Using washcloths on the vagina

[shazandkev]

Hi

I am an educator in continence management and have had a facility approach me regarding futher information required to using washcloths on to clean the lady parts.

I am seeking further information from an infection control and skin management clinical point.

Thank you for your help

Sharon

[brissygal, BSN, RN]

what a strange question!

We use daleys (not sure I have spelt it correctly - like a disposable chux) - not abrasive at all!

[smilenurse]

We use first multi purpose disposable towel and then Jenny Wipes (moist wipes).

[shazandkev]

Brissygal

thank you for that. The company I work for does recommend using disposable sponges.

[Kosmonavt]

At my hospital (in California) they use washcloth not only to clean pt's front, but also the rear end. Because those are re-usable it means that after they wash it somebody will use it to clean the face at some point. Sounds disgusting, but it's a very widespread practice here in the US.

[Grace Oz]

If they're going to use re-usable cloths, a white one for the face, a brown or other solid colour for the 'nether' regions.

Since towels etc are used to dry every part of the body then washed and re-used by various patients, wash cloths are really no different, if/when washed properly in the correct temperatures and using appropriate laundry powder/liquid.

The coloured cloths could be washed and stored separately if possible.

Of course, ideally, using disposable cloths is preferable, but not all facilities have the budget to be able to afford disposable cloths.

Hope this helps.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

If they're going to use re-usable cloths, a white one for the face, a brown or other solid colour for the 'nether' regions.

Since towels etc are used to dry every part of the body then washed and re-used by various patients, wash cloths are really no different, if/when washed properly in the correct temperatures and using appropriate laundry powder/liquid.

The coloured cloths could be washed and stored separately if possible.

Of course, ideally, using disposable cloths is preferable, but not all facilities have the budget to be able to afford disposable cloths.

Hope this helps.

If the patient had their own wash cloth then I would use theirs but use disposable for 'nether' regions