DIAPER RASH

Diaper rash, also called diaper dermatitis, is a skin condition that affects infants and toddlers who wear diapers. The sensitive skin in the diaper area can become irritated, inflamed, and reddened due to constant contact with both urine and feces, and other irritating factors.

WHAT CAUSES DIAPER RASH?

There are many causes of diaper dermatitis with irritation from urine and feces being the most common culprit. The prolonged wetness from the excrement can break down and irritate a baby’s very sensitive skin. Another cause may be from an overgrowth of yeast which is known as a candida infection. Some diapers may be made of irritating material, which can also cause a diaper rash.

TREATING DIAPER RASH

Treatments for diaper rash include keeping a baby’s diaper as dry as possible with frequent diaper changes. If at all possible, it is best to let a baby’s bottom breath and let it air out, removing the diaper on occasion. Barrier creams such as zinc oxide in addition to petroleum jelly, lanolin, antifungal creams, and topical steroids can be very helpful in providing relief.

DIAPER RASH REFERENCES

Ravanfar, P., Wallace, J. S., & Pace, N. C. (2012). Diaper dermatitis. Current Opinion in Pediatrics, 1. doi: 10.1097/mop.0b013e32835585f2. PMID: 22790100
Coughlin, C. C., Eichenfield, L. F., & Frieden, I. J. (2014). Diaper Dermatitis: Clinical Characteristics and Differential Diagnosis. Pediatric Dermatology, 31, 19–24. doi: 10.1111/pde.12500. PMID: 25403935