Adult Diaper Rash: Prevention and Treatment

Adult diaper rash is much more prevalent than many people may think, and it’s an important thing to check for as you are caring for a loved one. Diaper rash is something we commonly associate with babies and toddlers — but it can happen to anyone.

Diaper rash is prevalent among those who are using pads, adult diapers, or padded briefs. These are items that are commonly used for incontinence, those who may have trouble getting to a bathroom in time, or those who may simply forget, as in the case of Alzheimer’s or other similar conditions. It’s important to be aware of this issue and learn how to give proper care.

What Exactly is Adult Diaper Rash?

Adult diaper rash is a common skin irritation that develops in the areas covered by an adult diaper, typically appearing as inflamed skin. It is caused by moisture being trapped near the skin. This moisture mixed with the heat of your body becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, which leads to diaper rash. 

The first thing you may notice is a red patchy area beginning to form. Initially this may look like chapped skin. Over the course of a few hours, you will notice tiny bumps beginning to form in the initial red areas. Eventually, the bumps become larger, and the rash begins to look more defined. At times, it may even bleed from being bumped or rubbed against. This can develop anywhere near the hips, thighs, bottom, or groin of the person you are caring for. Diaper rash can be quite painful, and it can become more irritated at even the slightest movement. There are several home remedies you can use that will work quickly, and if they don’t work, there are over-the-counter-treatments that can be used.

Types of Diaper Rash 

There are multiple types of diaper rashes that may occur in adults: 

Irritant Diaper Rash 

As the most common type of adult diaper rash, this happens from prolonged exposure to moisture found in urine or stool. Redness, itching, and soreness can result. 

This common type of diaper rash occurs from an overgrowth of the fungus: Candida Albicans. It’s most common with people who are on antibiotics, have diabetes, or who have weakened immune systems. It can occur in the buttocks or genital area, and its symptoms include redness, burning, and small satellite pustules on the edge of the rashes. 

Bacterial Diaper Rash 

Less common than the other two types of diaper rashes, a bacterial diaper rash is caused by bacteria (such as E. coli). Symptoms include small, raised bumps, redness, and pustules (small, white puss-filled bumps). 

Diaper dermatitis and psoriasis can also occur in people with sensitive skin.

Symptoms of Adult Diaper Rash 

There are multiple symptoms of diaper rash, and it is important to pay attention and catch it early on rather than later, as it only gets more painful as it is left unattended. Early symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• Dry, itchy skin that may burn when scratched
• Pink, red, or discolored skin
• Small bumps on the skin that aren’t connected by an underlying rash. These bumps may be any shade of pink or red.
• Larger areas of red, pink, or otherwise discolored skin as a more progressed version.
• Burning sensation when touched 
• Chafing in the affected area

As the rash progresses, so do the symptoms. The bumps will grow in size, and may become filled with pus-like fluid. The skin will continue to become sore and tender, and the itchiness will increase. You will notice an increased sensitivity as you go about caring for them. There may even be an intense burning sensation upon moving around, sitting, standing, walking, or putting on clothing — basically anything that will cause friction in the area the rash has formed. In rare cases, a rash will become severe and may need a doctor's interference. If the person you are caring for develops a fever, blisters that ooze pus, has severe aches and pains in the body, or is experiencing intense exhaustion, it is time for medical intervention as the rash may have become infected.

What Causes Diaper Rash?

Diaper rash can be caused by many different things, and some of them may surprise you. The most common causes are:

• Chafing or rubbing of clothing, diapers, or pads used for incontinence. This will worsen with ill-fitting diapers or too-tight clothing. It’s important to make sure adult diapers fit properly and that they are changed regularly. 
• Reactions to detergents, dyes, or perfumes that may be used in incontinence care. It’s important to purchase skin barrier creams, diaper rash cream, natural oils and ointments (and to use natural, gentle soap that is not harsh) when caring for your loved one or patient. This is especially true if the person has sensitive skin. 
• Trapped heat and moisture near the skin. A warm, moist environment under a diaper is a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus to thrive. Make sure the person stays dry most of the time with frequent diaper changes. 
• Ammonia in urine being held close to the skin via pads, diapers, or unclean clothing. Improper wiping or cleaning can result in skin irritation due to leftover urine or stool left on the individual’s skin. 
• Yeast infections. If your loved one or patient is on antibiotics or has any health conditions that lowers immunity, they could be more prone to getting yeast infections, which cause diaper rashes. It’s especially important to keep them clean and dry. 
• Bacterial infections. Similar to yeast infections, having a warm, moist environment gives bacteria plenty of room to grow and thrive. The most common being E. Coli, Staph, and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. 
• Psoriasis or eczema. Skin conditions will greatly increase the likelihood of getting diaper rashes. Ensure the person has proper skincare needed to avoid getting chronic diaper rashes. 
• Poor genital hygiene. Not wiping and cleaning the buttocks and genital region can create irritation and bacteria to form. As noted before, make sure to change diapers properly and clean the area thoroughly, ensuring it is dry before putting a fresh diaper on.

