Related articles: Diaper dermatitis
Definition
Diaper dermatitis is a frequent skin irritation in children under two years of age, which affects the area of the genitals, thighs and buttocks. The disorder is favored by prolonged contact with urine and faeces and by direct and repeated rubbing of the diaper on the skin surface.
Diaper dermatitis can occur throughout the year, but sweating during the summer months can increase its frequency. Adhering to the skin, in fact, the diaper forms a warm, damp and poorly breathable environment, which favors the stagnation of urine and the proliferation of saprophytic bacteria (which normally live in the human organism). The inflammation can also derive from the use of detergents that are too aggressive, not suitable for the extremely delicate, thin and sensitive skin surface of the child, or used in excessive quantities.
Dermatitis can also depend on the health of the child: if the immune system is weakened, for example due to a flu or bronchiolitis, the skin is more vulnerable to attack by germs. Also gastro-intestinal disorders or urinary infections can contribute to the onset of diaper dermatitis. In the case of diarrhea, for example, particularly acidic stools can irritate and make the child's skin more red.
Sometimes, the disorder may be associated with the presence of seborrheic dermatitis, candida infections, psoriasis and contact allergy. In rare cases, diaper dermatitis may be the indicator of generalized diseases that require timely treatment, such as infectious diseases, parasitosis, immunological pathologies and neoplasms.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Edema
- Erythema
- Dry skin
- plaques
- itch
- Pustules
- Scales on the skin
Further indications
Diaper dermatitis occurs in the area of the genitals, groin, thighs and buttocks with reddening of varying degrees or with small reddish patches that are not detected on the skin level. The skin may also appear slightly swollen and warm to the touch.
In rare cases, this picture gets worse and red and dry, sometimes shiny, plates appear.
Other times, an exudate is present or small pustules appear that can break, bleed and favor possible superinfections by bacteria and fungi. In the latter case, the child may complain of pain and / or itching.
To treat and prevent diaper dermatitis, it is good to observe a scrupulous hygiene. The child should be changed often, at least six or seven times a day. The skin should be washed with warm water, without rubbing, using delicate detergents only when needed.
The application of a layer of zinc oxide ointment can be useful to constitute a protective barrier between the skin and the diaper. Some products are to be avoided, as they could make the situation worse; these include cortisone-based ointments and moisturizers for adults.
