Continence formulary (Formularies)

Incontinence dermatitis happens when urine and faeces interfere with the skins natural barriers, causing painful rashes and sores.  Cavilon Barrier cream provides a protective invisible barrier over the skin to stop urine and faeces coming into contact with the skin, which is affected by incontinence dermatitis.  This allows the skin to heal naturally.  Cavilon also moisturises the skin and helps soothe the pain.

Cavilon will not be effective for moisture damage under skin folds, and may cause more harm than good, nor does it address infected microbial or fungal infections.

How much to apply?

Apply in pea shaped amounts twice a day to any affected areas, making sure the skin is clean and dry before applying the cream.  A little of the cream goes a long way.  Applying too much just makes the skin feel greasy and doesn’t give any more protection.  When applied correctly all of the cream will have been absorbed into the skin.  The protective barrier of the cream may be seen as a slight sheen but the skin should not be white with the cream (if this has happened you have been trying to apply too much so wipe off any excess so that you leave the cream absorbed and only the slight sheen is present).

You only need to apply Cavilon twice a day to any affected areas.  It doesn’t need to be reapplied after every episode of incontinence.  The creams durable formula means it doesn’t wash or rub off over the course of a day.

What is a pea sized amount?

Some people are unclear how much is a pea sized amount so the fingertip amount is a good guide.

1. fingertip unit will treat an area the size of the front and back of an adult hand so to cover the sacrum of an adult you typically only need 2 fingertip amounts.
2. fingertip amounts is typically 1 gram (an adult male fingertip amount is 0.5g and a female is 0.4g) so the 2g sachet is enough to do an application.

Pad usage and Cavilon

Cavilon is designed to work alongside the pads.  It doesn’t block the pads or prevent any tapes or dressings from sticking. 

How long do the tubes/sachets last?

• A 92g tube, which should last about three weeks.
• A 28g tube, which should last around one week.
• A pack of 20 handy, discreet 2g sachets, which contain one application.

Reference: About Cavilon Barrier Cream | 3M United Kingdom

When to step-up from the cream?

• If the incontinence related dermatitis (IRD) is only mild then Cavilon cream is usually sufficient. 
• If the IRD is moderate change to Cavilon film barrier spray.
• If the IRD is not improving after a week refer to Community Nursing team or Tissue Viability team for more specialist advice.

Excoriation & moisture related skin damage tool

See Scottish excoriation & moisture related skin damage tool.