Incontinence treatment necessitates more than frequent adjustments, accident prevention, and emotional support. It’s critical that the skin surrounding your loved one’s genitals and perineum is kept clean and dry if they require toilet assistance or wear pull-ups, diapers, or adult briefs. Perineal cleansers are explicitly designed for this purpose. What are perineal cleansers, and what should you look for when choosing one?
What is a perineal skin cleanser?
Perineal skin cleansers are specific formulations that maintain the delicate, sensitive skin on the perineum supple and smooth (the area between the anus and genitals), clean, and free of microorganisms. They eradicate urine and feces, as well as the formation of fungus, germs, and smegma, and a mucus-like substance made up of oil and dead skin cells that build up under moist skin folds.
Perineal cleansers are gentle and efficient. Their antiseptic qualities help to prevent diaper rash, incontinence-associated dermatitis, and other potentially serious health issues.
What are perineal cleansers used for?
Perineal skin cleanser products may be used in long-term care and hospital settings for people with urinary incontinence. Cleanser items are designed to remove skin irritants (urine, faeces) from the perineum region.
Incontinence-related dermatitis is reduced by cleaning the perineal area (IAD). IAD happens when the skin’s protective barrier is damaged, causing redness, chafing, and discomfort.
Perineal cleansers can treat a wide range of IADs, including:
- Perineal dermatitis
- Irritant dermatitis
- Moisture lesions
- Diaper rash
How do perineal cleansers work?
Perineal cleansers include medical-grade antiseptics that are safe for the skin and can eliminate dangerous germs. They’re gentler than regular soaps and were intended to be used on your body’s most delicate spots. Perineal cleansers are available as foam spray. This prevents leaks and drips, allowing for quick, mess-free toilet trips and diaper changes.
How often should you perform perineal care?
Peri-care, though initially frightening, is an essential component of the private caregiver/ patient relationship. Let’s look at the significance of perineal care and how to do this crucial task to maintain your loved one’s health.
Why is Peri-care Important?
Cleaning a patient’s intimate areas is referred to as peri-care—also known as perineal care. Because this region is vulnerable to infection, it must be treated at least daily and more often if your loved one has incontinence. Typical peri-care times include during daily bathing, after the use of the bedpan, and following instances of incontinence.
Peri-care can not only help eliminate odours, but it can also assist in the prevention of urinary tract, bladder, and kidney infections.
Step by Step guide for pre-care
Clean the perineal region from front to back with warm water and a clean washcloth (or disposable wipes). Both men and women need to clean their anuses, which entails turning the patient onto their side.
Use a fresh wipe for each “swipe.” If you’re using a washcloth, use a clean spot on the cloth for each motion and never go from front to back since this may spread germs and induce urinary tract infection. Keep several washcloths on hand in case you need more than one.
Wipe around and down the tubing of a foley catheter if your loved one is receiving one, but don’t tug on the foley because it may be painful and potentially dangerous.
After you’ve finished, check to ensure each area is arid since extra moisture may cause chapping and bed sores. Moisturizers and lotions can help keep this sensitive body region moisturized and healthy. Always use caution when cleaning this delicate region of the body since it is prone to pain.
Bed linens may become soiled during perineal care from time to time. If this happens, remove the bed linen and wash them together with the washcloth. A waterproof pad placed beneath the buttocks can be used as a moisture barrier between your loved one and the bedding.
Remember: Consider how you’d like your loved one to feel when you undertake this activity. The more comfortable you are with it, the more comfortable they’ll be. If, on the other hand, you treat peri-care as though it were some sort of unpleasant chore, your loved one’s discomfort will be exacerbated. Make sure you maintain a pleasant demeanor and that you explain everything you’re doing as you go.
What are the symptoms of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD)?
Healthy skin is a protective barrier that protects your internal organs and bodily systems from harm while preventing infection. A common IAD symptom is skin irritation, which environmental chemicals can cause.
Where does IAD occur?
IAD develops on the skin exposed to urine, feces, and the pollutants they emit.
- Perineum (the area of skin between the anus and scrotum or anus and vagina)
- Labial folds (in women)
- Groin (in men)
- Buttocks
- Upper thighs
Some people also develop lower-abdomen-area symptoms of incontinence-associated dermatitis.
Do I need any unique supplies to apply a perineal cleanser?
No special equipment is required for perineal cleansers. If you would like to make cleaning up a little easier, keep the following items on hand:
- Medical-grade
- Adult wipes
- Bedside-Care EasiCleanse Bath Wipes
- Skin-friendly ointments, like petroleum jelly, zinc oxide cream, or aloe
- Underpads
How do I apply a perineal cleanser?
A perineal cleanser may be applied in a few minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Step 1:Before putting on gloves, make sure to clean your hands with warm soapy water.
- Step 2: Ask your loved one to spread their legs. If they cannot accomplish it on their own, gently assist them. You have to make sure to cover their privates to help them feel more comfortable.
- Step 3: Remove your loved one’s undergarments, disposable or adult briefs, as needed.
- Step 4: To clean the perineum, groin, thighs, and genitals with warm water and adult wipes; merely wipe it gently. Keep some more on hand in case you need them. Helpful hint: When cleaning very messy or loose stools, it’s preferable to start with a towel as an absorbent layer, then use a wet wipe that has cleaner included, and finally, a wipe that has water added.Â
- Step 5: After thoroughly cleaning the perineal region, any extra moisture should be absorbed with a clean towel. Water left behind might exacerbate chafing and pressure sores.Â
- Step 6. Sprinkle a small amount of the perineal cleanser on a clean, wet washcloth. Then, using the washcloth, gently wipe your loved one’s skin from head to toe, covering all places that urine or faeces came into contact. Excess moisture should be blotted away and a fresh diaper or garment put on.
- Step 7: When bedding or underpads become soiled during the perineal cleaning routine, save them and wash them in the washing machine.
Conclusion:
Perineal care is an essential part of maintaining hygiene for incontinent people. It is also important to be gentle and respectful while performing this task. Using a perineal cleanser can help make the process easier and more effective. Remember to always wash your hands before and after completing perineal care. Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have any questions or concerns.
References
1. Clemens JQ. Urinary incontinence in men. In: Post TW, ed. UpToDate. Waltham (MA): UpToDate; 2018: https://www​.uptodate.com. Accessed 2019 Oct 6.
2. Cameron Institute. Incontinence: The Canadian perspective. Peterborough (ON): Canadian Continence Foundation; 2014 Dec: https://www​.canadiancontinence​.ca/pdfs/en-incontinence-a-canadian-perspective-2014.pdf. Accessed 2019 Oct 9.
3. Emmons KR, Robinson JP. The impact of urinary incontinence on older adults and their caregivers. J Aging Life Care. 2014;Spring: https://www​.aginglifecarejournal​.org/the-impact-of-urinary-incontinence-on-older-adults-and-their-caregivers/. Accessed 2019 Oct 7.
4. Gray M, Bliss DZ, Doughty DB, Ermer-Seltun J, Kennedy-Evans KL, Palmer MH. Incontinence-associated dermatitis: a consensus. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2007;34(1):45–54.
5. Beele H, Smet S, Van Damme N, Beeckman D. Incontinence-associated dermatitis: pathogenesis, contributing factors, prevention and management options. Drugs Aging. 2018;35(1):1–10.
