Generality
Diaper dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin responsible for very annoying skin redness, located on the buttocks and genitals of very young children, wearing diapers.
The diagnosis is immediate, given that the red area coincides with the gluteoperineal region, usually covered by diapers.
Except in cases of bacterial or fungal infections, taking a few simple steps, healing takes place in a few days.
What is diaper rash?
Diaper dermatitis - also known as diaper rash or diaper irritation - is an inflammation of the skin typical of early childhood, characterized by intense skin redness in the buttocks and genitals.
IS IT SERIOUS?
Although the sight of redness can frighten parents, diaper rash is a minor ailment that can be cured in a few days and with simple remedies.
Causes
In the very young child, diaper rash may arise as a result of (or due to):
- An irritation due to faeces and / or urine . Urine, but especially feces, can irritate the skin at the buttocks; this possibility becomes all the more concrete the longer the stay time of the droppings in the diaper. To avoid unpleasant consequences, the diaper should therefore be changed promptly.
- A variation of ingested foods . When the child changes the type of diet and begins to eat solid food, it produces stools of different consistencies and in greater quantities. This can determine, at least initially, a more or less intense irritation of the buttocks.
- A mother's wrong diet . If the mother takes certain foods, the milk produced by it may have undesirable effects on the baby; among these effects, there is also the production of irritating feces.
- An irritation due to the materials with which diapers are made or with which these are treated . The material used for some diapers or some detergents for their washing (if diapers are made of washable fabric) can irritate the skin at the buttocks.
- A bacterial or fungal proliferation . Buttocks, thighs and genitals are ideal places for the proliferation of fungi and bacteria, thanks to the warm and moist environment that characterizes them. Diapers make these anatomical regions even more vulnerable, as they increase local heat and humidity when they come into contact with the skin. The areas most at risk are skin folds.
- A very sensitive skin . Children who also suffer from atopic dermatitis (or atopic eczema) have particularly sensitive and more easily irritated skin.
- A continuous rubbing of diapers or clothes on the baby's skin . Skin irritation from rubbing is usually due to too tight diapers or close-fitting clothes.
- An antibiotic intake . The human organism provides hospitality and nourishment to some bacteria, called "good", that reciprocate favor by preventing other microorganisms, such as candida, from proliferating. The administration of antibiotics for the treatment of a bacterial infection in place does not discriminate between "good" bacteria and "bad" (ie infectious) bacteria and kills both, indiscriminately. In such circumstances, the shortage of "good" bacteria promotes fungal multiplication.
This same process occurs both when the antibiotic is taken by the child, and when it is taken by a mother who is still breastfeeding.
Symptoms
To learn more: Diaper Dermatitis
In areas covered by the garment (ie buttocks, genitals and thighs), diaper rash causes a skin rash marked by intense and painful redness of the skin and swelling.
What months of life does the rash usually appear?
Skin redness usually occurs in the first 15 months of life. The absolute period most at risk goes from the ninth to the twelfth month.
HOW'S THE BABY?
The child with diaper dermatitis is suffering, therefore, especially when changing diapers, he tends to cry and complain.
WHEN TO REFER TO THE DOCTOR?
When skin redness shows no signs of improving or even worsens, it could mean that diaper rash has overlapped with a bacterial or fungal infection.
In such situations, it is advisable to have the pediatrician visit the child and indicate the most suitable medicines for the situation.
- Temperature
- Blisters
- Extended rash (ie not only in the buttocks, thighs and genitals)
- Pus
- Insomnia
Diagnosis
Diagnosing diaper dermatitis is very simple, because the skin redness caused is very characteristic and appears only in the areas covered by the diaper.
Treatment
When it is not associated with particular infections (most cases), diaper rash can simply be cured:
- keeping the red area dry and clean
- applying some particular products, for which no medical prescription is required
- often changing the diaper.
On the other hand, when diaper rash is complicated by fungal or bacterial infections, in addition to the aforementioned remedies, specific drugs are required, such as anti-inflammatories, antifungal agents and / or antibacterials.
