How to Keep an Incontinent Person Dry

Urinary incontinence, or loss of bladder control, is a common problem that has many causes. Advanced age, bladder disorders and chronic diseases can all contribute to incontinence. Some incontinent people only leak a small amount of urine when coughing or sneezing, and others have little to no control over the release of urine. Regardless of the severity, it is important to keep the skin dry to avoid irritation or infection. Products to absorb or collect urine can help keep an incontinent person dry.

Things You'll Need

• Disposable pads or diapers
• Petroleum jelly or barrier cream
• Waterproof pads for bed
• Other desired incontinence products

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Instructions

• 1

  Use disposable pads designed to absorb urine. Individuals with mild urine leakage may find that pads do a good job of keeping the skin and clothes dry.

• 2

  Apply petroleum jelly or another barrier cream to the skin to protect it from irritation caused by urine exposure.

• 3

  Consider absorbent disposable underwear or adult diapers for someone with more severe incontinence.

• 4

  Try foam pads or shields for women who have a problem with urine leakage. The small devices fit between the labia to collect urine. These can often be found at drug stores or medical supply stores.

• 5

  Consider purchasing a drip collector, which is a pouch that fits over the penis, for incontinent men. If male incontinence is more severe, a condom catheter can be used. This device fits over the penis and carries urine to a bag attached to the leg, according to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine. These are also available at some drug stores and medical supply stores.

• 6

  Buy large waterproof pads from your drug store, and place them on the bed directly under an incontinent person if accidents frequently occur at night. This allows you to quickly replace the pad during the night without changing the bed sheets.