Abstract
Background: Urinary Incontinence is a common symptom among the older and frail older people. Apart from affecting the quality of life and skin complications, the demand on assistance could be too high for any sufferer. While conservative means of treatment do not work, special incontinence apparel could be a good compromise. Objective: To create an absorbent, antiseptic, antiperspirant and deodourant diaper for the older and dependent people suffering from urinary incontinence. Material and Methods: Antiperspirant and antiseptic medicinal materials have been reported in Traditional Chinese Medicine and two herbs were screened out to provide the required effects. A combination of Fraxini Cortex, Calamine and Zinc oxide made in powder forms was impregnated into a pocket of the diaper. Laboratory tests were performed to confirm the antiseptic, antiperspirant and deodourant effects of the materials. A self-control clinical trial on the diaper was organized in an elderly home. Results: Antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus, E. coli and Candida were proven. Antiperspirant effects were confirmed using acetylcholinesterase inhibitor testings. Volunteers using the Sudoscan machine further demonstrated the weak antiperspirant effects of the herbs. A pilot study on 31 dependent diaper users gave positive feedbacks of more comfort, less leakage, odour and better skin conditions. The overall satisfaction reached 79%. Conclusion: A special diaper with antiseptic, antiperspirant and deodourant effects could be created with inexpensive herbal powder impregnated and could be recommended to the older and frail older people with urinary incontinence.
Highlights
Older and frail older people often suffer from incontinence
When the apparently simple “wetting” phenomenon is seriously analysed, many specific problems are revealed. They are: i) Overflow of urine, which is the source of discomfort and demand for much manpower support in tedious apparel care. ii) Perineal dermatitis, which could result from the poor micro-environment, bacterial and fungal infections. iii) Pressure injuries, which are consequences of dermatitis leading to skin abrasions and ulcerations resulting even from minor rubs and contact stretches [3]. iv) Local infections, which are prone in the perineal region because of the faecal outlet [3]. v) Foul odour production resulting from the combination of bacterial and fungal flora, putrefaction activities arising from the unhygienic environment and sweat gland irritations [4]. vi) Sweat gland hyperactivity reacting to the poor microenvironment [5]
A pilot study was planned and the aim was to create a special diaper for the older and frail older people suffering from urinary incontinence to prevent complications arising from over-night and persistent wetting of the perineal region
Summary
Older and frail older people often suffer from incontinence. This problem is most common among frail older people living in elderly homes which might not be provided with sufficient carers. A pilot study was planned and the aim was to create a special diaper for the older and frail older people suffering from urinary incontinence to prevent complications arising from over-night and persistent wetting of the perineal region. With regard to the other requirements, we looked forward to medicinal herbs that had been reported to be antibacterial and antiperspirant They needed to be tested in biological platforms and in clinical applications. Objective: To create an absorbent, antiseptic, antiperspirant and deodourant diaper for the older and dependent people suffering from urinary incontinence. Material and Methods: Antiperspirant and antiseptic medicinal materials have been reported in Traditional Chinese Medicine and two herbs were screened out to provide the required effects. Conclusion: A special diaper with antiseptic, antiperspirant and deodourant effects could be created with in-expensive herbal powder impregnated and
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