|
When an adult needs to wear diapers, it can be emotionally difficult. Sometimes the need to do this is not discussed with family members or one's own doctor. Incontinence, leakage and other problems of waste management can be hard to speak about openly. On top of this, an additional issue once an adult is wearing diapers is that there can be problems of diaper rash. Not everyone gets diaper rash, but depending on one's illness, lifestyle , allergies and hygeine this problem can occur. If one is in bed most of the day this can also complicate the problem.
Some reasons why an adult requires diapers are urinary incontinence, urinary infections, bed wetting, fecal incontinence and leakage issues. At nursing homes and assisted living facilities this is a common issue but the staff needs to be alerted. An adult diaper rash can be small pimples, larger sores or red patches.
It's important to frequently change the diaper because the skin gets irritated by urine and fecal material and this leads to a rash often. Ideally it is best to change the diaper as soon after it is soiled as possible. However, due to one's sleep routines, degree of disability, hours of hired help and other factors this isn't always possible. If there is a rash, frequent changing of the diaper, stronger diaper materials that absorb dampness plus applying effective lotions on the skin are important to heal the skin.
If you have a family member at an assisted living facility or nursing home, ask them if the diaper is comfortable. One client I had at a facility complained of her diaper being too tight on her body. It is important to be sure that it is adjusted properly. If the diaper is tight and the body heats up then this can make the problem more severe. Urine is acidic and having this trapped is not healthy. If you are taking care of someone or hire help, be sure that they let the body dry off when the diaper is removed. Be aware when you are wiping whether there may be an allergic reaction with the alcohol in some wipes.
Over the counter diaper rashes are effective. Some people prefer Vitamin A and D ointments and others find applying dry cornstarch useful for drying up the red diaper rash and sores. Zinc oitments and taking supplements with vitamins a, d and zinc are all helpful. Check for allergies as well as certain foods can create a rash in the sensitive areas of the body.
Be sensitive to the adult your are related to that has this problem. There is often a sense of shame. If you are incontinent , don't be hard on yourself. Analyze the underlying reasons and see if there is anything that can be done to improve your situation. Assure the person that it is very common and not to beat themselves up about it. Show them your concern and care and use jokes to diffuse a negative mood so you can make a difference in the person's life you care about.
|
