Urine is irritating to the skin and can cause damage to both the skin and the tissues underneath. The result may be redness, a rash or sores.

These sores are much easier to prevent than cure. If you notice redness or sores on the skin, you should seek medical attention.

Sores can quickly become serious, reaching down into muscles, tendons and potentially to the bone if not treated. It can take months for new tissue to grow and a deep sore to heal.

A few tips to help you prevent skin problems due to incontinence are:
• Examine the skin on a daily basis for signs of skin break down.
• Discuss with your doctor, nurse or continence advisor if the skin appears to be pink, bright red, burned, irritated or chafed. Often, if caught early, the treatment can be simple and quite effective.
• Change incontinence products as soon as they become wet to keep the skin as dry as possible.
• A regular bathing routine is also helpful to assure delicate skin is clean and free from irritants.
• Use an appropriate product for washing skin.
• Avoid using talcum powder. It traps moisture in skin folds.
• If the person you are caring for is confined to bed, moving them frequently helps avoid pressure sores caused from lying on one spot too long.
• Keep bedding clean, dry and free of wrinkles. Wrinkled sheets may cause skin friction and irritation.
• Use soft, padded mattresses or chairs.
• If incontinence episodes occur in bed, use a protective mattress cover and absorbent bed pad (either washable or disposable) underneath a fitted cotton sheet.
• If using incontinence pads or pants, make sure they aren't too tight or rubbing against the skin and irritating it.