When someone you care for is managing incontinence—whether it’s a parent, partner, or patient—it’s natural to focus on staying dry. But dryness is only half the equation. What often gets overlooked is the impact of lingering moisture and friction on the skin. Over time, these small irritations can snowball into something far more serious: skin breakdown.

From mild redness to painful sores and infections, unmanaged skin issues can affect comfort, sleep, confidence, and quality of life. The good news? With the right care routine and tools, you can prevent skin breakdown before it starts.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to do that—with simple strategies, practical tips, and product insights that support healthier, happier skin.

What is Skin Breakdown and Why Does it Happen in Incontinence Patients?

Skin breakdown, also known as incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) or moisture-associated skin damage (MASD), is a common but preventable condition in individuals who experience urinary or faecal incontinence. It occurs when the skin is exposed to moisture, irritants, and friction over extended periods, leading to inflammation, pain, and even open wounds if left unaddressed.

But what actually causes it?

The Science Behind It Skin Breakdown in Incontinence

According to the Continence Foundation of Australia, the skin’s natural barrier is designed to protect against external irritants. However, prolonged contact with urine or stool weakens that barrier, making the skin more vulnerable to breakdown, especially in warm, occluded environments such as when wearing continence products for long periods.

When the skin stays wet, it becomes softer and more permeable, increasing the risk of friction damage from movement or absorbent pads. Add to that the enzymes in faecal matter and the ammonia in urine, and you’ve got a perfect storm for irritation, redness, and in more severe cases, ulceration or infection.

A review in PubMed Central notes that these biochemical irritants, when trapped against the skin, can create inflammatory reactions similar to a burn, particularly in people with limited mobility or reduced sensation who may not notice early signs of damage.

How It's Different From Pressure Injuries

While pressure injuries are caused by sustained pressure cutting off blood flow (often over bony areas), IAD stems from moisture and chemical exposure. However, the two often overlap—patients with skin weakened by incontinence are more susceptible to developing pressure ulcers as well.

As highlighted in UCC Today, IAD is under-recognised but highly prevalent in aged care and hospital settings. In some studies, up to 50% of residents with incontinence were found to have moderate to severe skin damage linked directly to moisture exposure.

How Can You Prevent Skin Breakdown from Incontinence?

When it comes to managing skin health in someone living with incontinence, proactive prevention is the best medicine. According to research published in UCC Today and PubMed Central, a structured approach that includes the right continence products, gentle cleansing, and skin barrier protection can dramatically reduce the risk of moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) and improve comfort and dignity for the person affected.

Here are the most effective strategies:

1. Use High-Quality, Well-Fitting Continence Products

Not all pads and pants are created equal. Leakage, chafing, or prolonged exposure to moisture can accelerate skin breakdown. That’s why it’s important to choose products that are ultra-absorbent, skin-safe, and anatomically designed to stay in place.

Try This: MoliCare Premium Men Pad

Best for male users with moderate incontinence

This discreet, contoured pad offers triple-layer absorbency while maintaining breathability, helping to keep skin dry and reduce maceration risk.

Or Try This: TENA Pads Super

Best for women needing reliable protection overnight or during heavy leaks

With InstaDRY™ technology and a soft topsheet, these pads wick away moisture quickly, keeping skin protected and irritation-free.

Tip: According to Health Victoria, using the right absorbent product—and changing it regularly—can significantly reduce the frequency of skin tears and surface injuries.

2. Protect the Skin with Barrier Creams and Films

Once the skin has been cleaned and dried, it’s essential to apply a protective layer that acts as a shield against moisture, friction, and irritants.

Try This: TENA ProSkin Barrier Cream

Best for fragile or red skin at risk of breakdown

Enriched with glycerin and canola oil, this cream forms a breathable film that nourishes while protecting.

Or Try This: 3M Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film Spray

Best for delicate or already irritated skin

This alcohol-free spray creates an invisible barrier that resists breakdown from urine, faeces, or adhesives—without stinging on application.

As PMC notes, incorporating a barrier product into daily routines has been shown to reduce the incidence of IAD in care settings by up to 40%.

