Protecting your skin.
Why wound care matters when managing incontinence.
Managing incontinence puts your skin under pressure every single day. This guide covers the four wound care problems most commonly linked to incontinence, what to watch for, how the right washable product helps protect your skin - and when to seek professional advice.
Your skin is working harder than you realise.
Skin is not just a surface. It is a living, active barrier that protects your body from moisture, bacteria, friction and pressure. When that barrier is healthy, it does its job quietly. When it is compromised - through prolonged moisture exposure, friction from ill-fitting products or sustained pressure - things can escalate faster than most people expect.
For people managing incontinence, skin faces a unique combination of stressors every day. The earlier you notice and act on changes, the easier they are to manage. The best approach is always prevention - not reaction.
Skin breakdown does not happen overnight. It builds gradually. And the right continence product - well-fitted, breathable and changed regularly - is one of the most effective prevention tools you have.
Four wound care problems commonly linked to incontinence.
None of these are inevitable. But all of them are worth knowing - because catching them early makes a significant difference to outcomes.
Pressure wounds
When sustained pressure cuts off blood flow to an area of skin - particularly over bony areas like the tailbone, hips and heels - a pressure wound can develop within hours. Early signs include redness or warmth that does not fade within 30 minutes of relieving the pressure. Do not wait to see if it resolves on its own.
Skin-on-skin friction
Skin rubbing against skin - or against the edges of a poorly fitting product - strips the outer skin layer quickly. Inner thighs, under waistbands and around leg openings are the most common trouble spots. A product that fits well and sits smoothly eliminates most of this friction entirely.
Thin and ageing skin
As we age, skin produces less collagen and becomes thinner, drier and more fragile. It tears more easily and heals far more slowly. Even a small break can escalate quickly when moisture exposure is ongoing. Gentle products and a well-fitted product matter more with age - not less.
Infection and skin breakdown
Once skin is broken, it is vulnerable to bacterial and fungal infection - particularly in warm, moist environments. Spreading redness, heat, swelling, odour or pain beyond the wound are signs to contact your GP or nurse promptly. Do not wait for it to improve on its own.
Your continence product plays a bigger role than you might think.
The product you wear every day has a direct impact on how your skin holds up. A poorly fitting, non-breathable product contributes to every one of the four problems above. A good washable product - properly fitted, breathable and changed regularly - actively helps prevent them.
Breathable fabrics
Night n Day washables are made from soft, breathable fabrics that allow air to circulate against the skin. Less heat and moisture means a healthier skin environment - reducing the friction and irritation that lead to breakdown.
A proper fit
A product that fits well sits smoothly without gaps or bunching. Less friction at the edges, less pressure on bony areas and less skin-on-skin rubbing throughout the day.
No cost per use
With washables, there is no cost per use - so you can change as often as you need to. More frequent changes means drier skin, less moisture exposure and a dramatically lower risk of breakdown.
Custom made
For people with non-standard sizing, stomas or complex medical needs, our custom made range is built around your body. The right measurements mean the right fit - and the right fit means better skin health every day.
Our team is here to help you find the right fit
If your current product leaves red marks, feels uncomfortable or does not stay in place, the fit is likely the problem - not your body. Our customer service team can help you find the right size, style and absorbency for your needs. Call us on (02) 9531 2011 - no hold music, no automated menus. Just a real person who knows the range.
Do not wait on these signs.
Many early skin issues can be managed well at home with the right routine and the right product. But some signs mean it is time to speak to a professional - sooner rather than later.
If any of these apply, contact your GP, continence nurse or wound care nurse. If you are unsure whether your current continence product is contributing to skin issues, our customer service team is also a good first call - they can help you identify whether a better fitting product might make a difference before you get to that point.
A note on skin care
Wound care and skin care go hand in hand. For guidance on the three-step skin care routine - cleanse, protect and soothe - read our skin care guide at nightnday.com.au/blogs/news.
Together, we'll take you there. Anywhere.
Shop our full washable range - women, men, kids and custom made. Breathable, well-fitted products that work with your skin - not against it.
Shop Washables Explore Custom Made
