10 Tips for Treating Skin Irritation from Diarrhea

After a bowel movement, clean the area gently with wet wipes or baby wipes. At times, however, even gentle wiping can be painful. Another tactic is to rinse your bottom in a Sitz bath or use a shower head to spray off. Let the area air dry or use a blow dryer on the cool setting.

"Barrier cream" means anything that will coat the skin and protect it from stool and moisture. Diaper rash cream that contains zinc oxide work very well when applied to clean, dry skin. Reapply after a bowel movement. Petroleum jelly or vitamin A and D cream also work to protect skin from diarrhea.

It may seem as though a soak in a hot bath would be the best thing for your sore and broken skin. However, hot baths and showers can actually dry skin out. A soak in lukewarm water may be helpful. Use a barrier cream after a bath or shower to lock moisture in.

If you have diarrhea, and especially if it's chronic, you run the risk of becoming dehydrated. Drinking water and other hydrating liquids can help you prevent dehydration and also work to keep your skin from drying out. Steer clear of caffeine and alcohol, which have a dehydrating effect.

Some foods may trigger or contribute to diarrhea, or make your stool more acidic. A few foods to avoid include:

• Artificial sweeteners
• Citrus fruits and drinks
• Fatty foods
• Fried foods
• Greasy foods
• Spicy foods

Many people take various supplements along with medications, and people with IBD are no exception. Some types of supplements can cause stool to become more irritating to your skin. This includes:

• Cayenne
• Ginseng
• Glucosamine
• Milk Thistle
• Saw Palmetto

Dairy products such as milk, ice cream and cheese can worsen diarrhea, especially if you have lactose intolerance. Be sure to get enough calcium in your diet from other sources such as green, leafy vegetables and salmon or shrimp.

Sitting for a long period of time is not easy on your bottom, especially if you also have hemorrhoids. Avoid sitting too much if possible; lying down will be easier on your bottom.

Avoiding sitting for long periods of time is a great idea, but in reality most of us must sit for part of the day to go to work or attend school. If you are unable to take a few days off to deal with your diarrhea and your irritated skin, try sitting on a cushion. It does not need to be anything special; even a bed pillow will do in a pinch.

Ultimately, the best way to help your skin heal is to get to the source, and slow down the diarrhea. Aside from treating your IBD or other condition that is causing diarrhea, the following foods may be helpful:

• Eggs (not fried)*
• Farina*
• Fish (broiled or baked, not fried)
• Fruit, such as bananas or peeled apples
• Lean beef*
• Noodles
• Rice
• Skinned chicken or turkey
• Smooth peanut butter
• Well-cooked vegetables
• White bread* or toast
• Yogurt

*May not be suitable for people with IBS.