Verified by Kiera Powell, R.N. and written by Chad Birt on Thu Jun 19 2025.
Medically Verified
Incontinence care goes beyond routine changes, accident prevention, and emotional support. If your loved one needs toileting assistance or uses pull-ups, diapers, or adult briefs, keeping the skin around their genitals and perineum clean and dry is absolutely critical. This is where perineal cleansers come in, specifically formulated for this delicate purpose. But what exactly are perineal cleansers, and what should you look for when choosing one?
Perineal skin cleansers are specialized products designed to gently yet effectively clean the soft, sensitive skin of the perineum (the area between the anus and genitals). They work to eliminate urine and fecal matter, as well as the buildup of fungi, bacteria, and smegma—a combination of oil and dead skin cells that can accumulate in moist skin folds.
Unlike harsh traditional soaps, perineal cleansers are gentle and often contain antiseptic properties. This makes them ideal for reducing the risk of common issues like diaper rash, incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD), and other potentially serious skin health problem
Perineal cleansers are primarily used to prevent and minimize the uncomfortable side effects of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD). IAD occurs when the skin's protective barrier is damaged due to prolonged exposure to moisture, friction, and irritating substances from urine and feces. This can result in redness, chafing, and irritation.
Perineal cleansers are formulated to help manage and treat various types of IAD, including:
Perineal dermatitis
Irritant dermatitis
Moisture lesions
Diaper rash
Perineal cleansers contain gentle, medical-grade ingredients with antiseptic qualities that are safe for sensitive skin yet capable of eliminating harmful microorganisms. They are specifically formulated to be much gentler than traditional soaps, which can strip the skin's natural oils and worsen irritation, especially in delicate areas.
Many perineal cleansers come in a convenient foam spray format. This design helps prevent leaks and dripping, allowing for quick, mess-free toilet trips and diaper changes. The foam clings to the skin, making cleanup more efficient.
Healthy skin acts as a vital protective barrier, shielding your internal organs and bodily systems from trauma and potentially harmful invaders. IAD can compromise this essential defense, leading to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms such as:
Red, itchy, or burning skin
Inflamed, peeling, or broken skin
Increased risk of secondary infections (bacterial or fungal)
IAD typically develops on areas of the skin frequently exposed to urine, fecal matter, and their associated moisture and irritants. Common areas affected include:
The perineum (the skin between the anus and scrotum in men, or anus and vagina in women)
Labial folds (in women)
Groin (in men)
Buttocks
Upper thighs
Some individuals may also develop symptoms on their lower abdomen.
Applying a perineal cleanser is straightforward and doesn't require complex tools. To make the cleanup process even easier and more hygienic, we recommend having the following items readily available:
Look for soft, gentle wipes specifically designed for incontinence care.
Products like petroleum jelly, zinc oxide cream, or aloe-based creams help create a protective barrier on the skin after cleansing.
These disposable pads offer an essential layer of protection for bedding or furniture during changes.
Applying a perineal cleanser effectively is a relatively easy process. Follow these steps for a thorough and comfortable cleanup:
Prepare: Wash your hands thoroughly with warm soap and water, then put on a fresh pair of disposable gloves.
Position Your Loved One: Gently ask your loved one to spread their legs. If they need assistance, provide it gently, ensuring their comfort and privacy by covering sensitive areas as appropriate.
Remove Soiled Product: Carefully remove your loved one’s underwear, diaper, pull-ups, or adult briefs.
Initial Cleaning: Use warm water and adult wipes to gently clean the perineal area, groin, thighs, and genitals. Keep extra wipes on hand as needed.
Helpful Hint:
For very messy or loose stools, it's often easiest to use a clean towel as an initial absorbent layer to remove the bulk, then follow with a wipe infused with cleanser, and finally, a water-based wipe for a clean finish.
Dry Thoroughly: After initial cleaning, gently pat dry any excess moisture with a clean towel. Leaving moisture behind can increase the risk of chafing, skin irritation, and pressure sores.
Apply Perineal Cleanser: Spray the perineal cleanser onto a clean, wet washcloth (or directly onto the skin if indicated by the product instructions, but a washcloth allows more control). Gently wipe all areas that came into contact with urine or feces. Blot up any excess moisture.
Apply Barrier Cream (Optional but Recommended): After cleansing and drying, apply a thin layer of skin-friendly ointment or barrier cream to the cleaned areas, especially those prone to irritation.
Apply New Incontinence Product: Once the area is clean, dry, and protected, apply a fresh adult diaper, pull-up, or brief.
Clean Up Area: If any bedding or underpads.
If you learn better by example, check out this quick video:
You can buy perineal skin cleansers right here on Carewell. Check out our large selection, and don't hesitate to get in touch with our Care Team if you need a recommendation.
We hope you’ve found the content of this article helpful. If you have any questions about perineal cleansers or need help selecting a product that meets your loved one’s needs, reach out to our friendly Care Team today. Call (800) 696-CARE or send an email to support@carewell.com. We’re incredibly passionate about helping caregivers (like you) succeed!
If you care for a loved one who’s overweight, it’s normal to wonder what you can do to improve their quality of life. To help make your job easier, we’ve developed a comprehensive guide that answers common questions, provides helpful insights, and highlights specific products from Tranquility®, a leader in high-performing bariatric products.
Read More >
McKesson is a trusted brand and distributor widely used across the U.S. by home caregivers and medical professionals. We are proud to carry these high-quality and affordable products. Read on to discover some of our favorite McKesson items!
Read More >Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.
