Diaper rash, what is it?

Diaper rash or diaper dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin in the area covered by the diapers (buttocks and genitals). It occurs both in babies and in the elderly, so the treatment should be the same. You can visit online drug store to find some medications for these rashes.

The most frequent dermatitis in the diaper area is simple erythema, which results from prolonged contact of urine and feces with the skin, causing maceration and chemical irritation due to the action of urea and intestinal enzymes there.

Other causes of diaper erythema are fungi (for example, Candida Albicans responsible for Candida Dermatitis or Candidiasis) or bacteria that can secondarily infect fragile skin through prolonged contact with urine.

Erythema of diapers, how to identify:

The erythema of diapers is manifested by redness that affects the area that comes into direct contact with the diaper and the adjacent folds and may also present local peeling and small ulcerations (wounds). The baby may be irritated, uncomfortable and cry when he has urine or has a dejection due to the burning that urine and feces cause in contact with the injured skin.

In Candida or Candida Dermatitis, the erythema is bright red, with a well-defined border, next to which small satellite lesions of the same tone appear.

Diaper rash causes for its appearance?

The risk of diaper erythema is greater when hygiene conditions and the type of products used are not adequate; when the same diaper is kept for prolonged periods, when the baby has diarrhea, increasing the number of spills in contact with the skin in a given period of time or it can be caused by allergy to the brand of diaper used.

Diaper rash, treatment?

You should change the diaper frequently, avoiding prolonged contact of urine or feces with the skin; whenever possible, you can leave the baby without a diaper as contact with air facilitates the cure of the erythema.

When changing the diaper, wash the area only with water or washing the product without rinsing. Wipes should be avoided, but you should opt for alcohol-free and fragrance-free wipes when it is not possible (outside the home). At the end of the wash, it can be sprayed with thermal water with a calming action.

After washing, dry the entire area, including the pleats, as the humidity conditions in non-aerated areas can cause skin maceration and facilitate fungi’s appearance.

Finally, protect the baby’s skin with a thin layer of barrier cream specific to that area. Talcum powder should not be used as it can be irritating to the skin and respiratory system.

In dermatitis caused by fungi, you can use an antifungal ointment, and if there is a secondary infection by bacteria, an ointment containing an antibiotic.

As soon as the lesions and the skin’s flushing disappear, the treatment can be stopped, maintaining the general hygienic measures and the use of a barrier cream.