Child Health

Diaper Rash
Diaper Rash
A common skin condition in infants, which is a skin inflammation that occurs directly or indirectly due to wearing diapers and has several types and different causes. Usually, a rash is caused by wet diapers, but it can have other causes that are not related to diapers, as it commonly occurs in children. Infants between the ages of 9 and 12 months, but it can happen anytime the baby is wearing a diaper.


Types Of Diaper Rash:
Diaper rash caused:
  • Diaper rash can be caused by irritation, a yeast infection, or an allergic reaction, and it may occur more frequently if a child has had a bout of diarrhea or has recently taken antibiotics.
  • Irritant Diaper Rash: It is the most common diaper rash and appears in the form of redness or inflammation of the skin caused by an irritant (eg: urine or feces) often appearing on the buttocks, lower abdomen, genitals, and upper thighs.
  • Fungal Infection: It often occurs if irritant dermatitis is not treated for more than a few days. Signs of dermatitis caused by a fungal infection include dark red areas of skin with or without yellow, fluid-filled blisters that can rupture and crust. They are in the folds of skin between the groin, body, and in the folds of skin around the genitals.
  • Skin sensitivity to the diaper itself: A less common cause of diaper rash Signs of Atopic Dermatitis include redness, itching, and raised, scaly skin in the diaper area.
  • Wet wipes may be the cause of allergic inflammation in the diaper area due to the fact that some of them contain preservatives that irritate the skin.

Non-diaper rash:
These include skin conditions that can affect the diaper area but are not caused by the diaper (e.g., seborrheic dermatitis, eczematous dermatitis, bacterial infections, psoriasis, etc.).
  • Seborrheic dermatitis: a skin condition that causes red, greasy, yellow, scaly patches of skin in infants, usually found in the folds of skin between the thighs and on the body, and often in other areas including the scalp (where it's called "cradle cap") or the face, neck, or other skin folds, for example in the armpits, in front of the elbow and behind the knees.
  • Eczema: It usually does not occur in the nappy area due to increased moisture in this area.
  • Nappy infection caused by a bacterial infection (impetigo): Impetigo is a bacterial infection that can develop in the diaper area as well as other areas of the body. It is usually caused by bacteria that live normally on the skin. It appears in the form of small blisters filled with yellow liquid, then crusts occur. The color of honey may be painful or itchy.
  • Psoriasis: It is a skin condition that causes red and silvery scaly patches of skin.

When to see a doctor:
  • No improvement or worsening of diaper rash after a few days of treatment.
  • The presence of blisters or sores filled with pus in the diaper area.
  • The child has taken an antibiotic and has a pink or red rash with spots around the edges.
  • The child has a high temperature (above 38°C) in addition to a rash or bloody stools.


Treatment:
Treatment is determined according to the type of inflammation. Dermatitis caused by irritation:
  • Diapers should be changed frequently, and the diapers should not be left wet or soiled for a long time.
  • Increase the time the child spends without diapers (if possible).
  • With each nappy change, the nappy area should be washed gently with warm water and avoid soap (it can irritate the skin).
  • Use an ointment containing zinc oxide with every diaper change.
  • Choose highly absorbent diapers to help keep the skin moist.
  • In the case of dermatitis resulting from a fungal or bacterial infection, certain types of antibiotics are prescribed by the doctor.

Protection:
  • The best way to prevent nappy rash is to keep the baby's skin as dry and clean as possible and to change nappies as often as needed.
  • If wet baby wipes are used, you must choose an alcohol- and fragrance-free type.
  • Baby wipes are not recommended if the skin becomes irritated or has open sores.
  • During diaper rash it is recommended to use disposable diapers.
  • Gently and carefully clean the skin in the nappy area with warm water and a soft cloth.



Last Update : 18 May 2023 10:44 AM
Reading times :