Because bowel incontinence can cause distress in the form of embarrassment, fear, and loneliness, taking steps to deal with it is important. Living with a bowel control problem can be upsetting. You may feel ashamed and alone, but there are things you can do to improve your life and feel better about yourself.

• Take a backpack or tote bag containing cleanup supplies and a change of clothing with you everywhere.
• Locate public restrooms before you need them.
• Use the toilet before leaving home.
• If you think an episode is likely, wear disposable undergarments or sanitary pads.
• If you lose bowel control frequently, use oral bowel deodorants – a pill that you can chew or swallow to reduce the smell of stool and gas. These pills are available without a prescription. Your doctor can help you choose which type is best for you.

Talk with a Doctor

Treatment can improve your life and help you feel better about yourself. If you haven’t been to a doctor yet, make an appointment.

What to Do About Anal Discomfort

The skin around the anus is delicate and sensitive. Constipation and diarrhea or contact between skin and stool can cause pain or itching. Here’s what you can do to relieve discomfort:

• Wash the area with water, but not soap, after a bowel movement. Soap can dry out the skin, making discomfort worse. If possible, wash in the shower with lukewarm water or use a sitz bath. Or try a no-rinse skin cleanser. Try not to use toilet paper to clean up – rubbing with dry toilet paper will only further irritate the skin. Premoistened, alcohol-free towelettes are a better choice.
• Let the area air dry after washing. If you don’t have time, gently pat yourself dry with a lint-free cloth.
• Use a moisture barrier cream, which is a protective cream to help prevent skin irritation from direct contact with stool. You should first clean the area well to avoid trapping bacteria that could cause further problems. However, talk with your health care professional before you try anal ointments and creams because some have ingredients that can be irritating. Your health care professional can recommend an appropriate cream or ointment.
• Try using nonmedicated talcum powder or cornstarch to relieve anal discomfort.
• Wear cotton underwear and loose clothes that breathe. Tight clothes that block air can worsen anal problems. Change soiled underwear as soon as possible.
• If you use pads or disposable undergarments, make sure they have an absorbent wicking layer on top. Products with a wicking layer protect the skin by pulling stool and moisture away from the skin and into the pad.

For More Information About Bowel Incontinence

American Academy of Family Physicians
P.O. Box 11210
Shawnee Mission, KS 66207-1210
Phone: 1-800-274-2237 or 913-906-6000
Email: fp@aafp.org
Internet: www.aafp.org

International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
P.O. Box 170864
Milwaukee, WI 53217-8076
Phone: 1-888-964-2001 or 414-964-1799
Fax: 414-964-7176
Email: iffgd@iffgd.org
Internet: www.iffgd.org

American College of Gastroenterology
P.O. Box 342260
Bethesda, MD 20827-2260
Phone: 301-263-9000
Internet: www.acg.gi.org

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
Phone: 1-800-891-5389
TTY: 1-866-569-1162
Fax: 703-738-4929
Email: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov