Treatment for Adult Diaper Rash

An adult diaper rash is a standard skin condition attributable to wearing diapers or incontinence pads. The trapped moisture against the skin causes redness or discoloration, swelling, and irritation. The primary treatment plan is to vary diapers often, gently clean the world, pat the skin dry, and apply protective barrier creams.

This article will discuss creams and medications that may soothe adult diaper rash. It can even cover ways to stop and keep the rash from returning.

What Helps Adult Diaper Rash?

One of the perfect ways to treat an adult diaper rash is to vary diapers or pads as soon as they change into soiled. This will reduce the skin’s contact with irritating urine, feces, and moisture. Other ways to assist an adult diaper rash include the next.

Over-the-Counter Topicals

Over-the-counter (OTC) topical creams and lotions are a standard diaper rash treatment. One style of OTC topical cream is zinc oxide. This cream works by forming a barrier between the skin and the diaper. This cream is beneficial for somebody who’s incontinent and could have frequent exposure to moisture from urine and stool.

To apply zinc oxide cream, be certain that the skin is clean and dry. Apply the cream by smoothing it on. When the cream is soiled, wipe off only the dirty cream and apply more as needed. This will keep the skin under the zinc oxide protected and clean.

OTC topicals that include petroleum jelly, like Vaseline or Aquaphor, may also be used on the skin. When using these topicals with zinc oxide cream, apply the Vaseline or Aquaphor first, then the zinc oxide on top.

Complementary Home Remedies

The best option to prevent an adult rash is by changing the diaper often and keeping the skin dry.

If irritation does occur, complementary home remedies can assist ease rash symptoms. Such remedies include:

• Use soft cloths with plain water to wipe.
• If using wipes, search for ones which are alcohol-free and without fragrances.
• Do not scrub the skin.
• Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps and cleansers.
• Use lukewarm water for showers or baths.

Prescribed Treatments

Sometimes an adult diaper rash might have a prescription treatment. It’s vital to follow a healthcare provider’s instructions on easy methods to use the medication to avoid undertreating or overtreating. Using medicines like hydrocortisone for too long could cause additional skin problems.

Diaper rash that doesn’t improve with home remedies could also be attributable to a yeast infection. The diaper area, which is warm and moist, is a great environment by which yeast can grow. Prescribed topical creams like nystatin and miconazole can clear up a yeast infection.

Hydrocortisone cream is one other prescription topical that is typically used for moderate to severe diaper rashes. The steroid cream should only be used for the prescribed time.

How Diaper Rash Looks in Adults

Although adult diaper rashes could be attributable to a single cause, they have a tendency to have many causes, including:

Diaper rash could be found on the buttocks, the groin, the genitals, and the perineum (the world between the genitals and the anus). Its appearance will vary based on its severity.

A gentle diaper rash will appear pink or red on lighter skin or discolored on darker skin, with dry bumps or patches. It may itch and be barely uncomfortable.

Signs of Symptoms Getting Worse

A diaper rash can worsen and develop more significant symptoms. The signs of a severe diaper rash or a light rash that’s getting worse include:

• Significant redness or discoloration, warm to the touch
• Raw, inflamed skin
• Burning
• Itching
• Bleeding
• Oozing

When the rash presents with satellite lesions, that are smaller reddened or discolored spots or bumps that stretch from the first rash, it could indicate that a yeast infection is present. A yeast infection will need additional treatment and ought to be seen by a healthcare provider.

Self-Care to Minimize Diaper Rash Irritation

Diaper rash could be painful, making it hard to do on a regular basis activities. Self-care strategies can assist minimize the irritation until the rash heals.

One of the primary strategies is to at all times make sure the skin is clean and dry. This signifies that diapers or pads should be modified as soon as they change into soiled.

Other self-care suggestions include:

• Clean the affected area with each diaper change.
• Allow the diaper area to completely dry before putting on a brand new one.
• Don’t wear tight clothing, and make sure the diaper or briefs are usually not too tight.
• Wear pads or diapers that allow for airflow.

Caretaking for an Adult With Diaper Rash

Taking care of an adult with a diaper rash could be difficult for several reasons. An older person is more prone to develop infections attributable to a weakened immune system. Another reason is the logistics of adjusting an adult who wears a diaper.

A healthcare provider can offer resources like home health nurses or social staff who can guide caretakers. Caring for one more person generally is a hard transition; be sure you use the resources available.

Summary

An adult diaper rash could be attributable to incontinence and wearing incontinence pads or diapers. Moisture trapped against the skin could cause irritation and a rash.

Treatment should include keeping the world clean and dry. A barrier cream like zinc oxide or Vaseline can assist protect the skin. Sometimes, a prescription is mandatory if the skin is infected or the rash is severe.