Tips for Managing Incontinence During the Summer

Incontinence can be challenging any time of the year and the summer months can be particularly difficult. As the weather gets warmer, nobody wants to miss out on sunshine and summer activities and events. To help keep incontinence from interfering with your summer plans, try these tips and products, from HomeCare Hospital Beds, to help manage incontinence: 

Choose Clothing Wisely

While it is tempting to wear lighter colored clothing in the summer months, know that white and pastel colors typically do not hide leaks as well as darker colors can. Whenever possible, try to pair lighter tops with darker pants or skirts. Plus, watch the weight of your fabric, as thinner materials are less able to hide incontinence pads or underwear. A comfortable solution is to wear loose-fitting clothing like flowy dresses and skirts, and cargo shorts with soft, contoured incontinence products like FitRight Extra Adult Briefs. 

Don’t be afraid to enjoy time at the beach or a dip in the pool! Regular incontinence products can’t be used underwater, but Swimmates adult swim briefs are made from slim, tight-fitting materials that can be worn discreetly under a swimsuit. Swimmates do not expand, get soggy, or break apart when they get wet, so you can enjoy the water with confidence!

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated and avoiding dehydration is essential, especially on hot, sunny days. If you struggle with urinary incontinence, it may seem counterintuitive to drink more water, but it can actually help prevent unexpected leaks. This is because dehydration makes your urine more concentrated, causing your bladder to become irritated and not function as well. Take small, frequent sips of water throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts at once, which puts extra pressure on your bladder. Also, skip drinks like coffee, tea, soda, and alcohol because they pull water from the body which makes incontinence worse. 

Protect Your Skin

Summertime heat and humidity can increase the risk of skin irritation after episodes of incontinence. Keep skin clean and dry by changing clothing and absorbent products as soon as they become soiled. Choosing the right incontinence products for personal hygiene is important as well. For starters, FitRight personal cleansing wipes are more effective than regular toilet paper because they gently cleanse and moisturize the skin with no need to rinse afterward. You can apply a silicone skin barrier like Remedy Hydraguard cream to protect the skin from exposure to urine or stool without the greasy feeling of petroleum-based ointments. 

Be Prepared

Some careful planning can go a long way to help you enjoy the summertime. For example, make sure to bring a bag with a change of clothes and extra incontinence supplies in case of an accident. If you are traveling this summer, check your route and destination for available restrooms before you leave. You can download free bathroom locator apps like Bathroom Scout or Flush that not only advise where restrooms are, but also how clean and accessible they are. To find some truly magnificent facilities for your trip, check out the Best Restroom Hall of Fame! Be sure to use the restroom before you leave the house and schedule bathroom breaks every few hours. This can help prevent accidents and save you time and money from changing incontinence products less frequently. 

If you are worried about nighttime accidents during overnight trips, pack a reusable incontinence pad to keep you dry while you sleep this summer! 

Final Thoughts

Don’t let incontinence get in the way of a fabulous summer season. With the right clothing, supplies, and planning you can have a wonderful time in the sunshine. Regain your confidence this summer with SaniSnooze and HomeCare Hospital Beds! 

**The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having a severe and sudden change in physical or mental health, please call 911, contact a local emergency facility or consult with your doctor. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider, and never disregard the advice given because of information you have received from our website.**