Supporting personal hygiene for children and young people with disability

General good hygiene not only helps us to stay healthy but it also helps us to feel good too as it boosts self-esteem and confidence. This is true for all, including children and young people with disability.

How can I help my child with their personal hygiene?

For children and young people, it can help to break down the basics of good personal hygiene. They are:

• washing their hands
• covering their mouth when they cough
• having regular baths or showers
• brushing and flossing their teeth

Children and young people with a disability, will need help and support to practice good personal hygiene habits to the best of their ability. This will become even more important as they grow older and approach puberty.

Washing hands

Most germs are spread through hand contact. Regularly washing hands will prevent your child and others from getting sick.  Encourage your child or young person to wash their hands with soap and water or alcoholic hand rub (70%) in all of the following scenarios:

• when hands look dirty (soap and water only)
• before eating or preparing food
• after touching raw meats, including chicken and beef
• after touching any body fluids like blood, urine, faeces or vomit
• after touching animals
• after blowing their nose, sneezing or coughing
• after going to the toilet

Skin conditions

Skin conditions and symptoms in children with complex needs are common. Commonly occurring skin problems include itching, rashes, skin ulcers or skin infections.  Skin symptoms are often attributed to an underlying medical condition, or complications related to treatment. 

Some way to reduce skin irritation:

• Doctors can diagnose and treat the underlying medical condition that is causing skin irritation
• Take shorter bath times and the use of lukewarm water with mild or low pH soaps
• Use bath oils or soap substitutes such as aqueous cream, bath washes, hydrating or moisturising lotions, and soap free cleansing bars
• Use shampoo substitute (e.g. oatmeal shampoos)
• Keep the skin moist by regular use of emollients such as sorbolene cream and aqueous cream
• Maintain a cool ambient temperature and avoid rapid temperature changes
• Keep fingernails short and use mittens to cover your child’s hands if they are scratching at their skin

Oral Health

Oral health is so important for children with complex needs. Children who can’t undertake their own oral care, have poor oral intake and/or poor oral hygiene and have feeding and swallowing difficulties are susceptible to mouth problems. If your child is unwell or their immune system isn’t functioning as it should, they are more at risk of experiencing oral problems. 

Here to help

The Xavier nursing team are there to support families of children and young people with complex disability to manage their personal hygiene for better health. To find out how they can help call us on 1800 XAVIER, visit our nursing page or email [email protected]

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Xavier supports children and young people with complex disability and related health needs to live the best lives possible with their families. Supporting children and young people throughout the greater Brisbane area with their dedicated team of allied health professionals, short-stay respite at Xavier Place and community services. | www.xavier.org.au