Managing Incontinence in the Summer Months


Different seasons can come with their own distinct challenges when it comes to incontinence. Follow these tips from wound, ostomy and continence (WOC) nurse with CHC Solutions, Cheryl Hutton, on how to enjoy the warm summer months and manage incontinence:

  • Stay hydrated
  • Maintain a healthy diet
  • Plan for trips
  • Prepare clothing and supplies
  • Have the correct products

Stay Hydrated

On average, a person should have about eight glasses of water each day. This is especially important in the summer when the weather is warmer because it is easier to become dehydrated. The body needs water to perform its best and stay healthy.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Maintaining a healthy diet with enough fiber is helpful for those with incontinence. Try to avoid foods that are common bladder irritants such as certain fruits, nuts, mayonnaise, cheese and/or whatever may affect you personally. For stool continence, try to avoid foods such as cabbage, broccoli and beans.

Plan Ahead for Trips

If you are taking a trip, plan to map out locations where you can stop and have access to an accessible restroom.

Prepare Clothing and Supplies

Throughout the summer, you may be wearing lighter clothing that causes leaks to be more visible. Try to bring extra clothing and products in case of emergencies.

Have the Correct Products

Having the correct measurements of the hips and waist is important for comfort and to allow the correct fit of the products. To learn how to correctly measure the hips and waist and learn more tips click here.

Also, skin protectants that help protect against moisture can help prevent skin breakdown. These can contain ingredients such as zinc and Vaseline (petrolatum). Peroneal cleansers can help as well. They work better than soap and water because they do not strip the skin of moisture, like soap and water does, contributing to skin breakdown.

For more information, visit https://www.180medical.com/blog/top-5-tips-for-managing-incontinence-in-the-summer/

*Disclaimer: Any health and wellness content presented is for general informational purposes only. Such content is not intended to replace or serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.