Risk Factors to Know 

There are certain individuals more prone to getting diaper rashes, such as those who are bedridden, those with incontinence issues (urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence), or people with chronic conditions such as diabetes or Alzeimer’s disease. These individuals typically have greater health issues and are less active than those who are healthy, giving more room for bacteria and yeast to accumulate. And, these individuals typically are more prone to yeast infections, given more moisture is present, or there are lowered immunity issues involved. Take note: if your loved one has these issues, make sure they get diaper changes and cleanings regularly. 

Adult Diaper Rash Treatment Tips 

There are multiple ways to treat diaper rash. Depending on the severity and the painfulness of it, the rash is easily treated at home, using things you may just have in your cabinet. 

Keep the Area Clean

The number one way to treat diaper rash is to keep the area as clean as possible. At the first sign of moisture, the clothing, diaper, or pad must be changed immediately. When changing and cleaning up the person you are caring for, use nothing with alcohol in it. Using pre-moistened wipes is convenient, but the fragrance, added dyes, and alcohol content in them will sting and burn any areas where the rash is. The best way to clean the soiled area is to use warm water, a clean cloth, and a mild, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free soap. Carefully pat the area dry with a clean towel. Follow these instructions on how to thoroughly change a diaper to support the skin health of the person you’re caring for.  

Treat the Rash With Powder or Creams

When it comes to using something on the rash, you have two options: powders or creams. Some people prefer one over the other, and often people tend to find creams, ointments, and lotions to be too sticky for their comfort. These should not be used together, or you will create an ineffective paste-like substance on the skin that is difficult to clean off. 

Creams create barrier protection, shielding it from moisture and irritants found in urine or stool. There are powders you can use if you or the person you are treating prefers powder. Regular baby powder, found in the baby department, will work wonders. 

Products using petroleum jelly are excellent choices to give relief to irritated skin. The creams, ointments, and lotions containing this product will add moisture to the rash, relieving the itch and cooling the burning sensation, while at the same time providing a protective barrier between the broken skin and any bacteria that may be present. Simply rub it gently on the clean, dry rash and leave it to help ease the pain. If you’d like a more natural option, coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera, or lanolin are all alternative choices that will help in the healing process.

Seek Medical Help if the Rash is Severe 

If a rash is severe, persists more than three days, or is accompanied by a fever, you should seek the help of a healthcare professional. The rash could be a sign of a bacterial or a fungal infection, both of which require prescription creams to cure. Most creams prescribed for both of these ailments will need to be applied two or three times a day, every day, for seven to 10 days.

What Happens if Diaper Rash is Left Untreated?

Leaving a diaper rash untreated can lead to complications that may need to be treated by a doctor. You may experience: 

• A worsening of symptoms
• An increased risk of infection
• The rash may spread to other areas of the body
• Increased pain and discomfort
• Secondary skin issues like impetigo or eczema
• Scarring

By addressing the issue early, you can prevent these issues and give more comfort to your loved one or the person you are caring for. 

3 Simple Ways to Prevent Diaper Rash on Adults 

Remove Moisture Quickly and Regularly 

The best way to prevent a diaper rash is to remove the moisture from the skin as quickly as possible. This means changing soiled diapers, pads, or underwear as soon as you know it’s wet. Don’t wait for a more convenient time — the best time is right when it first happens. Practice good hygiene and clean the diaper area with a mild soap and warm water daily, making sure the entire area is dry before replacing the diaper.

Apply Moisturizer or Powder 

 Another way to prevent diaper rash is to always apply a moisturizer or a powder to the diaper area before replacing it. This helps create a barrier to any irritants, keeps skin moisturized and healthy, and prevents skin issues from creeping up. 

Encourage Airflow 

Another way of discouraging diaper rash from forming is to encourage air flow. After bathing and cleaning the area, let the affected area air dry if possible. There are products on the market that encourage airflow with micropores, or ones that promote breathability, and both of these will help discourage the formation of diaper rash. Try to purchase products that are labeled “hypoallergenic” to help prevent allergic reactions, such as rashes, from forming.

Choose the Right Products 

Having breathable, natural, and moisture-wicking material in adult diapers, pads, briefs, and pull-ups is especially important in preventing diaper rash. Look for products that have a super absorbent core, leak guards on the legs, and products with breathable materials. 

Remember that most cases of diaper rash will clear up within one to three days. If it doesn’t clear up with treatment, or if it worsens during that time, you must seek out a healthcare professional. If the rash is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a high fever, severe aches and pains, blisters that peel, ooze pus, or bleed, you need to seek out a doctor immediately, as these are signs of an infection.

How Parentgiving Can Help With Adult Diaper Rash