Know All About
DIAPER RASH
Definition:
A form of contact dermatitis that causes skin irritation in the diaper area of infants, generally involves skin around the genitals, rectum and abdomen – in the area covered by diapers.
Signs & Symptons
- Moist, painful, red, spotty and itchy (sometimes) skin in the diaper area. The skin may be cracked and fissured.
- In male infants, a red, raw and occasionally bloody area may appear around the meatus (the opening at the tip of the penis).
Causes
- Excessive ammonia (a natural product of urine) on the wet diaper and skin caused by bacterial action. (Urine does not naturally contain ammonia).
- Monilial fungal infection – the same fungus that causes thrush.
- Allergy to soap, detergent, fabric softener, lotion, powder or other chemicals.
Risk Increases With
- Infrequent diaper changes.
- Improper laundering of diapers.
- Family history of skin allergies.
- Hot, humid weather.
Prevention
- Change diapers frequently.
- Don’t use waterproof diapers at night.
- Keep diapers clean. After washing, rinse them twice to remove detergents and other chemicals.
Diagnostic Measures
- Observation of symptoms.
- Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
- Urinalysis to rule out urinary-tract infection, which may complicate healing.
Possible Complications
Secondary bacterial infection in the rash area.
Probable Outcomes
Usually curable with treatment. Recurrence is common.
TREATMENT
General Measures
- Expose the buttocks to air as much as possible.
- Don’t use waterproof pants during treatment–either in the day or at night. They keep skin wet and subject to rash or infection.
- Change diapers frequently–even at night if the rash is extensive.
- Don’t use soap or boric acid to wash the rash area. Cleanse with cotton dipped in mineral oil.
- Discontinue using baby lotion, powder, ointment or baby oil unless prescribed by your doctor.
- Apply small amounts of non-prescription petroleum jelly, lanolin-based ointment or zinc oxide ointment to the rash at the earliest sign of diaper rash, and 2 or 3 times a day thereafter.
- Add 1 cup of vinegar to the waterproof panties when it is half-full of rinse water. This neutralizes detergent residue.
Medication
Your doctor may prescribe medicated anti-inflammatory ointments or creams.
Diet
No special diet. Avoid foods that cause diarrhea.
Contact your Doctor
The following occurs during treatment:
- Fever.
- Pustules in the rash area.
- Male infant has a weak urinary stream.
- Female infant develops adhesions of the vaginal lips.
- New, unexplained symptoms develop.