Site Search

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 and wetting 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 – this can damage sensitive skin.

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. 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 - 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, 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 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 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 and take your time, to minimize the danger of tearing or over-stretching the delicate skin.