be a cycle of isolation that negatively affects both physical and mental health.
Healthy Aging Includes Bladder Health
The good news is that many bladder conditions can be improved or successfully managed.
Treatment options may include:
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training
Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can help improve bladder control and reduce leakage.
Bladder Training
Scheduled voiding and urge-suppression techniques may help reduce urgency and frequency.
Lifestyle Modifications
Small changes can make a meaningful difference, including:
Managing constipation
Maintaining a healthy weight
Limiting bladder irritants when appropriate
Staying physically active
Monitoring fluid intake patterns
Medical Treatments
Depending on the cause of symptoms, treatment options may include:
Medications
Neuromodulation therapies
Vaginal estrogen for postmenopausal women
Prostate treatments for men
Surgical interventions in select cases
Fall Prevention Tips for Older Adults with Bladder Symptoms
If urgency or nighttime bathroom trips are a concern, consider these safety measures:
Keep pathways clear of clutter
Use nightlights between the bedroom and bathroom
Wear supportive, non-slip footwear
Install grab bars when appropriate
Rise slowly from bed to avoid dizziness
Discuss medications with your healthcare provider
Seek evaluation for persistent bladder symptoms
Addressing both bladder health and home safety can significantly reduce fall risk.
A Conversation Worth Having
Too often, people assume bladder leakage is simply the price of getting older. The reality is that while bladder problems become more common with age, they are not an inevitable part of aging.
National Senior Citizens Day reminds us that healthy aging means more than managing chronic diseases—it means preserving independence, confidence, mobility, and quality of life.
If bladder symptoms are interfering with sleep, daily activities, or peace of mind, don’t ignore them. Talk with a healthcare provider and explore your options. Effective treatments and management strategies are available.
Because aging well isn’t just about adding years to life—it’s about adding life to those years.
Non-Invasive Approach To Treating Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the unintentional loss of bladder control, resulting in the leakage of urine. It can range from occasional dribbling when coughing or sneezing to a sudden, strong urge to urinate that prevents reaching a restroom in time. Commonly affecting older adults, urinary incontinence can occur in both men and women due to various causes, including weakened pelvic muscles, medical conditions, or certain medications.
