Abstract
Diaper dermatitis, also know as nappy rash, is an inflammation of the skin covered by nappy. It probably results due to an interaction of multiple factors like increased wetness, elevated pH due to urine, fecal enzymes and microorganisms under the nappy. It manifests as an erythematous rash occurring on the convex surfaces of skin under the nappy. Rashes resembling nappy dermatitis can also be caused by some diseases which may have serious systemic manifestations. Therefore it is essential to differentiate and treat them. The principle of treatment of diaper dermatitis is to keep the skin in the nappy area as dry as possible with frequent nappy change. The superabsorbent disposable diapers are known to reduce the incidence of diaper dermatitis. Barrier creams to protect the infant’s skin and mild topical corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation are mainstays of therapy. The incidence and severity can be reduced by keeping the skin dry under the nappy and protected from irritants and infections.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Boiko S. Treatment of diaper dermatitis. Dermatol Clin 1999;17: 235–239.
Jordan WE, Lawsan KD, Berg RW, Franxman JJ, Marrer AM. Diaper dermatitis; frequency and severity among a general infant population.Pediatr Dermatol 1986;3:198–207.
Berg RW. Etiology and pathophysiology of diaper dermatitis.Adv Dermatol 1988;3:75–79.
Buckingham KW, Berg RW. Etiologic factors in diaper dermatitis: The role of feces.Pediatr Dermatol 1986;3:107–112
Munz D, Powell KR, Pai CH. Treatment of candidal diaper dermatitis: a double-blinded placebo-controlled comparison of topical nystatin with topical plus oral nystatin.J Pediatr 1982;101:1022–1025.
Gokalp AS, Aldirmaz C, Oguz A, Gultekin A, Bakici MZ. Relation between the intestinal flora and diaper dermatitis in infancy.Trop Geogr Med 1990;42:238–240.
Rodriguez-Pablador J, Gonzalez-Castroa U, Herranz-Martinez S, Luelmo-Aguilar J. Jacquet erosive diaper dermatitis after surgery for Hirschsprung disease.Pediatr Dermatol 1998;15: 46–47.
Hara M, Watanabe M, Tagami H. Jacquet erosive diaper dermatitis in a young girl with urinary incontinence.Pediatr Dermatol 1991;8:160–161.
Bluestein J, Fruner BB, Phillips D. Granuloma gluteale infantum:case report and review of literature.Pediatr Dermatol 1990;7:196–198.
Stein H. Incidence of diaper rash when using cloth and disposable diapers.J Pediatr 1982;101:721–723.
Siegfried EC. Neonatal skin and skin care.Dermatol Clin 1998;16:437–446.
Kazaks EL, Lane AT. Diaper dermatitis.Pediatr Clin North Am 2000;47:909–919.
Concannon P, Gisoldi E, Phillips S, Grossman R. Diaper dermatitis: a therapeutic dilemma. Results of a double blind placebo controlled trial of miconazole nitrate 0.25%.Pediatr Dermatol 2001;18:149–155.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Prasad, H.R.Y., Srivastava, P. & Verma, K.K. Diaper dermatitis — An overview. Indian J Pediatr 70, 635–637 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02724253
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02724253