Diaper Dermatitis Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Diaper Dermatitis?

Diaper dermatitis is commonly known as diaper rash. These rashes form beneath the diaper area of a baby.

What Are The Symptoms Of Diaper Dermatitis?

Following can be observed in the diaper area of a child:

Pus-filled sores, large bumps, ulcers, blisters or pimples.
Itchy, red rash which turns bigger.
Scaly or red area on the vagina and labia (girls).
Scaly and red areas on the penis and scrotum (boys).
Smaller patches that develops and merge in with some other patches.

What Causes Diaper Dermatitis?

Clearly, diaper dermatitis is a common complaint in babies between the ages of three- fifteen months old. Often, rashes occur after a baby is introduced to solid foods. Causes identified for triggering diaper dermatitis are:

Yeast Infection, known as Candida. It develops in moist, warm places for example under a baby’s diaper. In addition to this, Candida diaper rash tends to occur more in babies who:

1. Have frequent stools.

2. Are/mothers are taking antibiotics while the baby is on breast feed.

3. Are not kept dry and clean.

Diaper that rubs the baby’s skin.
Diaper that is very tight.
Acidic stools (usually when the baby has diarrhea).
Reaction of certain products (such as soaps etc) that are used for cleaning cloth diapers.

How Is Diaper Dermatitis Diagnosed?

Simply, by examining the baby’s skin, the health care provider can diagnose diaper dermatitis caused by yeast. However in order to confirm it is Candida, KOH test can be conducted.

How Is Diaper Dermatitis Treated?

Simply by keeping your baby’s diaper area dry and clean, you can treat diaper dermatitis yourself! This will also prevent the formation of new rashes. It’s much better if the baby is kept out of a diaper most of the time. Thus, whenever possible, lay him or her on a towel.
Several ointments and creams can help resolve infection triggered by yeast, few of which are:

Ketaconazole.
Clotrimazole.
Miconazole.
Nystatin.

Prevention:

Do not forget to wash your hands when you are about to change your baby’s diaper.
Changing diaper more often can help prevent diaper dermatitis.
If the baby has passed stool, immediately change it with a new one.
Use a cotton ball dipped in water for cleaning the diaper area with every change.
Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the diaper area.
Allow the area to dry, or pat it dry.
Diapers must be loosely fitted. Diapers that are tightly fitted prevent the air flow, whilst irritate the thighs or waist of the baby.
Use diapers that are absorbent. These can keep the baby’s skin dry, plus decreases the risks of infection.
Ask your doctor to advice any ointment or cream for applying in the diaper area.
Avoid using wipes which have perfume or alcohol as they can irritate or dry out the skin even more.
Avoid using talcum powder on the nappy area.