Our body’s temperature can tell us a lot of things about our health. The average temperature of an adult is between 36-37C. A temperature that’s too high can be caused by:
- A virus
- Bacterial infection
- Heat exhaustion
- Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Inflammation of the lining of your joints (synovium)
- A malignant tumor
- Some medications, such as antibiotics and drugs used to treat high blood pressure or seizures
- Some immunizations, such as diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP) or pneumococcal vaccine
Conversely, a temperature that’s too low can be caused by:
- Cold weather
- Alcohol or drug use
- Going into shock
- Certain disorders including diabetes or low thyroid
- Infections, including sepsis
Of course, we know that the COVID-19 virus causes high temperatures but as we’ve seen, there are many reasons why you might have a low or high temperature. Those with incontinence are often more likely to be affected by a virus or infection, which is why it is important to take your temperature when you feel unwell. It can be an early warning sign of a far more serious condition. This is why Holistic Incontinence is now supplying Non-Contact IR Thermometers.
The E122 Non-Contact IR Thermometer
The E122 allows you to take temperature measurements from a safe distance. This is not only important around infectious conditions like COVID-19 but also to protect yourself and the patient from cross-infection. The non-contact ability means the thermometer doesn’t come in contact with the body, meaning it is less likely to carry viral or bacterial infections on its surface. The E122 IR Thermometer is of high quality, accurate, and reliable. It measures temperatures in a second and is adjustable between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
Features:
- Quick measurements in only a second
- Forehead and ear measurement mode
- Simple, easy-to-use, one-button design
- Buzzer/speaker/vibrator functions
- Celsius and Fahrenheit conversion
- LED light
- Intelligent high fever alarm
- 3 colour backlight LCD screen
- Energy-saving automatic shutdown
- Convenient memory features
How Well Do Non-Contact IR Thermometers Work?
The essential purpose of a non-contact IR thermometer and other thermometer guns is to try and determine if your body is hot. They allow you to measure body temperature from a distance when other options are impractical or inappropriate. Fevers can result when your body’s immune system recognises an invader and starts releasing chemicals to crank up the heat. This makes your body less hospitable for invaders. And this rise in temperature is what IR thermometers look for.
Their accuracy depends on how they are used including how far away the thermometer is, where the devices is pointed, and how long and steadily it is held until the reading is registered. They are great for screening large numbers of people in a short amount of time, which is why we’ve seen an increased use of them at airports, checkpoints, medical facilities, and hospitals.
Essentially, they help identify people who need further medical investigation, making them indispensable for care and nursing home facilities when infections and viruses are easily spread.
Non-Contact IR Thermometers and Incontinence Management
Unfortunately, those with incontinence are at a higher risk of developing infections and catching viruses. Further, those with incontinence often have secondary, more severe conditions that make them vulnerable to infections and viruses. Some of these bacterial infections and viruses can include:
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Skin Infections
- Cystitis (when bacteria spreads from the anus to the urethra)
- Pyelonephritis (Kidney Infection)
- Sepsis
- Bladder Infection
- Dermatitis
- Erythema
- Pruritis
Why Are People with Incontinence More Prone to Skin Infections?
When you suffer from incontinence, your skin can be more open to damage through outside factors, genetic factors, or both.
The urea and ammonia in urine can affect the pH balance of the skin, causing it to become too alkaline. With urinary incontinence, water in the urine contributes to over-hydration of the skin. The wet skin then becomes soggy. This leads to tissue softening, so the skin is easily “burnt”. Perspiration can also add to the risk or irritation and painful skin breakdown.
The skin most at risk is around the anus, genitals, between the buttocks, and the inner thighs. Damp, warm skin is, unfortunately, a good place for bacteria, including fungal infections, and urinary tract infections.
Further, bladder leakage or faecal incontinence can cause inflammation of the skin surface, resulting in redness, pain, and itching, also known as erythema and pruritis. It can also involve swelling, blisters, dryness, itching, and flaking. Damaged skin like this is now vulnerable to infection as the skin can easily break down and lose its integrity.
If left untreated, these infections and skin integrity issues can lead to more serious infections. This is why monitoring your temperature, as someone with incontinence, is important. You can get on top of an infection before it attacks your body more.
Whether you are concerned about the COVID-19 virus or other illnesses related to incontinence, Holistic Incontinence’s Non-Contact IR Thermometer can help you quickly, easily, and safely take yours or anyone’s temperature as needed. Explore our products today for more information!