How to keep your diaper area smooth and clean...
Some months ago I tried shaving my "diaper area" with an electric clipper. It just ended up creating nicks and sores, and the stubble it left behind made me incredibly itchy. Then, I contemplated using depilatory cream, but from everything I read when I researched it on Google, that would be incredibly painful, just like waxing, which I would never do. So, more recently, this week, since it's been so hot where I live, I thought about shaving my diaper area again. I tried shaving with a razor and gel shaving cream, but I have a tremor in my hands, and I was only able to get half the job done.
I have three skilled nurses and a home health aide. I asked each of them about it. Two of my nurses are female, and were not comfortable with the idea of shaving me when I asked about it, and my other male nurse was not sure it was necessary, or was a sound idea to do or have done. Eventually, one morning a few days ago, I asked my home health aide. My HHA helps me with showering, dressing, and cleaning my apartment, since I have issues with safety and balance, as well as back pain and trouble reaching, bending, stooping, and lifting.
At first, he was reluctant, but then when he looked at me after he gave me a shower, he decided that it would be best if he shaved me. The area was already wet, and the hair was softened, so it made the job much easier. He used plenty of gel cream, and at least two single-blade razors. He was doubtful he had done a good job. However, I assured him that the whole area felt quite smooth and comfortable when he was done. It was a lot less itchy, and felt much cooler, even during the last few days, which have been consistently over 90 degrees lately.
My aide asked me to get something like triple-blade razors, or razors with replaceable heads, since the single-blade razors dull easily, and clog with hair very quickly. I plan to get some of these when my next SSDI payment comes in on August 3. I am fairly certain by then I will need to be shaved again. I am looking forward to it actually. The shaving is a very personal and intimate part of my care that my aide performed very well, and I think with his help, I can maintain a smooth, itch-free diaper area throughout the summer, and probably throughout the year.
One item of note is something that one of my nurses did some months ago to help me prevent yeast infections and rashes, which I have had in the past, mostly due to keeping a diaper on too long on hot days, thus making a moist breeding ground for a yeast infection. My primary care doctor had prescribed Nystatin powder, which dries out the affected area, and prevents yeast infections from growing. The powder usually just falls off when applied.
However, my nurse had me buy some store-brand Desitin from Wal-Mart (much cheaper, especially by the tub), and he mixed a liberal dose of Nystatin powder in with the Desitin. Every morning since then, my aide has applied a liberal amount of the cream mixture to my whole diaper area. Also, for a while now, at my request, he has also applied the cream in between my buttocks, so as to provide complete coverage front and back. this method has worked wonders for me. I have never had a rash, and minimal itching, since then.
As far as leak control is concerned, I use an extra bladder control pad inside my diaper, and I also wear vinyl pants with elastic gathers around the waistband and leg cuffs, over the diaper. This has finally solved my problem with leaks almost completely. The vinyl pants are actually quite comfortable, and do not tend to slip down and off like my underwear used to. I simply wear a diaper with an extra pad inside, the vinyl pants, and then just put on shorts or long pants over that.
I hope this information has helped some of you with these issues. I would appreaciate any helpful commentary or replies. Thank you! Have a great day.
