How can I help my husband from becoming sore due to his bowel incontinence?
I would first like to say that you should find out why he is having bowel incontinence. Did the doctor say why this is happening? Was the medications your husband takes reviewed to make sure they are not making the problem worse? Are you sure he is not constipated, as sometimes people leak liquid stool around stool that is stuck somewhere in his bowels?
Sometimes, bulking agents can help the stool become more solid, decreasing leaking. Examples of this include fiber additives, like Metamucil or Fibercon. I would ask your doctor if this could help your husband.
Now, liquid stool is really tough on the skin. To protect his skin, I would suggest using some kind of Petroleum ointment first . Clean him well, pat dry, and then apply the ointment to all his exposed skin and around the rectum. If that doesn't help, you should try something that you would use for diaper rash, which you could buy in the drugstore. If that still doesn't work, your doctor can order special creams and ointments that may help this problem.
Good luck!
I have been caring for a client with this problem for nine months now and they sit most of the time, which doesn't help the rash. Keeping the area clean of course is important, but because I'm not there every day, we needed to have a barrier that would protect the skin. We tried two different diaper rash ointments, both with zinc in them. We found the Aveeno with oatmeal in it works the best. Also just plain old cornstarch is absorbing and healing,(after cleaning and drying the area).
