Controlling Incontinence Odor
Learning to live with incontinence can be challenging, and sometimes, even embarrassing. Despite this, incontinence becomes manageable as you learn to live with it and understand what methods of controlling the symptoms work best for you.
One thing that seemingly never gets easier is the smell that corresponds with incontinence. Considering most seniors and caregivers do their best to minimize any recognizable odors, sometimes it seems like there just isn’t a realistic solution. Although this can be a tough problem, there are many ways to reduce the risk of odor caused by incontinence.
10 Tips for Evading Incontinence Odor
1. Stay Hydrated
All too often people that have urinary incontinence try to limit the amount they are drinking in hopes that this will minimize accidents. In reality, a number of accidents are typically the same if an individual is dehydrated, but the smell of the accident is worse.
2. Pay attention to personal hygiene
This many sounds elementary, but it is extremely important that the individual washes themself thoroughly following every accident, rather than just changing their undergarments. This will also help ward off any possibilities of rashes or infections.
3. Use an odor eliminating spray
These sprays are extremely convenient when the individual is out and about and has an accident. While it isn’t logical to expect the person to find an area to fully wash or herself while they are running errands, these sprays definitely help! They range in price from about $3.00 to $30.00.
4. Take vitamin C tablets
These tablets will help lessen the smell of accidents in those who are coping with urinary incontinence. Another popular option is to take deodorizing tablets, such as Derifil. These deodorizing tablets tend to neutralize the smell of urine.
5. Watch what you are eating
Don’t deprive yourself of any favorite foods, but it is important to remember that foods like asparagus, garlic, coffee and alcohol can negatively affect the way urine smells.
6. Learn to love cranberry juice
The acidity of cranberry juice helps to deodorize the smell of urine. Many people believe that it can also help reduce the risk of a urinary tract infection.
7. Read the labels on incontinence products
Whether you choose to wear adult diapers, incontinence pads, or another product, make sure the labels mention odor reduction. These are often the products with multiple layers or a non-perfume substance to help mask the odor.
8. Keep up with laundry
Despite the fact that many incontinence products rarely leak onto clothing, it is important that the individuals clothing is washed after every accident – even if it doesn’t appear to be dirty. The same goes for bed sheets, comforters, and other linen.
9. Ensure that products are properly disposed
If a person is wearing disposable incontinence products, the odor can be minimized by placing them in an airtight can. In place of this, products can be placed in airtight zip bags that will help lock the odor in.
10. Finally, visit a physician
Physicians can make extremely helpful recommendations based on each individual’s symptoms and type of incontinence. Similarly, regular physician visits will ensure that there are no rashes and infections that are going undetected, for they can cause unpleasant odors.
At this time there is no sure way to cure incontinence, and because of this, it’s important that those suffering from the disorder do not let it control their quality of life. Incontinence doesn’t have to be embarrassing. Follow these tips to help control incontinence odor.
