The Caregiver’s Guide to Perineal Skin Health for Elderly Skin

As a caregiver, you might wonder if additional perineal skincare is really necessary if you’re already using incontinence products for your elderly loved one.

Well, incontinence pads help protect against leaks, but perineal care takes it a step further by preventing skin irritation and keeping your loved one comfortable.¹

Not sure where to start? Don't worry, we’re here to help. Let's explore perineal care and look at three easy-to-follow methods to help you on your journey.

Perineal care or peri-care means cleaning the area between your loved one’s thighs, including the genitals and anus.¹ The skin in this area is usually thin and it becomes weaker and more sensitive with age, making it more prone to irritation and infections.²

And this is why good perineal skin care matters, especially if they are incontinent or have limited mobility.¹

Absorbent products are great to prevent leaks but wearing them throughout the day (and night) could expose your loved one's skin to urine and feces.¹

This exposure risks creating a build-up of moisture, bacteria, and fungi, and over time, and it can lead to a type of skin breakdown especially common among older adults.^1,3

Regular perineal care not only keeps them hygienic, odor-free, and comfortable but also prevents issues like:²

• Skin infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Skin breakdown
• Rashes

Peri-care steps can feel intimate and even embarrassing for your loved one. Don't worry, with the right approach, you can help them feel safe, comfortable, and respected.

Before starting, take a moment to make a list of everything you need for peri-care. Having your supplies ready makes the experience smoother for both of you.

We recommend having the following on hand:

• Incontinence briefs, pads, or guards
• A barrier cream
• A gentle, no-rinse cleanser
• A pack of TENA Ultra Wash Cloths
• A change of clothes
• Disposable gloves
• A mild, fragrance-free soap or TENA Scented Bathing Gloves
• A bowl of warm water
• Soft towels
• A bag for product disposal

Tips on how to clean the elderly after incontinence as a caregiver:

• Always wash your hands before and after perineal care.
• Remember to put on gloves before starting.
• Explain each step to your loved one to help them feel at ease.
• Avoid scrubbing, rubbing, or tugging skin in the perineal area.
• Avoid cleaning the area with cold water, aiming for a comfortable temperature like bath water.

We know that using the right products is key to maintaining natural skin health, especially when it comes to skincare for an elderly person dealing with incontinence.

We suggest a skin health routine using incontinence and skincare products. And we developed the ProSkin range with elderly skin in mind.

Remember, every time you use TENA ProSkin products, you’re not just managing incontinence; you’re actively keeping your loved one’s skin healthy.

Our routine includes three simple steps to help you provide better perineal care and support you in managing elderly skin rashes. It’s designed to help you provide the best daily care for your loved one.

Although perineal care can help prevent skin breakdown in the elderly, it's also important to check for signs of damage during each care routine.²

Noticing signs of skin breakdown early could help your loved one get timely treatment and avoid infections.²

Signs of skin breakdown include: ³

• Redness
• Swelling
• Blister formation

Tips to help you watch their skin:

• Keep a daily diary of your loved one’s skin condition.
• Check your loved one's skin after every change.
• Feel for any changes like rashes or swelling.
• Look for changes in skin color.
• Check for any new or unpleasant smells.

Good Perineal Care is Key to Skin Health

So yes, perineal care is a worthy addition to your incontinence care routine, it helps keep your loved one comfortable and free from skin issues.

As you care for them each day, be gentle, look out for changes, and take proactive steps when needed.

Here are a few guides and resources to support you on your caregiving journey:

• Finding the right incontinence products
• Hygiene guide for caregivers

It's okay to feel unsure when choosing products. You should pick products that are adapted to your loved one’s needs. Our line includes a wide assortment of both incontinence products (absorbent products) as well as skin care products.

You can start by exploring the TENA ProSkin line below.

• TENA ProSkin incontinence products for men
• TENA ProSkin incontinence products for women
• TENA Creams & Wipes for Caregivers

With more than fifty years of experience in incontinence, we understand that providing the very best care isn’t just about managing your loved one’s incontinence, it’s also about keeping their skin healthy, keeping them comfortable, preventing pain, and preserving their dignity.

Every time you use TENA ProSkin products, you’re not just managing incontinence; you’re actively keeping your loved one’s skin healthy. That means less time spent dealing with skin issues and more quality time to share together.

What is Perineal Skin Care?

Perineal skin care involves protecting your loved one's skin from irritation, breakdown, and infections.¹ It goes beyond washing their genitals and anus with soap and water after each incontinence episode. Instead, it's a gentle way to cleanse, moisturize, and protect their skin; leaving them comfortable, healthy, and confident.

Why is Perineal Skin Care Important for Elderly Individuals?

Perineal skin care protects not only your loved one’s skin but also supports their urinary health, mental health, comfort, and confidence.¹

How Often Should I Perform Perineal Care?

Once your loved one has an incontinence episode or needs a change, it's time to cleanse, moisturize, and protect. 

Can Diet or Hydration Affect Perineal Skin Health?

Yes. Staying hydrated and eating a diet rich in protein, vitamin C, A, and zinc could help prevent and heal skin breakdown.⁵ This is especially important for older adults, whose skin is more fragile.⁵

If your loved one has a medical condition, speak to their doctor before making any changes to their diet or water intake.