Skincare and Hygiene

It is important to take care of your skin if you have bladder problems. Frequent trips to the toilet to empty your bladder plus leakage accidents may mean that your skin can become sore. If you need to wear pads or a sheath then maintaining your skin's health is especially important. Good hygiene is essential to prevent odour, to maintain healthy skin and to avoid infection.

Skin care tips

Wash well each day and, if possible, each time you change or have an accident. A shower with a detachable head so you can get plenty of water to the area, or a bidet, makes thorough washing much easier. Resist the temptation to soak in very hot water as this can damage sensitive skin, and do not douche yourself with the shower as this can increase the risk of infection.

Use a mild soap or, especially in hard water areas where soaps can leave traces of scum that can block pores and irritate thin skin, a gentle detergent like baby bath or baby shampoo. Alternatively you might prefer to use a hydrating foaming cleanser or baby lotion as these are less drying on the skin. It is worth experimenting to find which suits you the best. Be sure to rinse well with plenty of clean warm water. You could use a small mirror to check that you have cleaned the area thoroughly.

Avoid scented and medicated‚ washing products as these can irritate and dry the skin even more. Pat dry with a soft towel and avoid rubbing the skin. A small hairdryer is a good way to dry yourself, particularly when at home, but remember these are not safe to use in the bathroom.

Try not to wear tight fitting clothes as they may rub and cause more soreness. Looser fitting clothes will also improve air circulation and help to prevent sweating. They can also disguise any evidence of a pad or bag beneath them. Natural fibres, like cotton and silk, tend to be kinder to your skin.

If you wear pads, fit them quite closely to avoid leakage and rubbing of your skin as you move. Pads come with two types of cover; slippery plastic and non-woven 'cloth-like': While many prefer the non-woven covers as being cooler to wear and less noisy, others prefer the smooth plastic cover as they are less likely to irritate the skin, especially the inner thighs when walking. You may find that wearing a barrier cream or a nappy cream helps too.

If you prefer to cover your pad with waterproof pants, remember that though you may feel a lot safer, these reduce airflow to the skin and so you should be even more careful with your hygiene. Try to use them only when essential and for the shortest possible time.

Men wearing a sheath will probably find that wearing loose boxer shorts is more comfortable as they allow the sheath and drain tube to lie unobstructed by elastic which can cause kinking of the drain tube and unexpected flooding.

Most sheaths must be changed at least every 24 hours. When removing a sheath either gently ease it off under water in the bath or shower, or use a non-sting medical adhesive remover taking your time to minimize the danger of tearing or over-stretching the delicate skin.

After an accident, you should get to the toilet, change your pads or clothing and wash the area as thoroughly as you can.

When out and about, you can use moist alcohol-free tissues or baby wipes. You may also like to use a barrier cream to help protect the skin .

How to cope when you have an accident

With a bladder problem of any kind, you are likely to have an accident at some time or another. So what should you do if you have an accident?

You don't have anything to feel ashamed about. Most people will understand if you explain your problem to them. It is important to have an understanding and supportive network behind you so always be honest with family and friends. Be prepared! Many people carry a 'clean up kit' and spare clothes in a handbag or shoulder bag. Take spares of your 'continence management kit', pads, catheters, sheaths and bags, together with plastic bags and ties for disposing of used kit and carrying wet underclothes home. If you wear a leg bag, remember your sock may get wet if the drain valve misbehaves! If you experience an accident in a public place, maybe a friend's house or at the local supermarket, excuse yourself as soon as you can and find the nearest toilet.

If you are concerned about having an accident when you are out and about, B&BF can provide a 'Just Can't Wait' card. This is an emergency toilet card which shows that you have a genuine medical condition that requires urgent use of a toilet. It is also OK for you to use disabled toilets. They have more space for you to change, and often disposal facilities. Some are operated under the National Key Scheme organized by RADAR. A special key can be bought from RADAR.