Anorectal Skin Care

Fecal material contains digestive enzymes (acids). These enzymes are very irritating to the skin. To keep the skin healthy, you must clean yourself well after each bowel movement and protect the skin. Prevention is the goal.

• Clean area of any fecal material (stool) after each bowel movement.
• Clean area with soap and water or Uniwash.
• Rinse well and pat dry. Rubbing will irritate the skin more.
• Apply a layer of ointment around the anal opening.

Preventive care:

• Desitin
• A & D Ointment
• Proshield Plus (11762)
• Sensi Care

Pat off with warm, moist wash cloth, used as a compress, then re-apply. You do not need to remove all of the ointment.

After skin breakdown occurs:

• Ilex (11762)

Use this product as a base. Cover it with Vaseline, other ointment or powder. Apply Vaseline with each diaper change, leaving the Ilex intact. Wash off and re-apply Ilex 2-3 times a day. You do not need to remove all of the ointment with each cleaning.

• 3M No Sting Barrier (2025)

Additional skin-care treatments:

• Soaking in warm bath water
• Leaving buttocks open to air whenever possible
• Use a hair dryer on low setting at least 12 inches from buttocks

If you have any questions, please contact the Pediatric Surgery Nurses at (734) 764-4151.

This information is provided by the University of Michigan Department of Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. For additional health information, please contact your health care provider or our offices.