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

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

We’ve put together some useful information to help you understand skin conditions that you may see when taking care of a loved one with incontinence. And we've got a simple care routine to help maintain skin health in the perineal area that you can make your own.

Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a skin condition your loved one might develop when their skin is regularly exposed to moisture from urine or stool.1 It may look like a simple rash or sunburn at first, but it could quickly become more serious.¹

IAD could show up with symptoms like:¹

• Redness
• Swelling
• Blisters
• Itching
• Burning
• Soreness or pain

Keeping an eye out for these signs could help you step in early and protect your loved one’s comfort.¹

Elderly skin needs extra care and attention to stay healthy. Learn more about elderly skin health.

While caring for your loved one you’ve probably noticed that older skin is fragile and slower to heal. And you may ask why skincare in the perineal or intimate area is so important in incontinence care?

Remember, an elderly person with incontinence tends to wear absorbent products throughout the day, which risks exposing their skin to humidity that makes it even more vulnerable.

With regular elderly skincare, your loved ones could be free from breakdown, discomfort, and infections.1 And if you’re not sure where to start? Our three-step routine could help your loved one feel more comfortable.

Looking to learn more? We also have a comprehensive hygiene guide for caregivers that could help you feel more confident while taking care of your loved ones.

TENA offers a range of products and a three-step skin health routine especially for elderly persons experiencing incontinence. It’s designed to help you provide optimal daily care for your loved one.

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

Manage skincare for mature skin

So how do you do it? Simply follow our new skin health routine—keep it dry, clean, and protected.

Choose products that are adapted to your loved one’s needs

The right incontinence product could go a long way in protecting your loved one’s skin. A good fit, absorbency, and breathable material could help reduce moisture exposure, decreasing your loved one’s risk for irritation.

Our line includes a wide assortment of both incontinence products (absorbent products) as well as skin care products, for different purposes and different people.

TENA ProSkin Incontinence Products for Men

TENA products are specially designed to fit the male anatomy, offering both comfort and reliable protection. They feature odor control and moisture-locking technology that help keep the skin dry. Thereby reducing the risk of irritation and helping your loved one feel confident throughout the day.

TENA ProSkin Incontinence Products for Women

TENA also offers products tailored for the female anatomy. These products are designed with skin-friendly materials and long-wear technology to help keep your loved one dry, comfortable, and protected all day.

TENA has skin-friendly incontinence products for women to manage dribbles, leaks and more. Choose your perfect fit to stay dry and confident all day.

TENA Ultra Wipes for Incontinence

These adult wipes help your loved one feel fresh after each change without the need to rinse. They’re gentle, pH-balanced, and designed to help prevent skin irritation or damage.

TENA ProSkin Creams for Perineal Skin Care

TENA ProSkin creams for perineal care are made with soothing ingredients that help protect your loved one's skin barrier, even when you use them with absorbent products.

Why choose TENA ProSkin?

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.

That's why we collaborated with experts at the University of Southampton and the University College London to make a product range that is endorsed by Skin Health Alliance and delivers triple protection for dryness, softness, and leak security.

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.

Here are some tips to help keep your loved one's skin happy and protected:

• Pat the skin gently dry after cleaning; don't rub.⁴
• Change incontinence products as soon as they're soiled.¹
• Apply a barrier cream after each cleanse.¹
• Choose breathable, loose-fitting clothing to prevent sweating and friction.¹
• Check for signs of irritation, redness, or infection regularly.¹

Keep your loved one dry and comfortable. Learn how often you should change your pad.

How Often Should You Clean and Protect the Skin?

While your loved one’s skin might look clean, urine or stool can leave behind residue that may irritate and damage the skin.⁴ That’s why cleansing the skin after every incontinence episode and applying a protective barrier cream could help keep their skin healthy and comfortable.⁴

Barrier Creams vs Moisturizers: What’s the Difference?

Moisturizers and barrier creams don't replace each other, but they can both be part of your loved one's care routine after cleansing.^5,6 Each product plays a different role in keeping the skin protected and healthy.⁵

Moisturizers help give your loved one's skin the hydration it needs. It prevents dryness and reduces the chances of incontinence skin damage from friction.⁵

While beneficial, they don't form barriers between the skin and irritants like urine and stool.⁵ That's where barrier creams come in.5 They protect the skin from skin irritation like IAD.⁵

When to Seek Medical Advice for Incontinence-Related Skin Issues

See a medical professional if you notice any of the following signs:

• Signs of infection, such as an unpleasant smell ¹
• Itchy and red rash⁷
• Peeling skin⁷
• Raw and tender skin⁷

It is important to get treatment early, as untreated IAD could become serious over time.¹