My dad is in a long stay hospital and developed a sore bum. It was recommended we pick up some baby wipes for sensitive skin. Does anyone have a brand that has been good for very sensitive skin that is raw?
They should be using a barrier cream (desitin or a zinc oxide - in the hospital they actually used their pharmacist to make a spray that had both the above in it). There is also a zinc spray called Dr smiths zinc barrier spray that is easy to spray on. But also be very careful it’s not the start of a pressure sore - is he in bed a lot? if so is he on an air mattress or are the using pillows to change is body positioning every 4 hours? I would ask about all the above.
When mom had her stroke she was in ICU and they had these soft gentle throw away wash cloths - I have used them every since as being in a bed or wheelchair her skin just needs the most gentle products. The brand is MedPride disposable dry washcloths (I order on Amazon) and then I use the aloevesta foam wash with them (which was also used in the ICU) and on Amazon. I know it’s hard for some to buy these supplies as they become costly but maybe even using only when there is a flare maybe they will help when the skin is irritated or fragile.
I also use viva soft signature cloth paper towel - to dry with - they are much more gentle than the rough facecloths many of these places use.
Be sure to keep an eye on it so he doesn’t develop a pressure sore. Best of luck
I used A &D ointment on my dad's sore behind. You can get it in the baby section at the drug store. Be vigilant with it. Really, though any product that puts a layer between his skin and urine/underwear/diaper will work.
We fought this issue and worried constantly about pressure sores. Finally one amazing nurse said it looked fungal to her. We started using using topical miconazole (for vaginal yeast infections) and voila! It wasn't overnight but the improvement was so marked that we knew we were helping. The doctor prescribed a stronger antifungal and we finally got rid of it. Good luck !!!
My dad had bed sores from several hospitalizations and then he became bedridden. We often used "Assurance" extra large adult bath wipes purchased from Amazon. He was coated with a thick barrier cream at every diaper change.
My mom and aunt use these wipes for their sponge baths and like the product.
I prefer dove sensitive skin liquid soap mixed in a basin with warm water, and using white cotton washcloths. You can buy the inexpensive kind and toss them if they are soiled with bm. If not, you can wash them separately on hot with bleach and scent free detergent. Be sure also to dry with a clean towel, that is also washed in hot with bleach after use (wash between uses). Be sure to dry him throughly. I agree with other posters about using desitin as a barrier. I would also request a consult with a wound care nurse. Once she sees him, follow her recommendations.
I've used Cottonelle wipes which are 'flushable' and they work well for me. Also there is a product called Spenco Second Skin which is a moist covering for bed sores.
Isn't the hospital responsible to make sure he DOESNT get a sore bum? Shouldn't they be doing everything they can to prevent one and providing what he needs?
NYCmama, Amen! I live in NC and I also believe the hospital is responsible for preventing a sore bum and for treatment if it occurs. My experiences have been quite different. Unfortunately, we have to advocate for our loved ones if they can't or won't do it for themselves. I don't know if it's like that everywhere. Even after bringing it to the attention of anyone who would listen I found that the barrier cream I requested was not being applied and the rawness worsened. I found a doctor who listened to me and ordered medication for the rapidly growing rash. Also, there was never a time I wiped his butt (even after he had just been cleaned by a tech) that he was clean. Sad but true. My husband was sick for twenty years and I learned it all the hard way. Many thanks to you.
Calmoseptine (Walgreens has a generic version) has cleared my dad’s rashes and sores quickly. You can find it in the adult diaper section. Really the best thing I have found.
There are also very good disposable wipes moistened with PLAIN WATER, and marked as such. We use
If you cleanse the area with a totally neutral moist product he may be able to benefit from more focused application of additional targeted treatments.
So difficult and disturbing for him. Hope you see some improvement very soon.
I used the wipes that Hospice provided (we never had a problem with redness) but I did gently apply a bit of a barrier cream each time. I used a combination that I mixed from 2 others. About a 50/50 mix of Desitin and A&D. I would pat it on not rub it on. And just a very light amount. The more you put on the more difficult it is to get off when washing the body. I also used microfiber cloths rather than wash cloths. Much softer than any other cloth. I would buy them at the "big box hardware store" when they had them for something like $3.00 for a bundle of them. Any "generic" "sensitive baby wipe should be fine. I would look for the largest size. The dimension's are on the box. And look for one with no perfumes. I do like the ones made with Tencel they seem softer and stronger.
The hospital should be providing the wipes needed AND keeping a close eye for bedsores. My husband ended up with a very sore rear end which then turned into an area with a nasty bedsore after a 3 month hospital stay. The hospital used Medline Readyflush Protect personal cleansing cloths. They made a world of difference. Also, after bathing, the nurses or techs applied Thera Calazinc Body Shield for further protection. Worked wonderfully. I can send pictures of both if needed.
while not a wipe, highly recommend Calmoseptine ointment that Was recommended to me by Dr Lynn O’Connor which I travel everywhere with…saved my own bottom!
I don’t have a specific brand but I’d also recommend you get some 5% dimethicone cream as protection for his skin in between cleanings. I get Smith&Nephew Secura brand on Amazon. You can also get it through medical supply companies. If you browse some of those companies they have all kinds of products for bedridden folks so you may find wipes there as well.
