Introduction
Diaper rashes, also known as nappy rashes, are found in a child's diaper area due to prolonged contact with urine and feces. It is cutaneous inflammation caused due to continuous irritation of the skin. It is caused by bacterial growth in the diaper skin area due to moisture. As a result, painful sores and redness are present in the diaper area. If the rashes are mild, resolve within three to four days. The treatment options for diaper rashes are current; however, parents can avoid the formation of rashes in their children. It is commonly found in children between five to ten months, with a frequency of once every three months.
What Are the Causes of Diaper Rash in Children?
It is cutaneous dermatitis of the skin caused due to prolonged moisture and a wet environment. A prolonged moist environment present in the skin causes bacterial and fungal growth. Damp skin is rubbed damaged and becomes susceptible to chafing.
Following are the different causes of diaper rashes in children:
1. Prolonged Exposure - Most diaper rashes are caused due to prolonged exposure to dirty diapers. The stool contains specific enzymes that can cause skin irritation and inflammation.
2. Diaper Friction - Chafing the skin surface to the diaper area also causes diaper rash. The friction irritates the skin's surface and triggers rashes.
3. Fungal Infections - Due to a prolonged wet and moist environment, the fungal infection takes place
4. Bacterial Infection - It is caused by skin surface contact and stool. The warm and moist environment created by diapers promotes the growth of bacteria.
5. Irritants - Certain chemical irritants present in diapers cause a skin reaction. As a child's skin is soft and sensitive, it gets irritated with certain constituents present in diapers.
6. Allergy - Diaper rashes can also be caused due to an allergy to diaper elastic chemicals. There is a presence of allergic reactions in the skin.
7. Pre-existing Skin Conditions - Children with pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema and atopic dermatitis are more prone to rashes.
8. Feeding - Children who are breastfed develop fewer rashes. The stool volume is less, which is less irritating to the skin.
9. Antibiotics - Children whose mothers are on antibiotic therapy are more prone to develop rashes.
What Are the Types of Diaper Rash?
There are various types of Diaper rashes found in babies.
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Chafing - Small spots or bumps with an area of redness.
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Candidal Dermatitis - Bright red and painful rashes develop in the crease between the abdomen and thigh.
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Cradle Cap - It is also known as seborrheic dermatitis. A deep red rash with yellowish scales develops in the diaper area.
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Eczema - Dry, itchy, and inflamed patches seen in the diaper area.
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Intertrigo - Itchy rashes found in skin folds with fluid discharge.
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Impetigo - It is a large pus-discharging sore with a yellowish crust. Secondary bacterial infections cause it.
What Are the Sign and Symptoms of Diaper Rashes?
Following are the various signs and symptoms of diaper rashes.
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Inflamed skin in the thigh and genital areas.
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Itchiness is present on the skin.
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Painful rashes.
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Sores and blisters are present in the diaper area.
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Discomfort.
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Fussiness and crying during the diaper change.
What Are the Complications of Diaper Rashes?
Diaper rashes can result in severe skin infections if not treated properly. Mild hypopigmentation and post-inflammatory hypopigmentation are developed due to frequent rashes in the child. It takes a few months to retain the standard skin color.
How to Prevent Diaper Rashes?
Parents can follow preventive measures to prevent diaper rashes on children's skin.
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Always keep the diaper skin area clean and dry.
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Parents should always be aware of changing the diaper when it is wet.
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Always change wet and dirty diapers promptly.
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Always clean the diaper area with warm water.
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Parents should wear wet clothes and cotton balls and wet wipe the skin.
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The skin should be wiped in gentle strokes.
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Parents should always use mild soap and gentle cleansers.
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Wet wipes should not contain alcohol or fragrance.
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Parents should dry the skin with a clean towel and let the skin surface air dry.
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Cream paste and ointment containing zinc oxide should be applied to the skin.
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Parents should wash their hands after changing diapers to prevent bacterial infections.
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Diapers should not be too tight. If a free flow of air is present in the diaper, friction is avoided.
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Parents should give their baby diaper-free time to expose the skin to natural air.
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Mild detergent should be used to wash the baby's clothes.
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Parents should carefully observe changes in the skin after using diapers.
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Parents should try to avoid excessive use of talcum powder and cornstarch. It causes breathing problems and yeast infections.
What Is the Treatment Plan for Diaper Rashes?
The treatment of diaper rashes depends upon the severity of the rashes. If the rashes are mild, ointment and cream containing zinc oxide can be applied. Purchase diaper rash sprays to help babies with diaper rash. If the rashes are severe topical antifungal agents and ointment is indicated. Low-potency steroids and antibiotics are given. Treatment of the underlying cause is done to reduce the progression of rashes. Investigators are advised to rule out immunodeficiency if the child suffers from recurrent severe candidal infections.
When Does a Diaper Rash Need Medical Attention?
Parents should go for a pediatrician visit if the following sign is seen
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If rashes are not healing for a longer duration.
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Presence of bumps, blisters, and peeling skin.
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If the rashes are very painful.
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Presence of any discharge from the skin.
- If the child is suffering from fever along with rashes.
What Is the Prognosis of Diaper Rash?
Diaper dermatitis has an excellent prognosis with appropriate diagnosis and with timely adequate management. It is usually a mild, self-limiting disease.
Conclusion
Diaper rash is a widespread skin problem found in children. It is located in almost every growing child. Parents should not freak out if they see rashes on the skin. Instead, they should follow all the preventive measures and maintain hygiene. However, if the child is suffering from frequent episodes of rashes and the symptoms are severe, they should seek a pediatrician's help. In addition, parents should always be aware of the frequency of removing wet diapers and the wetness of the diaper area.
