What is a common complication of untreated urinary incontinence?

Untreated urinary incontinence can lead to skin problems and urinary tract infections because of the constant exposure to moisture from urine leakage. Prolonged skin contact with urine can irritate and damage the skin, which increases the risk of skin infections and conditions such as dermatitis. Additionally, urinary incontinence can make proper hygiene more challenging, leading to a higher likelihood of developing urinary tract infections, as bacteria can enter the urinary tract more easily when there is excess urine present.

While bladder stones and kidney failure can occur due to other underlying urinary tract issues, they are not as commonly associated with untreated urinary incontinence as skin problems and urinary tract infections. Dehydration may also be a concern, but it is not as direct a result of urinary incontinence as the aforementioned complications.