Bathing and perineal care (cleansing of the external genitalia, perineum and surrounding area) may be an embarrassing procedure for many caregivers, but it is a necessary one to eliminate odor, prevent infection and provide comfort.

General Considerations:
* Older people often have very thin skin, that may be sensitive to touch. Handle the skin carefully and gently as rough treatment may be painful. Skin may be particularly sensitive if patient has been bedridden for a length of time.
* Remove eyeglasses and hearing aids prior to bathing and secure in a safe place.
* When cleaning, look for blemishes and discoloring on the skin. Report these blemishes to your doctor or nurse.
*Patients may behave inappropriately; it is often helpful to talk them them through the bath in a calm, gentle voice.
*Ensure room temperature is adequate and draft-free.

What supplies will I need for bathing?
· Disposable medical gloves
· Several clean washcloths or PROVON Bathing Cloths (no rinse).
· PROVON Antibacterial Foaming Body Wash (does not require rinsing).
· PROVON Moisturizing Body Lotion with Aloe & Vitamins
· PROVON Moisturizing Skin Protectant
· Clean adult brief.
· Basin filled with warm water. Be sure to test water temperature prior to use; it should be warm, not hot.

How do I provide incontinent care/clean up?
* Wash hands prior to bathing to prevent transmission of germs. Wear gloves and an apron or disposable gown.
* Gently roll patient onto his side and place waterproof pad under the patient
* Use a clean surface of the adult brief to remove any excess fecal matter.
* Apply approximately 2 ml (2-3 sprays) of PROVON Antibacterial Perineal Wash to a warm, dampened wash cloth. After each wipe, change to a clean area of the washcloth.
* Clean the buttocks and thighs. No rinsing necessary.
* Prepare a clean wash cloth with 2-3 sprays of PROVON Antibacterial Perineal Wash or use PROVON Personal Washcloths to cleanse the labia or penis, cleaning from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the urinary tract.
* Apply approximately 2 g (a nickel-size amount) of PROVON Moisturizing Skin Protectant to the perineum after each cleaning to moisturize and protect the skin against moisture and contaminants from urine and fecal matter.
* Apply a clean adult brief.
* Reposition person. Dispose of materials. Wash hands. Deodorize room.

How do I bed bathe?
*Apply approximately 2 ml (1-2 pumps from foamer bottle) of PROVON Antibacterial Body Wash to a warm, dampened wash cloth or use PROVON Bathing Cloths for each area of the body. PROVON®Antibacterial Body Wash is designed to kill germs that may cause odor and disease, as well as condition skin.
* Begin with washing face, neck and ears.
* Wash arms forearms and hands. Use long, firm strokes, which help promote circulation. Arms may need to be supported, while being washed.
* Wash chest and abdomen. Again, use long, firm strokes. Wash skin folds under female breasts. As an area is cleaned, cover to prevent chilling.
* Wash legs and feet.
* Roll patient, if possible to wash back
* Pat dry. No rinsing necessary.
* Apply PROVON Moisturizing Hand & Body Lotion to patient's skin after bed bathing to keep skin soft and well conditioned.

Cleaning clothes stained with urine
In order to remove urine odor and stain from clothing, the enzymes in urine need to be broken down. Generally, laundry detergent alone is insufficient as it does not act on the proteins that produce the smell of urine. A commercial cleaner designed specifically for use with urine is needed.
* Separate the clothes from general laundry.
* Add a normal amount of laundry soap and fabric softner.
* Add ½ (light to moderated urine stain) to 1 cup (moderate to heavy) of enzyme treatment to the laundry.
* Double rinse the load, if possible.
Hints:
* Wash clothes as soon as possible and keep separate from general laundry.
* Synthetic fibers tend to retain odors; consider dressing incontinent person with natural fiber clothing. Natural fibers breathe and will be more comfortable on the patient when soiled.