If you suffer from urinary incontinence, then you probably know that protecting your skin is really important.

Women with urinary incontinence have a higher risk of rashes and skin problems than normal. This is because skin is normally acidic, which keeps harmful bacteria away, but when skin comes in contact with urine it becomes moist and more alkaline.

The resulting moist alkaline environment can no longer keep bacteria and yeast away, which can eventually lead to rashes and skin infections. That's why it is important to take extra care of your skin if you have urine leakage.

How to Protect Your Skin After Urine Leakage
Protecting your skin is especially important after a urine leakage accident. To care for your skin right after urine leakage, take the following steps:

• Use mild soap and cool water to wash your skin. Be thorough, including cleaning skin folds well.
• Rinse well with cool water, and be sure to rinse off all the soap residue (soap residue causes dry skin, which can cause further irritation).
• Pat your skin dry with a clean cloth or air dry. Resist rubbing, as this can chafe your skin.
• If you wash your skin frequently, you might want to consider using disposable wipes or a perineal cleanser. These products contain milder cleansing agents, some are also pH-balanced for the skin and have antimicrobials that act against harmful bacteria.

Finally, if you have frequent urine leakage, you want to consider putting a moisture barrier on your skin. Products that contain lanolin or petroleum jelly work well. Other products to consider include cortisone cream to guard against rash and skin irritation, and anti-fungal powder to keep your skin dry.

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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sunshinecity/786584004/