3. Gently Cleanse Without Stripping the Skin

Traditional soaps can disrupt the skin’s pH and barrier function. Instead, go for pH-balanced cleansers or no-rinse foams that lift impurities without scrubbing or drying.

Try This: MoliCare Skin Cleanse Foam

Best for sensitive, elderly skin

This no-rinse formula gently dissolves residue while maintaining skin pH. It’s ideal for between-pad changes and overnight care.

Or Try This: Secura Moisturising Cleanser

Best for everyday cleansing needs

Formulated with moisturisers and emollients, this product cleans, hydrates, and soothes in one step. It’s a caregiver favourite for daily hygiene support.

Prevention Is the First Line of Defence

As highlighted in UCC Today, preventing skin breakdown starts with understanding its triggers—and then acting fast. A consistent care routine using protective, absorbent, and skin-friendly products can stop small irritations from becoming painful wounds.

Whether you're a caregiver or managing your own continence needs, the right tools and knowledge make all the difference. Keep skin dry, nourished, and protected—and always consult a healthcare professional if signs of damage persist or worsen.

What Are the Early Warning Signs of Skin Breakdown from Incontinence?

Skin doesn’t go from healthy to injured overnight. In fact, incontinence-associated skin damage (IAD) and pressure-related injuries often start subtly. Spotting the warning signs early means you can intervene before things escalate into open wounds, infections, or severe discomfort.

According to UCC Today and Continence.org.au, here’s what to watch for:

1. Redness That Doesn't Fade

A flushed, red appearance on the buttocks, inner thighs, or groin—especially if it lingers after incontinence episodes—can indicate prolonged moisture exposure or early IAD. If the skin doesn't return to normal colour after pressure is removed, it's a red flag.

2. Skin That Feels Warm, Tender, or Itchy

The Victoria Health Department notes that inflamed skin often presents as hot to the touch, mildly swollen, or irritated. If your loved one scratches or avoids being touched in certain areas, take it seriously—it may be a precursor to breakdown.

3. Excess Moisture or Maceration

Constant exposure to urine or faeces can cause the skin to look soggy, white, or wrinkled—a sign that the skin’s protective barrier is compromised. This is commonly seen around folds or creases and is often described as feeling “spongy.”

4. Peeling, Cracking, or Flaking

Skin that begins to peel or develop small fissures is at risk of infection and deep tissue injury. According to PubMed, these micro-injuries are often overlooked but can rapidly deteriorate, especially in frail or immobile patients.

5. Odour, Weeping, or Discharge

An unpleasant smell, sticky texture, or visible fluid (serous or pus-like) could mean the skin is already breaking down. This often requires prompt medical attention, particularly if accompanied by fever or pain.

By recognising these early signs, you’re not just preventing discomfort—you’re preventing the downstream consequences of pressure injuries and IAD, such as infections, hospital admissions, and long-term immobility.

Tip: Regular skin checks during pad changes or hygiene routines can catch these symptoms early. Use a mirror for hard-to-see areas or ask a trusted carer for help.

Your Loved One Deserves Comfort—and So Does Their Skin

When it comes to incontinence care, skin protection is just as critical as absorbency. Moisture, friction, and bacteria can quickly turn into serious problems if we don’t take the right steps early. But with the right combination of absorbent products, cleansers, and barrier creams, you can stay one step ahead of skin breakdown—safeguarding dignity, comfort, and overall wellbeing.

At Platinum Health, we don’t just stock products—we help families, carers, and clinicians find personalised solutions that actually work. Whether you're shopping for pads, barrier films, or no-rinse cleansers, our team can walk you through it all.

Explore all our continence aids.

Visit Our Epping Showroom for Tailored Support

Prefer to speak to someone in person? Come visit us at our Epping showroom (Unit 2/51 Trafalgar Rd, Epping VIC) where our friendly team can:

Help you choose the right incontinence skincare products

Recommend a complete care routine for fragile skin

Talk you through product funding options (like CAPS or NDIS)

Show you how to use the products for better results

Drop by, test the products, ask questions—we're here to support you and your loved ones every step of the way.