Checklist for Managing Light Incontinence

If you or a loved one experience light incontinence, you’re familiar with leading an active life while avoiding unexpected accidents. Even small things, such as coughing or laughing, can cause you to leak. 

Rest assured, you’re not alone. Tens of millions of Americans navigate their daily activities with some form of incontinence. Light incontinence can be managed to maximize your comfort in a discreet way, ensuring you can live a high-quality life free of worry. 

Here are some products that you can use yourself or to help a loved one who might experience light incontinence.

Step 1: Absorb drips while maintaining comfort using a Bladder Pad

Ongoing leaking of urine can be uncomfortable. Many people use a bladder pad to avoid the unwanted feeling of moisture. This product feels good on your skin, wicks away wetness, and can easily and discreetly be packed in a bag or purse.

Step 2: Easily remove urine from skin surfaces with Adult Wipes

A package of wipes is easy to carry and can quickly remove urine from skin surfaces. Stay comfortable throughout the day, no matter where you’re going, and easily dispose of wipes using a trash can after you’re done using them.

Step 3: Stay dry and keep furniture in great shape using Underpads

This product can be placed on surfaces where people often sit. You might place these on beds, couches, or other furniture where you’re seated. An underpad soaks up moisture from occasional or regular light incontinence while keeping you and the furniture beneath you as dry as possible. You can get rid of underpads after they are used.

Step 4: Keep hard-to-reach body areas clean and healthy with a Perineal Wash

The perineum is the area between your genitals and anus, making it difficult to keep clean, especially for people with light incontinence. It’s also a sensitive area prone to chafing and skin problems, which can be uncomfortable. Use a perineal wash to clean off areas that often get wet while reducing odors.

Step 5: Keep pads in place and prevent leaks using Knit Underwear

Among the benefits of knit underwear is the ability to stay comfortable with a fitted design that limits the risk of urine leaking from light incontinence. These products are created to fit the body and keep pads designed to absorb pee right where they belong. They effectively seal in urine to avoid leaks when you’re out in public or working around the house.

Step 6: Soak up urine easily and discreetly with a Male Guard - Light 

A male guard is a disposable pad designed to fit comfortably around the genitals and lower torso. It fits snugly to surround the body with materials that feel good and absorb leaking urine, helping you go about your day without interruption. They’re often white or light-colored so they don’t show through your clothing. 

Step 7: Use disposable underwear that’s easy to pull down and up such as Pull Ups - Light, Unisex 

People with light incontinence often find it challenging to make it to the bathroom on time before an accident. Light and unisex pull ups can be used by anyone to make toilet visits easier. These products have built-in absorption to capture urine that might leak between bathroom visits. When you’re through with this product, you can dispose of it. Light-colored pull ups can’t be seen through your clothing and act just like normal underwear with extra built-in protection.

Step 8: Stay fresh and avoid negative odors with a Deodorizer

A variety of deodorizers are available to keep your body and undergarments fresh and free of odors that might be unpleasant. This can give you the necessary confidence to get out and enjoy your day without the risk of smells from light incontinence.

Step 9: Maintain skin health and avoid irritation from dripping using Skin Protective Ointment 

People with light incontinence can avoid skin irritation and keep their skin healthy with the help of skin protective ointment. This discreet product creates a barricade between the skin and leaking urine, helping you ensure the well-being of your skin. It can also provide a soothing feeling and a good odor that leaves you feeling refreshed.

Step 10: Wipe away drips and spurts with ease using Toilet Paper

A variety of toilet paper options help people with light incontinence. Toilet paper is a great product to use when exploring how to control urine while traveling, among other incontinence products. You can carry a roll discreetly or purchase toilet paper that best fits your needs for home use.

Step 11: Clean your clothes and remove odors from fabric with Laundry Detergent

People with light incontinence do a fair amount of laundry to wash away the scent of urine and remove unwanted stains. Select the right laundry detergent to keep your clothing in great shape so you can live life on your terms.

“When those close to us begin to experience incontinence, there are initially lots of emotions involved,” explains Kiera Powell, Carewell’s consulting nurse.

“There are feelings of fear and embarrassment from the ones who are going through this change, and there is usually a caregiver who may feel frustrated or helpless by the inconvenience or lack of experience involving the situation. All of these feelings are valid and should be further explored. The conversation should revolve around ways to help their loved one feel comfortable talking about the situation, and the two can use this as a starting point to look for solutions."

“For those with light incontinence, a liner or booster pad is usually sufficient and may require a light brief for nighttime use,” Powell adds. “Pelvic floor strengthening exercises can be performed to improve bladder control.”

Need More Help?

If you’re sorting through products trying to find the right fit, Carewell's here to help. If you need support to select just the right product, talk to one of our caregiving specialists today. Call (800) 696-CARE. We’re here to assist you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!