Diapers are a wonderful invention, controlling babies’ waste products in a relatively convenient, clean, and healthy way. Still, ever since children began to wear diapers, diaper rash has been the most common skin disorder of infancy.
A surprising number of different entities fall under the label of diaper rash. A rash in the diaper area might be caused by friction, irritants, allergies, infections, seborrhea, psoriasis, diarrhea, or a long list of systemic diseases.
Skin wetness is the common denominator underlying the various causes of diaper rash. Even skin lesions of systemic illnesses tend to concentrate in areas where the skin is already damaged. Urinary wetness increases skin friction, raises the skin pH, makes the skin less cohesive, and makes it more permeable. These effects combine to intensify the action of stool enzymes or other irritants that then inflame the skin. In all of the diaper rashes mentioned above, the outermost layer of skin — stratum corneum — has been damaged. With this protective layer breached, it is easy for microorganisms such as yeast or bacteria to invade the inflamed skin. This makes the rash worse and less responsive to the usual treatments.
Almost all children in diapers will get some diaper rashes, no matter how careful the parents are. Breastfed babies get fewer diaper rashes than formula-fed babies.
Diaper rashes are most common between 8 and 10 months old. They also frequently appear when babies are taking antibiotics, having loose stools, or have just started solid foods.
Anytime a baby sits too long in a wet diaper or a stool-soaked diaper, a rash can result.
What are the symptoms of diaper rash?
Most types of diaper rash are not contagious.
If a diaper rash does not improve within 72 hours of appropriate attention, contact your pediatrician for further evaluation.
The initial diagnosis of a diaper rash is made by inspecting the skin of the diaper area. If the rash does not improve as expected with treatment, further evaluation is sometimes necessary.
Common diaper rashes are treated with frequent diaper changes, airing out, and protective lotions or creams while the baby is in the diaper.
Yeast diaper rashes require the addition of an anti-yeast cream.
The treatment of other specific diaper rashes varies depending on the specific type.
Change dirty diapers as soon as possible, gently cleaning the diaper area to reduce exposure to urine and stool.
Airing out the diaper area can help prevent rashes.
Breastfeeding, avoiding unnecessary antibiotics, and taking yogurt or beneficial bacteria when antibiotics are needed can prevent diaper rashes.
Dermatitis – Diaper; Yeast infection – Diaper area.