What is diaper dermatitis?
Diaper dermatitis is inflammation of the skin in the diaper area. It’s a very common condition in babies and toddlers.
What causes diaper dermatitis?
In most cases, diaper dermatitis is a type of contact dermatitis. That means the skin is inflamed from contact with certain substances. In diaper dermatitis, urine and feces irritate the skin.
Other common causes of diaper dermatitis include:
Candida. This is a yeast infection in the diaper area. Candida infection may occur if contact dermatitis is not treated within a few days.
Seborrhea. This is a common, long-term skin condition. The cause of seborrhea is not known. It usually affects the diaper area and other parts of the body.
Other less common causes of dermatitis in the diaper area include:
Bacteria. Staph or strep bacteria can cause it.
Allergies. It can be caused by an allergic reaction to dye in disposable diapers, or detergent used to wash cloth diapers.
Which children are at risk for diaper dermatitis?
Any baby or toddler can develop diaper dermatitis. Things that increase the risk include:
You don’t change your child’s diapers often enough
Your child has diarrhea or frequent bowel movements
Your child is taking antibiotics. Or you are taking antibiotics and you are breastfeeding.
What are the symptoms of diaper dermatitis?
The symptoms of diaper dermatitis vary depending on the cause. And symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. They can include:
Contact diaper dermatitis. Skin that is irritated from urine and feces will look red and shiny. The skin on the buttocks, thighs, belly (abdomen), and waist may be affected. The skin creases or folds are usually not affected.
Candida diaper dermatitis. The skin is a deep red color with patches outside of the diaper area. A baby may also have a yeast infection in the mouth (thrush). The creases or folds of the thighs and in the diaper area are usually affected.
Seborrheic diaper dermatitis. The skin is red with yellow, oily patches. It also affects the skin folds. It also usually affects the face, scalp, or neck at the same time.
The symptoms of diaper dermatitis can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
How is diaper dermatitis diagnosed?
The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. He or she will give your child a physical exam. Your child’s healthcare provider may advise lab tests, but they are usually not needed.
How is diaper dermatitis treated?
Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on the cause, and how severe the condition is. Treatment may include:
Periods of time without wearing diapers
Frequent diaper changes
Ointment put on the diaper area to protect the skin
Antifungal cream or ointment for a Candida infection
Corticosteroid cream for more severe dermatitis
Antibiotic medicine for a bacterial infection
What can I do to help prevent diaper dermatitis in my child?
Proper skin care is very important to prevent diaper dermatitis. This includes:
Keeping the skin under a diaper clean and dry
Changing diapers often
Letting the skin under a diaper to air dry at times
Letting your child to go without a diaper when possible
Gently cleaning the diaper area with a soft cloth and warm water
Limiting the use of soap or other strong products on the skin
Not using scented wipes or wipes with alcohol
When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?
Call the healthcare provider if your child has:
Symptoms that don’t get better in 2 to 3 days
Symptoms that get worse
Blisters or pus-filled sores
Key points about diaper dermatitis
Diaper dermatitis is inflammation of the skin under a diaper.
It’s most often because of irritation from urine and feces.
Different types of diaper dermatitis have different symptoms. When irritated from urine and feces, the skin is usually red in color.
Treatment includes diaper-free periods, cream, and ointment.
It’s important to keep the diaper area clean and dry, change diapers often, and avoid irritants such as soap or scented wipes.
Dr.Javeed Kakroo is a Microbiologist Certified infection control Auditor Kidney Hospital Srinagar [email protected]
