What hygiene practice is essential when caring for patients with urinary incontinence?

Frequent changing of incontinence products is essential when caring for patients with urinary incontinence to maintain skin integrity and prevent complications such as skin irritation, pressure ulcers, and infections. Incontinence can lead to the constant exposure of the skin to moisture and urine, which can create an environment conducive to skin breakdown and infection. By changing incontinence products regularly, caregivers can help keep the skin dry and clean, thus promoting comfort for the patient and reducing the risk of developing more severe health issues.

Other options do address aspects of care, but they do not provide the same level of crucial impact on preventing skin complications. For example, daily massages may not specifically target the cleanliness or skin protection needed in this context, and using antibacterial lotion could be beneficial but does not replace the need for regular changes to incontinence products. Applying powder might help with moisture management, but it cannot substitute for the preventive measure of changing products, which directly addresses the primary concern of skin health in patients with urinary incontinence.