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Diaper dermatitis is a minor skin disease of the perineum, buttocks, and sometimes the medial surfaces of the skin in newborns and infants.
Diaper dermatitis – causes
The cause of diaper dermatitis in newborns and infants is not fully understood. It is believed that the occurrence of diaper dermatitis is favored by the use of disposable diapers and the use of wet wipes to care for the newborn. However, this hypothesis has not been unequivocally confirmed by specialists.
Diaper dermatitis – symptoms
The affected skin is red, slightly swollen, and covered with small red lumps that may coalesce. Occasionally, exudation from lesions is observed. A child with diaper dermatitis is restless as it can be painful. Usually, however, no pruritus or fever is observed.
Skin lesions, similar to diaper dermatitis, are also found in children with urinary tract infections (their chronic nature may then be the first symptom of kidney disease), as well as in children who pass acidic, diarrheal stools.
Diaper dermatitis – treatment
If diaper dermatitis is suspected, the child should be examined by a pediatrician – mainly due to the need to exclude a “systemic” cause of the disease.
For the care of the affected skin, water with soap for children should be used. During the toilet, it should be wiped gently so as not to cause pain to the child and not to chafe the epidermis. The buttocks should also be frequently “aired”, but by covering the baby’s legs and torso – so that it does not get cold.
The doctor will also prescribe appropriate ointments or creams for the care of the affected skin. Most often, these will be anti-inflammatory agents containing a small dose of steroids (0,1-1%). In the absence of improvement, it is necessary to use creams containing antifungal substances.
Preparations containing zinc oxide and lanolin will protect the skin against the irritating effect of urine and feces. In the case of oozing lesions, a spirit solution (1%) of gentian violet is recommended. During the healing of changes, the epidermis peels off – then it is necessary to use lubricating ointments or the so-called emollients.
Text: lek. med. Grażyna Słodek – pediatrician