How to treat diaper dermatitis. Principles of treatment of diaper dermatitis
Adults often look with envy at the delicate, velvety skin of children, so thin and soft that you just want to touch it with your cheek. However, this sophistication and tenderness needs enhanced protection. Otherwise, the baby’s butt instantly “blooms” and begins to give him mass discomfort. You will learn about what diaper dermatitis is and how to deal with it in this article.
What is it
Diaper dermatitis is an inflammatory process on the skin, localized mainly in the most sensitive places - in the perineum, in the sacral area, in the tender femoral and gluteal folds, in the inguinal folds of the skin. This inflammation worries both the child and his parents quite a lot. The rash can be minor and quite extensive, look like separate rashes or merge into one large eczema; it can be either dry or weeping.
To combat this phenomenon, which affects six out of ten Russian babies, and if hygiene rules care and all ten, humanity invented disposable diapers, however, this only slightly reduced the number of skin diseases.
Diaper dermatitis remains one of the most common complaints with which parents turn to pediatricians.
Why does it occur?
The problem has two main causes: external stimuli and internal factors. In practice, there is always a combination of both.
Internal reasons
Newborn babies have very thin skin that does not have such a developed degree of protection as the skin of adults. It is especially sensitive to any influence - temperature, humidity, presence pathogenic microorganisms. It absorbs moisture faster, gets wet, and the pores expand. This structural feature of the dermis is characteristic of children under one and a half to two years old. Then the skin becomes denser and less susceptible to inflammation.
Children who have problems with the balance of beneficial and opportunistic bacteria are most susceptible to diaper dermatitis. Such conditions sometimes arise due to long-term use antibiotics. Babies with reduced immunity after past illness are also more susceptible to negative local effects on the skin. Children who are genetically predisposed to allergies in general and its skin manifestations in particular quite often suffer from diaper dermatitis.
External reasons
External irritants are well known and obvious - these are feces and urine. Diaper dermatitis always occurs due to the fact that the baby's skin comes into contact with ammonia, which is contained in urine, with urea. But the most dangerous combination of urine and feces, because in this case the skin is not only injured by the aggressive environment of urine, but also becomes infected with opportunistic microbes that leave the intestines along with feces. Inflammation develops in conditions of lack of air flow, which is created under a diaper or wet diaper. In such a space it is much easier for bacteria to multiply.
The most aggressive is concentrated urine. It becomes like this during periods of fluid loss by the body.
If a child is sick, his temperature is elevated, if he sweats, then less urine is released. The less urine, the more concentrated it is.
Another external reason is mechanical friction of the diaper. Irritation from diapers is quite painful, especially when urine or feces come into contact with them. Feces themselves can change acidity depending on the child’s nutrition and even without urine can cause quite serious skin lesions. More often, children of the second half of the year suffer from diaper dermatitis, since complementary feeding, which the mother introduces from about 6 months, significantly changes the composition of the intestinal contents, acidity increases, and the composition of urine when consuming not only mother’s milk, but also juices, changes significantly.
Supporting factors
A poor-quality diaper that does not retain moisture well is more likely to cause dermatitis in intimate area than a good diaper that separates liquid from feces and is impregnated with a softening balm. But even an excellent and expensive diaper will not save the child from the inflammatory process if parents rarely change it, allow it to overflow, and also wipe the child when changing the diaper rather than wash it.
Violation of hygiene rules - the most common auxiliary factor against which inflammatory processes develop under the diaper. Moreover, violations include not only insufficient water procedures, but also excessive washing, especially if parents use soap for this every time. Soap dries the skin, makes it more fragile and vulnerable, microcracks are more easily formed on it, in which pathogenic bacteria multiply well.
It is enough to use soap only when the baby has pooped himself. If there was no bowel movement, you can simply wash the child plain water. Overheating also affects the appearance of inflammation. If the room is tropically hot, the baby sweats. The temperature under the diaper is higher than outside it; therefore, not only urine and feces, but also the salty environment of sweat act on the skin.
Symptoms and signs
Mothers can easily identify the first symptoms of diaper dermatitis without any special knowledge in the field of medicine:
- The child's skin turns red and visibly swells. The affected area may be reddish or deep red and slightly swollen. Inflammation does not have clearly defined boundaries; it is blurred.
- Outside the Diaper the skin remains clean and healthy.
- The swelling is unevenly distributed. Where there was the closest contact with urine or feces, hyperemia is more pronounced. Nearby there may be “islands” of completely healthy light skin, alternating with other inflamed fragments.
- Inflammation changes all the time. If in the morning fragments of redness and swelling looked a certain way, then by lunchtime they can merge, decrease or increase, and change their location.
- “Fresh” inflammations are characterized by the appearance of a small, weeping rash. Older foci of inflammation dry out and peel off.
