| General
Illness Information |
Medical
Term: |
Diaper
Rash |
|
Common
Name: |
None Specified |
| Description: |
Rash
in the diaper area of infants. It is a form of primary irritated
contact dermatitis.
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| Causes: |
|
Diaper rash results from skin
irritation caused by prolonged contact with substances in the
urine and stool. The irritants are caused by the action of
bacteria in the stools, reacting with chemicals in the urine.
Studies show that the incidence of diaper rash in children
using disposable diapers is the same as in children using
cloth diapers.
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| Prevention: |
Diaper rash may be prevented by the
following measures: Changing
diapers frequently; For cloth diapers, rinsing them twice to remove
detergents and other chemicals after washing; Leaving diaper off for
10-30 minutes between diaper changes for air exposure; Using
cornstarch ( as it reduces friction ) at diaper changes. Avoid
talcum powder because of the risk of inhalation
pneumonia.
|
| Signs
& Symptoms |
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|
Moist, painful, red skin
in the diaper area. The skin may be cracked and fissured
and itchy.
| | |
| Risk
Factors |
 |
Infrequent
diaper changes. |
|
Friction
from rough diapers. Waterproof diapers |
|
Improper
laundering of diapers. |
|
Family
history of skin allergies. |
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Hot,
humid weather. |
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Diarrhea | |
| Diagnosis & Treatment |
Diagnosis is from the history and location of the
rash.
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| General
Measures: |
|
Avoid
rubber or plastic pants. |
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Expose
the buttocks to air frequently. |
|
Change
diapers frequently. |
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Cleanse
with cotton dipped in mineral oil, do not use soap after every
diaper change. Use a mild soap such as Dove soap after bowel
movements, and rinse thoroughly. |
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Discontinue
using baby lotion, powder, ointment or baby oil unless
prescribed to you. |
|
Apply
non-prescription petroleum jelly, lanolin-based ointment or
zinc oxide ointment to the rash at the earliest sign of diaper
rash, and for 2 or 3 times a day thereafter. |
|
Launder
cloth diapers with boiling water or use an antiseptic product
manufactured for the purpose. Do not use fabric softeners as
they may cause the rash. | |
| Medications: |
|
|
|
Anti-inflammatory
ointments or creams, such as hydrocortisone, in
combination with anti-fungal creams such as
nystatin or miconazole, applied to the skin may help
relieve the rash.
| |
|
If a bacterial infection is
suspected, an antibiotic cream such as mupurocin ( Bacteroban)
should be used. | |
| Activity: |
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No
restrictions | |
| Diet: |
|
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Avoid foods that cause
diarrhea.
| | |
| Possible
Complications : |
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Yeast
infection (Candida). |
|
Secondary
bacterial infection in the rash
area. | |
| Prognosis |
|
Usually curable with
treatment. Recurrence is common.
|
|
If not better within 3
to 4 days, a yeast infection is the most likely cause.
Suspect this if the rash becomes bright red and raw,
covers a large area, and is surrounded by red dots. In
this case, see your doctor for a prescription.
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| Other |
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