Urinary and/or fecal incontinence can lead to inflammation, erosion, rashes, and/or secondary infections. Prevention and treatment of these undesired events require the use of an effective incontinence barrier. Common incontinence barriers include products like Desitin® or Boudreaux’s Butt Paste®, to name a few.
Incontinent briefs can also aid in protecting the skin from incontinence. Effective products, are often polymer based and will wick the urine and/or stool away from the skin. If incontinent briefs are used, they must be changed promptly after incontinence to prevent skin injury and infection.
The skin can also be protected by diverting the urine and stool from the skin using internal catheters or external pouches. Generally urinary or fecal diversion products are used in the hospital setting and under the direct supervision of a doctor.
Advanced Fecal Diversion Systems
Fecal Management Systems (FMS) are temporary stool containment devices that are indicated for immobilized, incontinent patients with liquid or semi-liquid stool. They divert fecal matter to protect the patients’ wounds from fecal contamination and reduce the risk of both skin breakdown and the spread of infection. Placement of FMS requires a doctor’s order. It is advisable to use a skin protectant on the peri-anal skin even when using the FMS, to prevent skin breakdown from exposure to the stool.
Candidiasis “Yeast” Rash
Candidiasis skin infections are commonly referred to as “yeast”. They are caused by a Candida species, most commonly Candida Albicans. Infections can occur anywhere but are most common in the body folds and areas exposed to excessive moisture. Yeast rashes generally present as reddened or irritated skin with a macular rash. Satellite lesions extending outward from the border of the reddened area are a classic sign.
Treatment involves the drying of excessive moisture and application of topical anti-fungals. This should be done at least twice daily. Standard treatment involves the use of powders for moist areas like the skin folds and creams for dry areas or areas where adherence is necessary i.e. buttocks, perineum, etc. A doctor’s order is required for topical anti-fungals.
This information is for educational purposes, only. It is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. The iWOC Nursing Foundation disclaims any liability for any decisions made based on this information.