Diaper Rash
What is a diaper rash?
Diaper rash is a type of skin disorder that is localized to the diaper area in infants and often spares the skin of the folds beneath the diaper.
It usually causes mild redness and scaling. In extreme cases, it can cause pimples, blisters and sores. If the baby's rash gets infected, the rash may be bright red and the skin may be swollen. Small red patches or spots may spread beyond the main part of the rash, even outside the diaper area. They generally occur between 9-12 months.
What is the cause?
A rash in the diaper area might be caused by friction, irritants, allergies, infections, seborrhea, psoriasis, diarrhea, or a long list of systemic diseases. Most diaper rashes are caused by skin irritation. Irritation can be caused by diapers that rub against the skin, fit too tightly or are left on for too long. The baby's skin can also be irritated by the soap used to wash cloth diapers, or by some brands of diapers or baby wipes.
Plastic pants that fit over diapers raise the temperature and moisture in the diaper area. Heat, moisture and irritated skin make it easier for a diaper rash to start and for germs to grow.
What is a diaper rash?
Diaper rash is a type of skin disorder that is localized to the diaper area in infants and often spares the skin of the folds beneath the diaper.
It usually causes mild redness and scaling. In extreme cases, it can cause pimples, blisters and sores. If the baby's rash gets infected, the rash may be bright red and the skin may be swollen. Small red patches or spots may spread beyond the main part of the rash, even outside the diaper area. They generally occur between 9-12 months.
What is the cause?
A rash in the diaper area might be caused by friction, irritants, allergies, infections, seborrhea, psoriasis, diarrhea, or a long list of systemic diseases. Most diaper rashes are caused by skin irritation. Irritation can be caused by diapers that rub against the skin, fit too tightly or are left on for too long. The baby's skin can also be irritated by the soap used to wash cloth diapers, or by some brands of diapers or baby wipes.
Plastic pants that fit over diapers raise the temperature and moisture in the diaper area. Heat, moisture and irritated skin make it easier for a diaper rash to start and for germs to grow.
Who gets it?
Anytime a baby sits too long in a wet diaper or a stool-soaked diaper, a rash can result. However breastfed babies get fewer diaper rashes than formula-fed babies. They frequently occur when babies are taking antibiotics or have just started solid foods.
What are the different kinds of diaper rash and what are the symptoms?
1. Friction rash: It is most common in areas where friction is most pronounced, such as the inner thighs or under the elastic of diapers that are too tight.
2. Irritant rash: This generally occurs on the round part of the buttocks. It's generally the result of contact with stool enzymes or irritants such as harsh soaps, detergents, or topical medicines.
3. Allergic rash: This may occur in combination with an irritant rash or by itself.
4. Seborrhea rash. A salmon-colored, greasy rash with yellowish scales characterizes this diaper rash that is also worse in the skin folds.
5. Psoriasis: This rash doesn't look distinctive.
6. A number of rare diseases such as congenital syphilis and zinc deficiency cause characteristic diaper rashes.
7. Yeast is by far the most common type of organism found in a diaper rash. The organism is quite prevalent and thrives in warm, moist skin. Yeast involvement should be suspected in any diaper rash that has not improved dramatically with 72 hours of appropriate therapy. Yeast rashes tend to be reddish or pink in color have what are known as satellite lesions or small lesions outside the cental area of the rash.
How long does it last?
If a diaper rash does not improve within 72 hours after start of treatment, contact your doctor for further evaluation.
If a diaper rash does not improve within 72 hours after start of treatment, contact your doctor for further evaluation.
How is it treated?
Common diaper rashes are treated with frequent diaper changes, airing out, and protective lotions or creams such as Desitin or zinc oxide creams . Sometimes a corticosteroid cream is given to decrease inflammation, but you should not use this unless it is recommended by your doctor. Yeast diaper rashes require the addition of an anti-yeast cream. Make sure you talk to your doctor to ensure proper treatment of the rash.
How can it be prevented?
- Check your baby's diaper often and change it as soon as it's wet or soiled.
- Carefully clean your baby's bottom between diaper changes. Use plain warm (not hot) water with or without a very mild soap.
- Allow your baby's skin to dry completely before putting on another diaper.
- Use products such as Desitin or zinc oxide ointments to protect your baby's skin from moisture.
- Avoid using plastic pants.
- If diaper rash persists, change the type of wipes, diapers or soap you're using.
- Breastfeeding, avoiding unnecessary antibiotics, and taking yogurt or beneficial bacteria when antibiotics are needed can prevent diaper rashes.
- The diaper rash occurs in the first 6 weeks of life
- If pimples or small ulcers form
- If the baby has a fever
- If the baby loses weight or isn't eating well
- If the rash spreads to other areas
- If the rash doesn't get better with treatment
Reference:
pedclerk.bsd.uchicago.edu/diaperRash.html - 8k
pediatrics.about.com/od/ weeklyquestion/a/04_diaper_rash.htm - 30k
pedclerk.bsd.uchicago.edu/diaperRash.html - 8k
pediatrics.about.com/od/ weeklyquestion/a/04_diaper_rash.htm - 30k
Copyright 2008, MD Kiosk
