Direct Answer

Prolonged exposure to urine and stool damages skin. The correct approach combines gentle cleansing with a barrier product that repels moisture. Standard soap and water can worsen irritated skin. No-rinse cleansers with a pH close to healthy skin (slightly acidic, around pH 5.5) are preferred.

Why Incontinence Damages Skin

Three factors work together to break down skin integrity:

Urine: Contains ammonia that raises skin pH, breaking down the protective acid mantle
Stool: Contains digestive enzymes that actively digest skin proteins
Moisture: Macerates skin, making it fragile and prone to tearing

The combination is called moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) or incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD). Friction from pads, bedding and cleansing further erodes the barrier.

Cleansing: No-Rinse Is Better Than Soap

Standard soap is alkaline (pH 9–10) and strips natural oils. For skin already compromised by moisture, soap accelerates damage. No-rinse cleansers are formulated to:

Match skin pH (slightly acidic, around pH 5.5)
Contain emollients that protect the skin barrier
Not require water rinsing that further dries the skin
Be gentle enough for frequent use

Application: Apply with a soft cloth or wipe, gently pat dry — do not rub — then apply barrier product.

Barrier Creams vs Barrier Films

Barrier cream (zinc oxide, petrolatum or dimethicone based) is a thick protective layer applied to vulnerable skin. It repels moisture and reduces friction. Best for areas with frequent moisture exposure.

Barrier film is a liquid polymer that dries to a transparent protective coating. Useful when frequent cream reapplication is impractical or when cream residue interferes with pad adhesion.

Important: Neither compensates for a badly fitted or saturated absorbent product. The first line of skin protection is the right product, changed promptly.

When to Change the Product

Change promptly after every bowel episode
Change urine-only products before the skin feels persistently damp
Wetness indicators help, but skin checking is the ultimate guide
A product that feels cool or clammy against the skin is already releasing moisture
Overnight products should be changed first thing in the morning

Signs of Skin Breakdown

Contact a healthcare professional if you notice:

Redness that does not fade within 30 minutes of changing
Blisters or open areas
Skin that is white, soft and wrinkled (maceration)
Pain or burning sensation
Signs of infection: warmth, swelling, pus, fever