I'm surprised the hospital doesn't provide (and put on your father)! They have to do this for bed sores. Speak to the administrator or nurse supervisor...immediately!!! They should be doing it BEFORE he gets the bed sores! Good luck.
Don't know where the OP is, but if in the US, Medicare (CMS) takes a very dim view of hospital staff allowing bedsores to develop. So I agree - contact the nurse manager or patient advocate & inform them of his skin problem. Once home, wipes & special cleansers will be helpful, but wound care nurse needs to be notified.
When my husband was in the hospital he developed really bad bed sores on his bottom. They used Medihoney gel on them and it helped. I think it would be good to use between wipes to prevent bed sores too.
Has the hospital sent a wound care nurse in to evaluate him? Also, along with the other recommendations, you should ask to have his protein levels checked. If there is a nutritional problem related to his medical condition, it could contribute to lack of healing.
The best wipes I have found are called WaterWipes! They do not have any of the harmful chemicals that you often find in other wipes. If you do use other wipes a trick a nurse taught me is to first run them under warm water. This warms the wipe and also removes some of the chemicals.
My mothers dermatologist recommended Aquanil Cleanser for sensitive skin, it is free from irritating soaps. My mother was irritated and he told me not to use baby wipes which I was using every day. I have been using this product for over a year and her skin is free from any irritation. It is over the counter and I purchased it from Costco. I use a warm warm wash cloth with small amount liquid and then rinse.We do use a lot of facecloths, though but it works for my moms sensitive skin. I just looked up Water Wipes recommended by FamilyNeeded and it seems like a decent product, only two ingredients water and fruit extract. Good luck.
In addition to better wipes and creams, your Dad should be given a sitz bath if at all possible. Or a modified sitz bath, using a hand held shower wand to run warm water to help heal the raw areas, 2 x per day at first. It increases circulation and will clean his bum from all the chemicals. Then dry with a cool or slightly warm hair dryer or air dry, no wiping.
If he can still use the toilet, there are sitz bath tubs for the toilet, but I have never seen them.
There are hemorrhoid wipes that may sooth the irritation for now. Preparation H contains Witch Hazel, an astringent that helps relieve the local itching and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids • temporary relief of irritation and burning • aids in protecting irritated anorectal areas.
I use the Walmart Brand - Equate wipes - they work good. Also go and buy a jar of Healing Eucarin cream and rub that on him after he is cleaned. It heals fast, stops the red pain, and is a great product - I use it daily.
Follow wiping with Neem salve. THERE IS NOTHING THAT WORKS BETTER, HEALS QUICKER AND FEELS PAINLESS TO APPLY. The barrier creams are all thick like toothpaste, can you imagine how that feels being applied to raw tender skin? It causes more pain.
Use Butt Paste twice a day and apply generously to keep his butt from getting sores.
Also, get a soft cushion for butter will help him not get sores from sitting.
If he wears Adult Diapers, don't use them until his butt has healed.
Let him wear 100% Cotton underwear and pants
Try Desitine ointment. Used on my daughters. Cleared them up quickly.
But also be very careful it’s not the start of a pressure sore - is he in bed a lot? if so is he on an air mattress or are the using pillows to change is body positioning every 4 hours? I would ask about all the above.
When mom had her stroke she was in ICU and they had these soft gentle throw away wash cloths - I have used them every since as being in a bed or wheelchair her skin just needs the most gentle products. The brand is MedPride disposable dry washcloths (I order on Amazon) and then I use the aloevesta foam wash with them (which was also used in the ICU) and on Amazon.
I know it’s hard for some to buy these supplies as they become costly but maybe even using only when there is a flare maybe they will help when the skin is irritated or fragile.
I also use viva soft signature cloth paper towel - to dry with - they are much more gentle than the rough facecloths many of these places use.
Be sure to keep an eye on it so he doesn’t develop a pressure sore. Best of luck
My mom and aunt use these wipes for their sponge baths and like the product.
and if you happen to be on a septic system never flush anything like that.
Amen! I live in NC and I also believe the hospital is responsible for preventing a sore bum and for treatment if it occurs. My experiences have been quite different. Unfortunately, we have to advocate for our loved ones if they can't or won't do it for themselves. I don't know if it's like that everywhere. Even after bringing it to the attention of anyone who would listen I found that the barrier cream I requested was not being applied and the rawness worsened. I found a doctor who listened to me and ordered medication for the rapidly growing rash. Also, there was never a time I wiped his butt (even after he had just been cleaned by a tech) that he was clean. Sad but true. My husband was sick for twenty years and I learned it all the hard way. Many thanks to you.
If you cleanse the area with a totally neutral moist product he may be able to benefit from more focused application of additional targeted treatments.
So difficult and disturbing for him. Hope you see some improvement very soon.
I also used microfiber cloths rather than wash cloths. Much softer than any other cloth. I would buy them at the "big box hardware store" when they had them for something like $3.00 for a bundle of them.
Any "generic" "sensitive baby wipe should be fine. I would look for the largest size. The dimension's are on the box. And look for one with no perfumes. I do like the ones made with Tencel they seem softer and stronger.
If he can still use the toilet, there are sitz bath tubs for the toilet, but I have never seen them.
There are hemorrhoid wipes that may sooth the irritation for now.
Preparation H contains Witch Hazel, an astringent that helps relieve the local itching and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids
•
temporary relief of irritation and burning
•
aids in protecting irritated anorectal areas.
Ask his doctor or nurse.