There are certain medical conditions where the use of a wet wipe solution could alleviate symptoms or facilitate healing by making the wiping experience both effortless and soothing.
Just like a bidet, however, with the addition of soothing and moisturising ingredients, a good wet wipe solution could prevent or reduce risk for the development of certain symptoms or help reduce irritation or inflammation, and in turn, promote healing by reducing the number of wipes needed to achieve cleanliness.
For instance:
Anal Fissures
The unpleasant tears that can result in the delicate skin of the anus due to excessive or harsh wiping could be aggravated by improper wiping during recovery.
Diarrhoea
As most of us know, prolonged diarrhoea is not very pleasant and is associated with butt rash and a very sore anus from wiping more often than usual throughout the day.
Babies are more susceptible to these symptoms, due to their more delicate skin and tight diapers.
Haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids are swollen veins that develop either inside or outside the rectum. They are very common and can cause itching, pain, and bleeding.
Haemorrhoids make it difficult to completely clean as stool can catch on them, leading one to resort to excessive wiping.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Diarrhoea is often associate with IBDs such as Crohn's disease as well as IBSs.
During flare-ups, affected individuals experience pain the anal area, which can be caused by various issues including chronic diarrhoea, straining for a bowel movement, and anal fissures - this last one can be due to excessive wiping.
The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation recommends the use of baby wipes as an alternative to toilet paper for affected persons, due to baby wipes being gentle, moist and less irritating than dry toilet paper.
Soothe the Sore Bum
Under such medical circumstances, even the softest toilet paper can be rough on the skin, making matters worse.
Try to avoid wet wipes and other products that contain alcohols, fragrances, and harsh soaps that can dry out and inflame the skin further, causing discomfort or itching.
Of course, there are other essential self-care measures that one should take such as:
- Staying hydrated and nourished to promote healing
- Using a soft brand toilet paper and avoid wiping too hard
- Increasing daily intake of fibre to help achieve harder stools
- Soaking your bottom in a warm bath throughout the day to relax the muscles of the anus
- Using medicated creams and ointments recommended by your doctor
Many doctors recommend a gentle or medical ointment to treat dryness or promote healing, however, care should be taken not use too much as the skin needs to breath, especially during recovery.
A wipe with the presence of light cleaning, moisturising and soothing agents could be useful in preventing or minimising dryness and inflammation by making the wiping experience more effortless and gentle considering that harsh or excessive wiping is a major factor for a sore bum.