The Creation of SoSoak
Where the Idea for SoSoak began I have been an RN for 42 years. I have experience in Emergency Response, Med/Surg, Med/Peds, Psychiatry and Long Term Acute Care. I can honestly say I’ve seen it...
Incontinence Associated Dermatitis
We don't tolerate diaper rash in our children. Why do we tolerate it in adults?
After all, diaper rash is Incontinence Associated Dermatitis (IAD) and we handle it quickly and efficiently with our kids, but not so much with adults.
In fact, Wound International states that IAD represents a significant health challenge world wide and is a well recognized risk for pressure ulcer development.
IAD affects the skin of the anogenital region, buttocks and lower abdomen. It is a result of poor incontinency management which can be assessed by answering these 4 questions:
1. Does the skin have prolonged exposure to urine and/or feces?
2. Is there inadequate cleansing to the exposed areas?
3. Is thick ointment applied to moist, unclean skin?
4, Does this person use, or have used on them, abrasive washcloths?
Did you answer yes to any of the above questions? Then IAD is likely already present or at risk of being present. Luckily just like in diaper rash in infants, the number one way to treat and prevent IAD is good hygiene.
Additionally, if you have any of these signs and symptoms of IAD in progress:
- warm, firm skin
- lesions
- pain and tenderness
- burning and itching
We recommend seeing your health care provider for a definitive diagnosis and continue to keep skin free from harmful bacteria from urine and feces by using your Sosoak shower soaking chair.
For prevention and good hygiene care here are some tips:
After removing the soiled diaper in a timely manner, fill a basin (like that in the SoSoak Shower Soaking chair with warm water and add a cleanser formulated for sensitive skin and swish around until sudsy. Have the individual sit in the basin and soak for 5-10 minutes. If using the SoSoak Shower Soaking chair, lift the plug to refresh the basin when needed.
When clean, PAT DRY the sensitive skin with a gentle towel. Make sure skin is thoroughly dry before applying a moisture barrier cream and fresh diaper.
That's it!
And if you have a SoSoak Chair, keep it hooked up in the shower, and be diligent in timely diaper changes, proper incontinence management is even easier.
Happy soaking!
