Protect your skin from incontinence irritation
Drapolene® Derma Cream soothes, treats and prevents sore skin caused by incontinence. Non-greasy and easy to apply
- Non-greasy
- Easy to apply
- Antiseptic
- Antibacterial
Adult Urinary Dermatitis (AUD) / Incontinence Associated Dermatitis (IAD)
The Facts:
People in the UK live with bladder problems
NHS England1
Of people with incontinence develop skin irritation (AUD / IAD) at some point
Wounds International2
Adults over 65 experience some form of urinary incontinence according to a survery
British Journal of General Practice3
- Non-greasy
- Easy to apply
- Antiseptic
- Antibacterial
Millions of people experience bladder problems.
There is help.
Sore, irritated skin around the bottom or genital area is one of the most common — and least talked about — complications of incontinence.
Whether you manage incontinence yourself or care for someone who does, skin irritation can significantly affect comfort and quality of life. Many people assume it’s just something to put up with.
It shouldn’t be.
This page will help you understand the condition, how to treat it, and how to use Drapolene® Derma Cream as part of your daily routine.
Can incontinence really cause skin damage?
Yes. Prolonged contact with irritants such as urine can break down the skin’s natural barrier, causing redness, soreness and — if untreated — infection. This is called Adult Urinary Dermatitis (AUD) or Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis (IAD).
Is it embarrassing to talk about?
We understand, but it should not be embarrassing at all. This is a medical condition your pharmacist or GP has seen many times. Treating it early makes a significant difference.
How is Drapolene® Derma Cream different?
Plain moisturisers usually don’t contain antiseptics to stop bacteria growth. Drapolene® Derma Cream is a medicine, and contains
two antiseptics plus two moisturisers — a combination which can help with this condition.
What is Adult Urinary Dermatitis (AUD)?
Sore skin, around the bottom or genitals, in adults who suffer with incontinence is medically known as adult urinary dermatitis (AUD) or incontinence associated with dermatitis (IAD).
What causes it?
It is caused by irritants such as urine in contact with the skin for prolonged periods. The skin's natural protective barrier can break down, leaving it vulnerable to soreness and infection.
You should always contact your GP if you think you have an infection.
What does it look like?
It can cause red skin that is sore to the touch, in and around the bottom and genital area. As with all skin irritations left untreated, it can become infected as the skin is damaged.
Can it be prevented?
Yes, it can be. By forming a protective barrier on the skin and helping to stop the bacteria that cause irritation from growing,
Drapolene® Derma Cream can prevent AUD as well as treat it.
How does Drapolene® Derma Cream work?
Drapolene® Derma Cream is an effective treatment for incontinence or urine-associated dermatitis in adults.
The antiseptic formulation, gently soothes the irritation, reduces the redness on the skin, and helps stop the bacteria growing that causes the irritation in the first place.
ANTISEPTIC ACTION
Help stop bacteria in its tracks
Drapolene Derma® Cream contains two antiseptics which soothe and treat the rash, helping to stop the growth of bacteria that can cause the irritation:
- Benzalkonium chloride
- Cetrimide
Helps protect and repair the skin
It also contains two moisturisers which hydrate the skin and form a protective barrier that prevents external irritants from reaching the skin:
- White soft paraffin
- Lanolin
Prevent
treat
soothe
Protect
Treat & Prevent urinary / incontinence dermatitis
Used at your regular toilet visits, Drapolene® Derma Cream can help you both treat existing irritation and prevent it from occuring.
Treating existing irritation
Drapolene® Derma Cream soothes and treats sore skin caused by incontinence. The formulation contains two antiseptics that gently soothe the irritation and help stop bacteria from growing.
It also forms a protective barrier over the skin to help prevent external irritants reaching the skin. Apply thinly to the affected area after cleaning and drying thoroughly, paying particular attention to skin folds.
Preventing irritation
Drapolene® Derma Cream can also prevent adult urinary dermatitis associated with incontinence. It does this by helping to stop the bacteria growing that can cause skin irritation, and by forming a protective barrier over the skin.
additional prevention tips
- Wash the genital and bottom area with warm water and a non-irritant soap
- Change incontinence pads more regularly to reduce skin exposure time
- Apply Drapolene® Derma Cream at every pad change as part of your routine
How to apply Drapolene® Derma Cream
Follow these steps at every toilet visit or pad change.
Clean the area
Clean or wash and dry the affected area thoroughly, paying particular attention to the folds of skin.
Apply thinly
Apply Drapolene® Derma Cream thinly to the irritated or at-risk area. A little goes a long way.
Change the pad
Change the incontinence pad as normal after applying the cream.
Reapply regularly
- The flip-top cap on the tube makes one-handed application easier. The tub format is ideal for carers applying on someone else's behalf. Both sizes are suitable for all skin types.
A guide for carers
Healthcare Professionals
If you’re a pharmacist, continence nurse, district nurse or GP, we have clinical information, product samples and patient resources available for you.
Make it part of every pad change:
You should apply Drapolene® Derma Cream at every pad change. This consistency is an effective way to prevent Adult Urinary Dermatitis (AUD) from developing.
The tub format is easier for carers:
The 350g tub allows for easy application because the person being cared for does not need to hold or squeeze a container themselves.
Talk to the continence nurse:
If you care for someone with district nurse support, ask about incorporating Drapolene® Derma Cream into their skin care plan.
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Our Products
-
Individual
Drapolene® Cream 100g Tube
£6.49One squeeze to prevent, treat and soothe and protect skin against nappy rash, at every nappy change.
Now with a flip-top cap.Suitable from use from newborn. -
Individual
Drapolene® Cream 350g Tub
£14.99Easy to use pot of soothing cream to prevent and treat sore skin caused by incontinence and also to prevent, treat and soothe and protect skin against nappy rash.
Suitable for all skin types including from newborn.
References
- NHS England. Excellence in Continence Care: Practical Guidance for Commissioners and Leaders in Health and Social Care. July 2018. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/excellence-in-continence-care.pdf [Accessed May 2026]
- Beeckman D, Campbell J, Campbell K et al. (2015) Proceedings of the Global IAD Expert Panel. Incontinence-associated dermatitis: moving prevention forward. Wounds International. Available at: https://woundsinternational.com/best-practice-statements/incontinence-associated-dermatitis-moving-prevention-forward-2/ [Accessed May 2026]
- Teunissen D, van den Bosch W, van Weel C, Lagro-Janssen T. Urinary incontinence in older people in the community: a neglected problem? British Journal of General Practice. 2004;54(507):633–637. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14675365/ [Accessed May 2026]
