Is summer too "unfriendly" for bedridden patients?

1. Diaper Selection: The Fundamental Defense in Summer Care

For patients with existing pressure sores or delicate skin, choosing a diaper should prioritize three key needs: pressure relief, antibacterial properties, and ease of care. We recommend choosing a diaper with a dedicated back-leakage barrier. These diapers feature a 3D leak-proof design at high-pressure areas like the buttocks and coccyx, effectively preventing urine and feces from leaking from the back. This design also helps divert urine away from the absorbent core, preventing prolonged moisture retention.

Soft non-woven fabrics with antibacterial ingredients are preferred. They inhibit the growth of pathogens like E. coli in feces, reducing the risk of infection from damaged skin. Furthermore, we recommend choosing a diaper with fully open sides. This eliminates the need to repeatedly move the patient during diaper changes; simply peeling the Velcro allows for easy operation, minimizing irritation and strain on the wound surface.

2. Daily Care: Key Steps to Block Bacterial Growth

(1) Frequent Replacement: Break the Damp Hotbed

Whether during the day or at night, the principle of "regular replacement + immediate replacement" should be followed. It is recommended to check every 2-3 hours during the day, and if the diaper is found to have absorbed urine or feces, it needs to be replaced immediately; at night, it can be extended to 4-5 hours appropriately, but high-absorbency products should be used in conjunction. In particular, it should be noted that after defecation, cleaning must be carried out at the first time to avoid the irritating substances produced by the decomposition of bacteria in the feces.

(2) Scientific Cleaning: Build a Skin Protection Barrier

When changing diapers, gently wipe the buttocks, perineum, and inner thighs with a soft towel soaked in warm water. Avoid using soap or alcohol-containing cleaners to prevent damage to the skin's natural barrier. The wiping direction should be from front to back (especially for women) to reduce the risk of anal bacteria contaminating the urethra. After cleaning, use a clean tissue or soft towel to pat dry the water, and do not rub hard. After the skin is completely dry, a thin layer of medical petroleum jelly or diaper rash cream can be applied to form a physical isolation film to prevent urine and feces from directly irritating the skin.

(3) Skin Examination: Early Detection and Early Intervention

Carefully inspect the skin over pressure areas such as your buttocks, tailbone, and hips at least twice a day (in the morning after waking up and at night before going to bed). Observe whether there are early pressure sore signs such as redness, paleness, increased skin temperature, or slight damage. Once abnormalities are found, the replacement frequency should be increased, the continuous pressure on the area should be avoided, and an air cushion ring or decompression mattress can be used to disperse the pressure.

3. Environment and Posture Management: Create Comfortable Rehabilitation Conditions

(1) Keep the Environment Dry and Well-Ventilated

The indoor temperature should be controlled at 24-26℃, and the humidity should be maintained at 50%-60%. A fan or air conditioner can be used appropriately to reduce the room temperature, but avoid direct cold wind. After each diaper change, let the buttocks skin be exposed to the air for 5-10 minutes (pay attention to keeping warm and avoid catching a cold), and use natural wind to reduce the feeling of dampness.

(2) Regular Turning and Pressure Relief

For those who are bedridden for a long time, they should be helped to turn over once every 1-2 hours to change the 受压部位 of the body. When turning over, the patient should be lifted as a whole to avoid dragging, pulling, pushing and other actions to prevent skin damage caused by friction with the bed sheet. Soft pillows can be placed under the back and knees to help maintain a comfortable posture and reduce the pressure on the bony prominences. For the elderly in wheelchairs, it is recommended to lift the buttocks once every 30 minutes or use a decompression cushion to reduce the continuous pressure time on the buttocks.

4. Diet and Health Management: Enhance the Body's Self-Protection Ability

(1) Reasonable Diet to Enhance Immunity

Ensure an adequate intake of protein (such as eggs, milk, lean meat), vitamins (fresh vegetables and fruits), and water (1500-2000ml per day) every day. Protein helps repair skin tissue, vitamin C promotes collagen synthesis, and sufficient water can dilute urine and reduce the irritation of urine to the skin. It should be noted that water intake can be appropriately reduced after dinner to avoid frequent nighttime urination, but do not restrict water intake during the day because of trouble.

(2) Actively Prevent Basic Diseases

Diabetic patients need to strictly control blood sugar, because the high blood sugar environment will weaken skin resistance and increase the risk of infection; if incontinence is caused by disease, they should seek medical treatment in time to reduce the frequency of incontinence from the source. At the same time, regularly monitor indicators such as blood pressure and blood lipids to ensure that the body is in a good metabolic state.

5. Psychological Care: The Invisible "Medicine" for Summer Care

Incontinent adults and elderly are more likely to feel irritable and anxious due to stuffiness and discomfort in summer. Caregivers need to communicate more with them, understand their feelings, and adjust the care methods in time. Distract their attention by playing light music, telling interesting stories, etc., to keep them in a good mood. At the same time, respect their privacy, pay attention to shelter when changing diapers, and maintain the patient's sense of dignity.

***WHOLESOME is dedicated to the R&D, production and sales of absorbent hygiene products, providing customers with safe and convenient one-stop OEM services. If you need to customize adult diaper, adult pull ups, underpad, Pet Pad, sanitary napkin and other hygiene products, WHOLESOME is a good choice.We look forward to your contacting us.