The skin of the intimate areas is very thin and sensitive, and therefore extremely susceptible to various types of irritation and damage. Patients suffering from urinary incontinence and patients who remain in bed for long periods of time are particularly vulnerable in this respect. Are you wondering what products you should use to treat chafing in the groin area of an adult patient? What can you do to prevent chafes in the buttock and crotch areas? See for yourself!
What is chafing in adults?
Chafing is an inflammatory skin reaction that occurs under certain conditions and is linked e.g. to urinary incontinence. It can be caused by several factors. The most common ones include:
Chafing is one of the many problems faced by patients who suffer from urinary incontinence and remain in bed for long periods of time. Chafes usually develop on the buttocks, particularly in those patients who wear adult diapers. However, it can also occur in between skin folds, e.g. under the breasts, at the back of the knees or in the underarm area.
What do chafes look like in bedridden patients and patients suffering from urinary incontinence?
The first symptom of chafing is hyperaemia in the skin fold or at the site where the skin touches the fabric. This is followed by swelling and the formation of blisters filled with serous fluid that may begin to ooze. It is accompanied by:
The development of chafing significantly impairs the patient’s quality of life. If it is not properly treated in a timely manner, there is a risk of exacerbation. Furthermore, if bacterial or fungal superinfection occurs, secondary dermatitis may develop, which can be difficult to treat.
How can you prevent chafes in elderly or bedridden patients?
Caring for a patient who remains in bed for long periods of time comes with a lot of responsibilities. One of them is taking proper care of the patient's skin. As part of chafes prevention in chronically ill and bedridden patients, you should:
In order to prevent chafes in the intimate areas, make sure to frequently change your patient’s position to avoid prolonged contact between the skin and fabric, and minimise pressure.
What should chafes prevention look like in patients with urinary incontinence?
Chafing prevention is also crucial in mobile patients who suffer from urinary incontinence. Neglecting this area of skincare may cause many unpleasant consequences which will make everyday life much more difficult.
Keeping the skin dry, i.e. maintaining proper hygiene after each visit to the toilet, as well as changing adult diapers or pads as often as necessary, is crucial for preventing chafes.
What products should you choose to reduce the symptoms of chafing in the intimate areas?
One of the elements of chafes prevention is proper skincare. In order to prevent skin problems, it is best to choose dermatologically tested products, such as:
In the event of skin issues, you can choose e.g. body care cream with zinc oxide, which is recommended for skin prone to chafes and bedsores. It contains ingredients that protect the skin against various irritants such as urine, sweat or faeces. Zinc oxide is a particularly beneficial component – it shields the epidermis against irritation and is accompanied by chamomile extract which soothes and calms the skin.
Can home remedies effectively treat chafes in intimate areas?
Many people who struggle with chafes themselves or care for patients who suffer from this condition turn to home remedies, such as potato starch or laundry starch. These ingredients are supposed to help keep the skin dry and moisturised.
However, you should remember that flour applied to the buttocks may accumulate in the intimate areas and cause inflammation. It can also form clumps when mixed with urine and irritate the delicate epidermis.
Therefore, it is advisable to use home remedies cautiously and correctly. It is also important to always remember to properly nurture and cleanse the skin using proven and well-researched specialist skincare products which contain carefully selected ingredients.
Chafing is an unpleasant condition that can significantly impair the patient's quality of life. Therefore, as soon as you notice the first alarming symptoms, start acting right away and choose Seni Care products.
