Managing incontinence during the warmer months
As the summer months bring hot weather and longer days, those dealing with urinary incontinence face unique challenges. The warmth and activities that define the season can worsen incontinence symptoms, making daily management more tricky. Despite these hurdles, enjoying summer activities comfortably and confidently is possible.
Understanding how to tackle these changes will help you make the most of the summer without worry. This includes knowing where to find a toilet in time during long trips out and how to choose the right incontinence products that offer security and discretion under summer clothing.
This Incontinence Shop blog post will discuss everything you need to know about managing incontinence during warmer weather, including:
- The unique challenges of summer
- Summer lifestyle tips to manage your incontinence
- How exercises can help manage incontinence
- Maintaining skin health during summer
- Choose the best incontinence product
- Manage your incontinence confidently this summer with Incontinence Shop
Summer clothing, finding a loo, and staying hydrated: The unique challenges of incontinence in warm weather
Summer brings some unique things to consider when managing your incontinence.
For example, warmer weather naturally encourages more outdoor activities, which often means spending extended periods of time away from the convenience of your home and the nearest toilet.
Finding a public toilet in time can sometimes be challenging, whether it's a day at the beach, a family picnic, or just a walk in the park. Therefore, careful planning is needed to avoid warm weather accidents due to delayed access to bathroom facilities.
Similarly, dressing for the heat typically involves lighter, thinner fabrics, which can sometimes be problematic for people with incontinence because they offer less coverage for incontinence products. Fortunately, many incontinence pads made today are as discreet as they are comfortable, making this less of a concern for most people.
Then there's the hydration dilemma: drinking enough water to stay hydrated but not so much that you trigger incontinence. It's a tricky line to walk, but fortunately, there are ways to stay prepared.
Summer lifestyle tips to manage your incontinence best
Managing urinary incontinence during the warmer weather of summer months is all about being strategic. Here's how to manage all the potential incontinence obstacles that summer throws your way.
Drink plenty, drink cleverly
To stay hydrated without worsening your symptoms, try drinking water in small, steady amounts throughout the day instead of all at once. This keeps you hydrated without overfilling your bladder quickly.
Here are some simple tips to help you drink water this way:
- Use a smaller cup or bottle - This helps you drink small amounts more often.
- Drink at regular times—Sip water every 15 to 30 minutes. You can use a timer or an app to remind you.
- Keep track of how much you drink - Write down how much you drink each day to see how it affects your symptoms, and adjust if needed.
- Choose your drinks carefully - Water is best for staying hydrated. Avoid drinks like caffeine and alcohol that make you pee more.
- Listen to your body - Watch out for signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, headaches, or dark urine. Drink water slowly when you notice these signs.
Keep a high-fibre, incontinence-friendly diet
Eating plenty of fibre is good for many reasons, especially when dealing with incontinence. Foods high in fibre keep your digestive system running smoothly, preventing constipation.
Constipation can put extra pressure on your bladder, making incontinence worse. Try to eat a variety of fibre-rich foods like:
- Fruits - Apples, berries, pears, and bananas are fibre-rich.
- Vegetables - Broccoli, carrots, and sweetcorn offer fibre and vital nutrients.
- Whole grains - Choose whole-grain bread, brown rice, and whole-wheat pasta over refined options.
- Legumes - Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are great for fibre and protein.
Some foods and drinks can irritate your bladder and make you go more often. To help control your incontinence, you might want to cut back on:
- Caffeine - It’s in coffee, tea, chocolate, and some sodas and can worsen symptoms as it’s a diuretic and bladder irritant.
- Spicy Foods - These can irritate the bladder for some, causing discomfort.
- Acidic Foods - Foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits, and vinegar can cause bladder irritation.
How exercises can help manage your incontinence
Exercise is a great way to prevent incontinence, and what better time to embrace exercise than summer?
Regular physical activities that strengthen your pelvic floor muscles can improve incontinence symptoms. Pelvic floor exercises, often known as Kegel exercises, are particularly beneficial.
These exercises strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and improve bladder control, making them a major component of a healthy lifestyle for managing incontinence.
Bringing these exercises into your daily routine, in combination with general fitness activities, can help you enjoy a more active and confident life during the warmer months.
Maintaining skin health during summer
Proper skin care is a big part of managing incontinence, especially during warm weather when sweat and chafing can increase the risk of skin irritation and infections.
Here are some effective ways to keep your skin healthy and prevent discomfort from unexpected leaks.
Keep your skin clean
Be sure to keep the skin clean and dry daily to prevent the build-up of moisture and bacteria, which can lead to skin infections.
After any leakage, gently clean the area with mild, non-irritating soap or special incontinence wipes designed to soothe and protect the skin.
Pat the skin dry thoroughly; avoid rubbing as it can irritate the skin further.
Prevent skin irritation
Regular exposure to moisture can irritate and lead to more severe skin issues.
To help prevent this, change incontinence supplies as soon as they become wet or soiled. Use breathable, high-quality incontinence products that allow air circulation and minimise moisture retention.
Using barrier creams
Barrier creams or ointments can provide extra protection between your skin and potential irritants. These protective layers help prevent moisture from irritating, making them ideal for use before doing anything that might stop you from changing incontinence supplies immediately after leaks.
Choosing the best incontinence products for warm weather
Choosing the right incontinence products is vital for managing both urinary and bowel incontinence effectively, especially during active months in warm weather.
Here's how to choose products to support your lifestyle and maintain comfort and hygiene.
High-absorbency incontinence pads
If you have heavy incontinence or tend to experience a loss of bladder control, highly absorbent products are best.
Incontinence pads designed for heavy incontinence can absorb a lot of fluid, locking moisture away from the skin. This is particularly important during physical activities, where movement can lead to leaks.
These pads are made with materials that absorb quickly whilst neutralising odours.
Choosing between disposable and washable products
Disposable incontinence products are ideal for convenience and disposability, especially during travel or extensive outdoor activities. They are also generally more absorbent and require less immediate care.
On the other hand, washable incontinence products can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for managing incontinence.
Manage your incontinence confidently this summer with Incontinence Shop
At Incontinence Shop, we understand that dealing with incontinence problems in hot weather can be challenging. Our wide range of incontinence products is designed to provide protection, comfort, and confidence, allowing you to get through summer with less fuss. Whether you're dealing with the occasional leak or more frequent episodes of urinary leakage, we have a solution tailored to your needs.
Explore our selection of absorbent pads, pants, protective underwear, and accessories, each designed to offer the best protection for different types of incontinence. With the right products, you can reduce the impact of urinary incontinence on your life, even during summer.
And for prices lower than supermarket costs—even for the most premium brands like TENA and Drylife—Incontinence Shop is the best choice for those looking for incontinence products in bulk, such as nursing home caregivers.
What's more, if you subscribe to your incontinence product of choice, you can enjoy 10% off every order and convenient doorstep delivery.
