Incontinence FAQs

What Is Incontinence? 

Incontinence, also known as bladder weakness, is any accidental or involuntary loss of urine from the bladder (urinary incontinence) or bowel motion, faeces or wind from the bowel (faecal or anal incontinence). 

 

What are the causes of Incontinence?

Incontinence may be caused by different aspects such as pregnancy, diabetes, urinary tract infection, pelvic floor damage, obesity, ageing process, stroke, prostatectomy, parkinson’s disease, child birth, medications, alcohol or drugs, low oestrogen levels, reduced fluid intake, dementia, reduced core tone, functional incontinence, enlarged prostate, etc.

 

What are the types of Incontinence?

  1. Stress Incontinence- is the complaint of involuntary release of urine occurring when there is increased abdominal pressure on the bladder.  This may include situations such as coughing, straining, sneezing, lifing something heavy or sports.
  2. Urge Incontinence- is the complaint of involuntary leakage accompanied or immediately preceded by urgency. This may include situations such as that the bladder often feels fuller than it is, the bladder contracts early, having a sudden sensation to urinate, nocturia or not being able to make it to the bathroom.
  3. Overflow Incontinence- involuntary loss of urine associated with bladder over distention in the absence of the detrusor muscle contraction.  Symptoms include impaired sensation of bladder fullness, weak urine stream, periodic or constant dribbling, unexplained sudden urination, need to strain when urinating, sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, urinary retention or urinary tract infection. 
  4. Faecal Incontinence- unintentional loss of stool or gas. 
  5. Functional Incontinence- is when a person does not recognise the need to go to the toilet or does not recognise where the toilet is located. It can also be due to physically not being able to get to the toilet quickly enough.

 

INCONTINENCE ASSOCIATED DERMATITIS (IAD) FAQs

What is Incontinence Associated Dermatits?

  • An inflammation of the skin mainly affecting genitals, thighs, and abdomen 
  • Aymptoms include redness, patches of inflammation or a large, continuous area of inflammation, lesions, pain or tenderness, general burning and itching 
  • Can lead in serious cases to secondary infection, pressure ulcers, or bed sores 

What are the risk factors causing IAD and how do we prevent them?

RISK FACTORS

  • M- Moisture
    When a person is not able to hold urine, skin in the crotch area is regularly exposed to wetness.  Wearing an incontinent product can cause skin occlusions which causes increased perspiration and exposure to moisture.  Moisture leads to swelling of the skin cells, which becomes softer, breaks down more easily and is more conducive to developing rashes. 
  • A-Altered pH
    Human skin has a pH value of 4.5-5.5.  Urine and fecal matter pH value is 6-8.0.  Human skin pH is altered upon exposure to urine and fecal matter, which makes it prone to AID.  Further, with a pH value between 6-8, this promotes bacterial growth due to warmth and moisture.  Ammonia is also a concern.  When it enters the body as a result of skin contact, it reacts with water to produce ammonium hydroxide. This chemical is very corrosive and damages cells in the body on contact.  Repeated cleansing can also cause swelling of cells on the skin surface, reduction of acid protection mantle due to pH differences and removal of epidermal lipids.
  • P-Protection
    Skin is exposed to external key risk factor that are attaching the acid protection mantle and lead to a decrease in skin integrity.  The skin requires support in its protective properties, as well as rich care. The problem: Protective creams with petrolatum base, which are water-repellant and therefore protect the skin from urine can occlude incontinence products. The result is leakage. 

SOLUTION

  • M- Moisture Control
    Use an incontinence product that has as few skin coverage as possible, and uses breathable material while not impacting absorbency.
  • A-Altered pH (pH Balance)
    Use an incontinence product that has Cellulose treated with citric acid (Curly Fibre) to lower pH, Superabsorbers (SAP) in the center of the absorbent core to store urine safely and keep it tightly, so that Ammonia cannot develop. 
  • P-Protection
    Use a non-occlusive skin product regularly.

 

OTHER FAQS