Diaper Rash
What is diaper rash?
Diaper rash is a type of irritant dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) that is localized to the diaper area in infants and often spares the skin of the folds beneath the diaper.
Diaper rash is therefore known in medicine as diaper dermatitis, and by other names including napkin dermatitis, ammonia dermatitis, and Jacquet dermatitis or erythema (redness of the skin).
Is diaper rash a sign of neglectful care?
No, not at all. Diaper rash is one of the most common reasons for calling a pediatrician¹s office. Parents often feel that the rash is a visual representation of poor care taking skills. However, parents need to understand that the basic causes for this common kind of skin irritation are still under active debate in the field of dermatology and that neglectful parenting is not among the possible factors.
What causes diaper rash?
Common diaper rash is caused by at least two factors: - Contact irritation; and/or
- Local skin infection due to overgrowth of various bacteria or fungal organisms.
In most cases, the enclosed nature of diapers produces a hot and humid environment which promotes a continuous assault on the skin in the groin area.
Whether the high concentration of ammonia (found in urine) or bacteria and their chemical byproducts (found in stool) is a contributing factor for routine diaper rash is still under study. Some information indicates that these elements may foster the progression from a simple diaper rash to a more severe case.
It is also well accepted that secondary infections by bacteria routinely found on the infant¹s skin (such as staph and strep ) or yeast (Candida) may further complicate the situation.
Less often, allergic reactions to the fragrances or other components found in disposable diapers or wipers can cause diaper rash.
What treatments are recommended for diaper rash?
The best treatment for diaper rash is avoidance of the precipitating agents which led to the contact irritation and to regions becoming secondarily infected by skin bacteria or yeast.
Should a rash develop, simple cleansing with water and soft cloths tends to be less irritating to the injured skin than disposable wipes. Frequent application of one of the many diaper area ointments containing either petroleum jelly (e.g. Vaseline) or zinc oxide (e.g. Desitin) provides an effective barrier against skin irritants.
Weather and/or carpet permitting, open air exposure of the irritated skin is also extremely effective in helping clear up diaper rash.
The occasional bacterial or yeast infected diaper region should be examined by a pediatrician unless the parent is confident in correctly making these diagnoses. Several topical antibiotic ointments are available for therapy in these situations.
How about not using disposable diapers?
Parents often wonder if switching from disposable to cloth diapers will lessen the likelihood of contact type diaper rash. In fact, the opposite seems to be true. The absorbent gel material found in most of today¹s disposable diapers draws moisture away from the skin area, thus helping to promote a healthy diaper area.
How should an allergic rash be treated?
For an allergic reaction to the fragrances or other components found in disposable diapers or wipes, eliminating the offending agents by using either simple water cleansing of the skin and a switch to another brand of disposable diapers or using cloth diapers instead is usually therapeutic.
How about using cortisone cream?
A minimally concentrated hydrocortisone cream may be recommended in certain cases. However, the excessive usage of minimally concentrated hydrocortisone cream and the use of increased potency hydrocortisone preparations are notorious for causing secondary side effects. They should only be used under the guidance of a pediatrician or another physician who is fully familiar with their application to infants. - Diaper rash is very common in babies and is not a sign of parental neglect.
- Diaper rash is a kind of contact dermatitis.
- Diaper rash may become infected by bacteria or yeast normally present on the skin.
- Effective treatment can eliminate diaper rash.
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