Traveling can be a real challenge if you're one of the millions of people who suffer from incontinence. Between finding a restroom in an unfamiliar place and trying to keep your pants dry while on a long flight, it can seem impossible to enjoy yourself.
But with some preparation, you can handle your incontinence while traveling like a pro. All you need to do is pack and keep essentials at hand, be aware of your surroundings, and use a little creativity.
Here are some smart tips on how to handle incontinence while traveling:
PACK AND KEEP ESSENTIALS AT HAND’S REACH
The first step to being prepared for an incontinence episode while traveling is to pack all the essentials you might need and keep them within easy reach. This includes things like clean underwear, absorbent pads or incontinence diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes if necessary. It's also a good idea to pack any medications you take for incontinence, just in case you have an episode while away from home.
If you have an overly active bladder, Meddcare's Absorbent Plus Overnight Brief is an excellent option for travel. This product can hold up to a full bladder worth of urine and keep you dry throughout the night, even if you move around a lot in your sleep.
You should also pack with you Uniseal® Adult UniWipes to keep your skin clean and free of irritation. These premoistened cloths are alcohol-free and ultra-soft, making them perfect for sensitive skin.
Some of the essentials to pack include:
- Wipes
- Change of clothes
- Towels
- Undergarments
- Cream barrier
- Wash soap/spray
- Pads or liners
- Disposable bags
BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS
When traveling, you must be aware of your surroundings at all times. This means knowing where the nearest restroom is so you can beeline for it if you start to feel the urge to go. It's also a good idea to scope out potential places to change or clean up if you have an accident, such as a public restroom with an accessible shower or a secluded spot behind some bushes.
If you're spending time in a place where there aren't many bathrooms, such as on a long car ride or hike, make sure to plan. This means going to the restroom before you leave and again as soon as you can once you've arrived at your destination.
Bring a portable urinal or empty bottle so you can go if necessary. You may need to deodorize or change your clothes afterward, but it's better than having an accident in your pants. You can take PeriFresh Rinse-Free Perineal Cleanser to clean yourself up quickly.
USE A LITTLE BIT OF CREATIVITY
Incontinence doesn't have to put a damper on your travel plans. With creativity, you can still enjoy yourself while managing your condition.
For example, if you're worried about leakage during a long flight, try wearing dark-colored clothing and bringing along an absorbent pad or incontinence diaper. This way, if you do have an accident, it will be much less noticeable.
If you're spending time in the water, such as at the beach or pool, wear a pair of swim shorts with a built-in absorbent fabric. This will help to keep you dry and minimize the risk of an accident.
Several incontinence products on the market can help make your life easier, such as leak-proof underwear and disposable incontinence pads. For extra protection, you can also apply a cream barrier like the Calmoseptine Ointment - 4 oz Tube.
EAT AND DRINK SMART
You can do a few things to help manage your incontinence while traveling. First, it's essential to eat and drink the right things. This means avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, which can irritate your bladder and worsen incontinence.
It's also a good idea to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This will help to keep your urine diluted and less likely to cause an accident.
If you're planning on being active while you travel, such as hiking or swimming, drink even more water than usual to stay hydrated. And if you're spending time in a hot climate, drink even more water to prevent dehydration.
MANAGE YOUR STRESS
Stress can worsen incontinence, so it's essential to find ways to relax while traveling. This may mean taking some time out for yourself to read or listen to music.
If you start to feel overwhelmed, it's also a good idea to take some deep breaths and focus on positive thoughts. Remember that you can always ask for help if needed and that products are available to help manage your incontinence.
GO FOR DISPOSABLES
As much as possible, go for disposables when you're traveling. This means using disposable pads or liners instead of reusable ones.
If you're going to be away from home for a while, consider using disposable underwear. This way, you won't have to worry about doing laundry while on vacation.
And if you have an accident, clean up as best you can and then put all your soiled clothes in a disposable bag. You can even bring along some wet wipes or a travel-sized bottle of PeriFresh Rinse-Free Perineal Cleanser to help with the cleanup process.
With some planning and preparation, you can still enjoy yourself while managing your incontinence. So don't let it stop you from exploring the world and living your best life.
