Perineal Cleansers|Antimicrobial and Rinse-Free Cleansers

If you or someone close to you is living with incontinence, keeping your skin clean, healthy, and odor-free can be challenging. Conventional cleansing options may be less than ideal since soaps may be overly harsh on fragile skin. Colorants and scents may be irritating to sensitive areas. And traditional cleaning methods may not be effective for controlling bacterial growth. Perineal skin cleansers offer a safe, gentle, convenient alternative to conventional care.

Why Perineal Cleansers Are Important

Many people using incontinence products such as disposable underwear or adult diaper briefs experience some perineal skin issues. Incontinence products can trap moisture next to the skin, leading to irritation. Exposure to urine or stool can raise your skin’s pH value, which increases the risk of colonization by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. Your skin is also exposed to irritants such as ammonia, which are natural components of bodily waste.

Perineal cleansers are formulated to be non-irritating and non-drying (some even contain moisturizers or emollients to soothe and hydrate delicate skin) and help keep harmful microorganisms in check. They also contain ingredients that help loosen and remove solid matter without scrubbing.

Choosing the Best Option

Perineal skin cleansers come in various forms, including liquids/sprays, foams, and wipes. They may be designed to be left on the skin (rinse-free types), or they may need to be rinsed off after use. They may contain skin protectants or may double as a deodorizer. Here are a few key things to keep in mind when choosing the right perineal cleanser for you.

Rinse vs. No-Rinse - No-rinse types may be a better option not just because they’re convenient but because they’re less irritating and dehydrating to your skin. Applying water when cleansing strips away the skin’s natural protective oils, leading to dryness.

Format -While sprays are easy to spritz on, foam or lotion-type cleansers tend to stay where you spray them without dripping or running. Pre-moistened cleansing wipes can be a good option if you’re on the go. Choose the format which best suits your individual needs.

Scented vs. Unscented - Scents can be irritating for some people, especially if you have delicate or already-damaged skin. If your skin is easily irritated, opt for unscented varieties of cleaner intended for sensitive skin.

PH Balance - Look for products that are pH balanced; upsetting the pH balance of your skin can invite microbial overgrowth.

Antimicrobial Action - While regularly cleaning your perineal area will inhibit microbes' growth, some products contain anti-microbial agents that give you an additional layer of protection.

Alcohol Content - Alcohol is extremely drying to your skin, so avoid products that contain alcohol in any form.

Skin Protectants and Moisturizers - If dryness is a problem, or if your skin is particularly sensitive, products that also moisturize and protect are probably a good choice. These products usually contain moisturizing oils.

Whatever your needs, Simply Medical has you covered. Choose from our selection of perineal cleansing products and start protecting your most sensitive area today.