Melbourne summers can swing from mild to 40 degrees in a day. Heat, sweat and moisture make skin more prone to irritation, especially for kids who wear continence products all day or sit for long periods.
Here's how to keep skin happy through the warmer months.
Change a little more often
In hot weather, a product that lasts four hours in winter might need changing sooner. Warm, damp skin breaks down faster. Add an extra check into your day, especially after outings and car trips.
Clean gently, dry well
- Use fragrance-free wipes or warm water and a soft cloth
- Pat dry rather than rubbing
- Let skin air dry for a few minutes before putting on a fresh product, if you can
Barrier cream: a thin layer is enough
A thin layer of barrier cream helps protect skin from moisture. Too much can stop the product absorbing properly and may cause leaks. Ask your nurse or pharmacist which suits your child's skin.
Don't cut back on drinks
It's tempting to reduce fluids to reduce wetting. Please don't. Concentrated urine is harder on skin and can irritate the bladder, and kids dehydrate quickly in the heat. Keep water going through the day. For tube-fed kids, check summer fluid plans with your dietitian.
Dress for airflow
Loose, breathable cotton clothing helps heat escape. Avoid tight synthetic shorts over the product on very hot days.
Watch for warning signs
See your GP if you notice:
- Redness that spreads or doesn't improve in a couple of days
- Broken, weeping or blistered skin
- Bright red patches with small spots around the edges (this can be a yeast infection)
- Your child seems in pain during changes
- Strong-smelling urine, fever or other signs of infection
Pool and beach days
Regular continence products aren't made for water. They absorb the pool and swell up. Use swim-specific continence products for swimming and change back into a regular product straight after.
Stock up before the holidays
Postage slows down over Christmas and New Year, and nobody wants to run out on a 38-degree day. [Insert Middlemates Christmas cut-off dates.]
Order now so you're set for summer. [Link]
This information is general in nature and isn't a substitute for advice from your GP, continence nurse or occupational therapist. For free, confidential advice, call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66.
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