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If you or your child has muscular dystrophy, you know how difficult it can be to get ready in the bathroom. Bathing, showering, using the toilet, and styling your hair are all more difficult with muscle weakness. You can keep your independence and maintain your bathroom routine with the help of assistive aids.
About Muscular Dystrophy
What is muscular dystrophy?
Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a genetic disease. There are over 30 different types that vary in symptoms and severity. The most common type is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). This type primarily affects boys and symptoms are usually first seen between ages 3 and 5.
Symptoms of muscular dystrophy commonly include:
- Muscle weakness (though the muscles may appear enlarged)
- Contractures
- Difficulty moving parts of the body
- Difficulty or inability to walk
Causes of muscular dystrophy
In the body
The disease is caused by genetic mutations that interfere with the proteins needed to make normal muscle. DMD occurs when the protein dystrophin is absent, while Becker MD occurs when the dystrophin is partially functioning. There are cases caused by spontaneous gene mutation, but most often there is a family history of the x-linked disease.
X-linked recessive inheritance
The most common types of muscular dystrophy, Duchenne and Becker, are both x-linked diseases. This means that the gene is inherited on the x-chromosome from the mother or father.
These types are more common in boys because they only inherit one x-chromosome from their mother (and a y-chromosome from their father), so if the x-chromosome is defective, they inherit the disease.
Girls have two x-chromosomes, one from each parent. If one is flawed, the other usually functions enough to compensate and she’ll become a carrier. A carrier has no symptoms (or rarely, mild symptoms) but can pass the disease down to her child.
Adaptive Bathroom Aids for Muscular Dystrophy
Bath & Shower Aids
A common problem for people with muscular dystrophy is difficulty bathing. Try these products for kids and adults to make the process easier.
Bathing Aids for Adults and Teens
Muscle weakness or wheelchair use means some people with MD can’t stand during a shower. A bath bench or shower chair offers a place to sit while showering. The Homecraft Padded Transfer Bench combines the two creating a comfortable seat. Use the hand-held Homecraft Deluxe Massage Shower Spray to rinse off after washing.
If you’d prefer a bath, the Bathmaster Sonaris 2 Bath Lift makes getting in and out of the bathtub simple. Sit down, push a button, and the bath lift descends or rises. The back reclines for comfort and you don’t need to worry about leg weakness making it difficult to stand afterwards.
Bathing Aids for Children
If you’re looking for a bathtime solution for your child, check out the Tumble Forms Starfish Bath Chair. It comes in four fun colors that are sure to please your child: jellyfish pink, ocean blue, lobster red, and puffer fish purple. Hip and chest belts keep your child secure in this adjustable bath chair. If you’d prefer to use the chair in the shower, an optional base raises the height so you don’t strain your back.
Bathing Aids for Everyone
Muscular dystrophy can also cause stiffness and muscle contractions that limit your range of motion. If it’s hard to wash your back, legs, or feet, the Sammons Preston Bendable Scrub/Sponge can help you reach them. The 18” long, bendable brush has a bath sponge and net sponge attached to the end for multiple cleaning options. The long-handled sponge can help you keep your independence while bathing.
Toilet Aids
If you need extra stability while using the toilet, the Homecraft Toilet Safety Frame has sturdy armrests. The frame fits over your existing toilet and you can grasp it for leverage when standing. It’s an ideal aid for users with limited mobility.
If you need more assistance, try the Extra Wide Tall-Ette Elevated Toilet Seat with Legs. It has the same armrest support as a safety frame, plus an elevated seat. Raised toilet seats require less effort and knee bending when sitting and standing. Look for elevated toilet seats that have legs for more steadiness than one that just balances on the existing seat.
Hair Styling Aids
If your upper extremities are weak, brushing your hair can be difficult. Etac Long Handled Brushes and Combs, require less strength and range of motion to use. Brushing your hair shouldn’t be a dreaded part of your daily bathroom routine. Whether you use a brush or a comb, get one with a long handle to fit your needs.
Struggling to blow dry and style your hair? The Hands-Free Hair Dryer Pro Stand 2000 holds your hair dryer leaving your hands free for brushing. You can bend the adjustable neck to the desired angle and start styling without needing to hold blow-dryer. It’s ideal for people that have muscle weakness focused in their arms and hands.
Bathroom aids can help you stay independent or make it easier for you to help your child. Decide on the best tools for you depending on your type of muscular dystrophy. Then you can use them to assist you in personal hygiene and grooming.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this site, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
