The 19th National Conference on Incontinence was held at the Alice Springs Convention Centre on 27-30 October 2010. This multidisciplinary conference provided a platform for the latest research in the field of continence prevention, treatment and management.

There were many papers of interest one in particular drawing on the need to assist the carers of people who suffer from incontinence. In the research, presented by Professor Jan Paterson from Adelaide’s Flinders University, there was found to be only a few studies that investigated the experiences of family members who cared for their loved ones in the home. These people did not access health care services readily and the carer strain was evident in most cases. This then led to premature admission to aged care facilities.

The overall message was to make the public aware that there are services available to lessen the burden for the caregiver and to keep the person in the home environment for as long as possible.

Another interesting paper was presented by Professor Hans Smola, currently Professor of Dermatology at the University of Cologne, Germany and is medical director of Paul Hartmann in Germany.

He spoke on incontinence associated dermatitis (IAD) which is an inflammatory skin disease that can occur when the skin is in contact with urine and faeces for a prolonged time. It can also occur if the skin has been in contact with some detergents or abrasive skin cleaners. This is mostly seen in frail aged skin and when there is skin breakdown.

Intensive skin care and hygiene for the people over time can reduce the inflammation of the damaged skin and repair it to a healthy state. The doctor may also prescribe some topical long – term treatment to help heal the affected area.

The appropriate incontinent product with high absorbency should be considered. Again emotional and physical problems for the sufferer and carer strain were mentioned as one of the major problems of this particular disease.