WHAT TO DO WHEN THERE IS NO INFECTION IN ACT
In addition to changing the diaper frequently and keeping the baby's skin dry and clean, the parent can also apply a special cream based on zinc oxide, for which no medical prescription is required.
Zinc oxide cream (or zinc oxide paste ) effectively cures and prevents irritation, so both doctors and pharmacists recommend using it.
Its only drawback is linked to the fact that, once applied, it does not allow the skin to breathe and receive air as in normal conditions.
Which products to avoid?
In pharmacies, it is possible to buy different products against skin redness, however not all of these preparations are suitable for a small child. In fact, products containing boric acid, camphor, phenols, benzocaine or salicylates are toxic to individuals under a certain age, therefore they should be avoided.
WHAT TO DO WHEN AN INFECTION HAS BEEN FOUND
In case of infection, your doctor may prescribe the administration of:
- Hydrocortisone . Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatories, ie drugs that act against inflammation. Topical use of hydrocortisone is indicated when skin redness has become severe and shows no signs of improvement. Its prolonged application is dangerous and can have several side effects, therefore it is recommended to use it exclusively on the doctor's advice.
- Antifungals with local administration . Antifungals are taken when a fungal infection is thought to be in progress; in fact, these medicines specifically destroy the fungal cell membrane.
By local administration, these drugs should be applied directly to the affected area. Usually, they are in the form of a cream. Their use must take place only on medical prescription.
- Antibiotics given locally or by mouth . Antibiotics are prescribed when the infection is bacterial. As mentioned for antifungals and corticosteroids, their use should only be done on medical prescription.
Deepening: Drugs for the Treatment of Diaper Dermatitis »
SOME USEFUL TIPS
To keep the reddened areas dry, it is advisable, from time to time, to remove the baby's diaper, so as to favor the flow of air towards the aforementioned regions. For example, the ideal time to put this indication into practice is during naps.
Furthermore, it is a good idea to use larger diapers and avoid washing the buttocks with poor quality soaps or alcohol-based detergents, as both are highly irritating.
Deepening: Detergents for Children - Paidocosmetici for the Panonolino Zone
The talcum powder
In the past, talcum powder was one of the most used remedies due to its absorbency. Today, however, it is not recommended by doctors because inhalation by the child could irritate the lungs.
Prevention
To learn more: Natural Remedies for Diaper Dermatitis
Preventing diaper dermatitis is possible, provided that you follow some simple instructions such as:
- Change the diaper often . Any dirty diaper should be promptly replaced with a clean one.
- Rinse the baby's bottom after each diaper change . At each diaper change, it is a good idea to wash your buttocks, thighs and genitals thoroughly with water. Do not use detergent wipes for any reason, as they generally contain alcohol.
- Thoroughly dry the buttocks, genitals and thighs . When the washed areas are dry, do not rub, as this may irritate the baby's delicate skin.
- Do not over tighten the diaper . Too tight diapers irritate and don't let your skin breathe. To circulate the air, it is better not to tighten them too much.
- Ventilate buttocks, thighs and genitals by removing the diaper . Just a few minutes several times a day. The best time to take off the diaper is during naps. If you want to prevent the baby from dirtying the crib or cot, you can cover the sheets with a towel.
- Carefully wash the washable fabric diapers . Washing should be done with appropriate detergents, free of alcohol or other irritants.
- Apply the zinc oxide paste regularly . This advice is particularly suitable for children with delicate skin and who tend to suffer from diaper rash.
- ( For those who change diapers) Wash your hands thoroughly . Failure to wash can lead to the spread of bacterial or fungal infections.
BETTER THE USA-AND-THROW PANNOLES OR WASHABLE DIAPERS?
Many parents ask pediatricians whether they prefer disposable diapers (ie traditional diapers) or washable fabric diapers. However, there is no scientific evidence for either the former or the latter.
The best thing to do, in the event of diaper rash, remains to change (or wash) the diaper used immediately.
