What is chafing in adults?

Chafing is an inflammatory skin reaction that occurs under certain conditions and is linked e.g. to urinary incontinence. It can be caused by several factors. The most common ones include:

• excessive moisture resulting from sweating or urinary incontinence,
• inadequate ventilation – if the skin is not allowed to breathe, chafing can develop,
• the skin rubbing against fabric or another material, such as clothing or absorbent products.

Chafing is one of the many problems faced by patients who suffer from urinary incontinence and remain in bed for long periods of time. Chafes usually develop on the buttocks, particularly in those patients who wear adult diapers. However, it can also occur in between skin folds, e.g. under the breasts, at the back of the knees or in the underarm area. 

What do chafes look like in bedridden patients and patients suffering from urinary incontinence?

The first symptom of chafing is hyperaemia in the skin fold or at the site where the skin touches the fabric. This is followed by swelling and the formation of blisters filled with serous fluid that may begin to ooze. It is accompanied by:

• pain,
• discomfort,
• skin flaking,
• the sensation of tightness,
• the sensation of burning, 
• itching.

The development of chafing significantly impairs the patient’s quality of life. If it is not properly treated in a timely manner, there is a risk of exacerbation. Furthermore, if bacterial or fungal superinfection occurs, secondary dermatitis may develop, which can be difficult to treat. 

How can you prevent chafes in elderly or bedridden patients?

Caring for a patient who remains in bed for long periods of time comes with a lot of responsibilities. One of them is taking proper care of the patient's skin. As part of chafes prevention in chronically ill and bedridden patients, you should:

• make sure that the intimate areas are always clean – we recommend you use professional products which contain ingredients that promote skin regeneration and protection,
• let the intimate areas breathe – regular access to air helps dry the skin and prevent bacterial growth,
• use adult diapers in the right size and made of breathable, skin-safe materials – Seni brand offers personal hygiene products that absorb urine quickly and effectively, thus isolating the skin from moisture. 

In order to prevent chafes in the intimate areas, make sure to frequently change your patient’s position to avoid prolonged contact between the skin and fabric, and minimise pressure. 

What should chafes prevention look like in patients with urinary incontinence?

Chafing prevention is also crucial in mobile patients who suffer from urinary incontinence. Neglecting this area of skincare may cause many unpleasant consequences which will make everyday life much more difficult. 

Keeping the skin dry, i.e. maintaining proper hygiene after each visit to the toilet, as well as changing adult diapers or pads as often as necessary, is crucial for preventing chafes. 

What products should you choose to reduce the symptoms of chafing in the intimate areas?

One of the elements of chafes prevention is proper skincare. In order to prevent skin problems, it is best to choose dermatologically tested products, such as:

• Seni Care creamy gel – it contains ingredients which gently remove impurities, moisturise the skin, soothe irritation and replenish the components washed away from the epidermis with evaporating water. This product’s formula has a slightly acidic pH of 5, which helps regulate the pH of the epidermal protective barrier, 
• Seni Care body care cream with arginine for chafing and bedsore prevention – it has a lightweight texture and is quickly absorbed by the skin. Its formula is a combination of carefully selected active ingredients, including the flax biocomplex, panthenol, arginine and canola oil which form a transparent protective film on the surface of the skin to shield it against harmful external factors. This product not only prevents irritation but also allows you to constantly monitor the skin’s condition without having to wash the cream off. 

In the event of skin issues, you can choose e.g. body care cream with zinc oxide, which is recommended for skin prone to chafes and bedsores. It contains ingredients that protect the skin against various irritants such as urine, sweat or faeces. Zinc oxide is a particularly beneficial component – it shields the epidermis against irritation and is accompanied by chamomile extract which soothes and calms the skin.

Can home remedies effectively treat chafes in intimate areas?

Many people who struggle with chafes themselves or care for patients who suffer from this condition turn to home remedies, such as potato starch or laundry starch. These ingredients are supposed to help keep the skin dry and moisturised. 

However, you should remember that flour applied to the buttocks may accumulate in the intimate areas and cause inflammation. It can also form clumps when mixed with urine and irritate the delicate epidermis.

Therefore, it is advisable to use home remedies cautiously and correctly. It is also important to always remember to properly nurture and cleanse the skin using proven and well-researched specialist skincare products which contain carefully selected ingredients. 

Chafing is an unpleasant condition that can significantly impair the patient's quality of life. Therefore, as soon as you notice the first alarming symptoms, start acting right away and choose Seni Care products.