Absorbent products are items that absorb urine, such as adult diapers, plastic-coated underwear, pads, or panty liners that attach to underwear. Most commercially available items are disposable (such as Depend or Poise). Some absorbent cloths can be washed and reused. Drip collectors that fit over the penis are also available.
Absorbent products may be used to manage any form of incontinence. Bladder control pads are a better choice than menstrual pads. Bladder control pads are made to absorb fluid faster, so they keep you dry and comfortable. And they are designed to reduce the odor of urine.
Some types of adult underwear are a pull-up style (made of elastic or cloth), and some use adhesive tabs or an elastic band with buttons.
An elastic pull-up style is made of a stretchy material.
Adhesive tab styles have tabs to help adjust and secure the underwear.
Cloth pull-up styles are made to look and feel like standard briefs.
Elastic band and button styles use stretchy bands with buttons at the end to secure the pull-up on each side.
Absorbent products are an effective way to relieve the embarrassment and discomfort of urine leakage.
Absorbent products do not cure incontinence. But they may be used for any duration of time. Skin irritations may be a recurring problem if soiled or wet absorbent products have extended contact with the skin.
If the person you're caring for has incontinence (trouble controlling urine or stool), they may need to wear adult protective underwear. This underwear helps absorb urine and catch stool. It can be either washable or disposable.
Absorbent products may be used if:
Absorbent products also may be used:
The person may get a rash in the genital area, especially if that area doesn't get cleaned well. Rashes can occur when the skin stays wet, rubs against the underwear, or comes into contact with urine and stool. The skin may look red, raw, or burned. Some people also may be allergic to the perfumes in the underwear material.
Clean the groin area daily. And check for irritated skin and rashes so that you can treat them as soon as they happen.
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