Dermatitis that is associated with a bacterial or fungal infection looks more “picturesque.” In addition to all the above signs, the affected areas are covered with a serous coating, film, and eczema with loose edges is formed. With fungal diaper dermatitis, the edges of the eczema may be white or grayish.
In general, the child behaves restlessly, cries, eats less willingly and sleeps very poorly. Pain, itching, and tingling intensify significantly immediately after the baby pees, and some time after he has a bowel movement, provided that he does all this in a diaper. With a large area of damage, inflammation can also affect the mucous membranes of the genital organs - under foreskin in boys and the labia minora and the vaginal opening in girls.
Body temperature may rise slightly if the dermatitis is extensive. Minor inflammatory processes are not accompanied by fever.
Diagnostics
The task of a pediatrician is not only to confirm or refute diaper dermatitis in an infant, but also to distinguish it from others skin diseases- atopic or allergic dermatitis, seborrheic inflammation or contact dermatitis. These conditions require different treatments using various medications.
Diaper dermatitis is diagnosed quite easily based on its characteristic visual signs. It can be more difficult to determine which bacterium or fungus caused the secondary inflammation if there is an associated infection.
Treatment
Treatment of diaper dermatitis always begins with a revision of the parents' approach to compliance with hygiene rules when caring for the child. It is important that the diaper is changed as often as possible, without waiting until it becomes too full and bloated. After defecation, changing the diaper is mandatory, with the obligatory washing of the child with warm soapy water. Very helpful air baths, so parents often need to remove the baby’s diaper and let the skin “breathe.”
Quite often, mild diaper dermatitis can be dealt with simply by following the rules of hygiene and using air baths.
With more extensive damage which greatly worries the child, in addition to the correction of care, the doctor may additionally prescribe some pharmaceutical products. In choosing drugs, he will adhere to the rule “wet - dry, dry - moisturize” . Therefore, for weeping rashes and wet eczema, drying agents such as mash are usually prescribed "Tsindol" or ointment "Desitin". For dry skin in affected areas, mild anti-inflammatory and moisturizing creams are prescribed: "Bepanten", "Drapolen" or children's "Panthenol".
If the doctor determines that a fungal infection has joined the inflammation, he may recommend nystatin ointment or Clotrimazole for topical use. For bacterial complications, use antibiotic ointments. Helps quickly cure bacterial inflammation "Baneotsin" and tetracycline ointment.
It is strictly forbidden to lubricate inflamed areas of the skin with brilliant green, iodine, or sprinkle generously with powder. You should not wash your child with a solution of potassium permanganate. Manual removal of dried crusts is prohibited to avoid additional infection.
- The diaper must be the right size. Disposable panties that are too big or too small only increase the negative mechanical impact on the skin. It is especially important to choose good and high-quality diapers for nighttime sleep, because the child stays in them longer than during the day. Such hygiene products must have excellent ability to absorb liquid. It is best to give preference to diapers with a gel-forming outer layer. All the liquid that gets into them turns into a gel; the baby’s skin, even after a long stay in the diaper, does not come into contact with urine.
- For daily hygiene, it is important to use only children's cosmetics and care products. Adult soap or cream is not suitable for children's skin and, in addition to the prerequisites for the development of diaper dermatitis, also creates an excellent platform for the development of contact allergies.
- When washing, it is important to ensure that so that a stream of water washes all the folds of the skin, since urine and particles of feces that may remain in them will certainly cause an inflammatory process in the most painful place - in the folded area.
- Manifestations of diaper dermatitis are stronger in children who are on artificial feeding. This is due to the different acidity of the stool that is formed in children fed formula. To minimize risks and save your baby from such a nuisance as diaper rash, you need to carefully consider the choice of the mixture itself. It is best if it is fully adapted for children under 6 months and partially adapted for children from six months.
- If parents prefer to use gauze diapers or reusable panty diapers with fabric or gauze inserts, then they should be washed only with baby soap or a special hypoallergenic powder, then boiled for 10 minutes and only then rinsed with cooled, pre-boiled water. This will help reduce the risk of developing inflammation in the groin and genital area.
You can learn more about childhood filmic dermatitis from Dr. Komorowski by watching the video below.
Skin rashes in children younger age – quite common phenomenon. One of the most common types of such rashes is diaper dermatitis.
Pathology develops mainly in infants in the first months of life (hence the name of the disease), however, it can also manifest itself at a later age.
The appearance of signs of diaper dermatitis is associated with the structural features of the skin small child. The skin of children in the first months of life is very delicate and sensitive to various kinds of negative influences.
As a result of such influences, damage to the upper layers of the dermis, if a microbial infection is also added to the inflammation of the skin, the child’s condition can significantly worsen. We will talk about the treatment of diaper dermatitis in children in the article.
How does an allergy to formula manifest in an infant? Find out about this from ours.
Characteristics of the disease
What does diaper dermatitis look like in children? Photo:
Newborn skin and infants very sensitive, prone to inflammation and irritation. These negative phenomena arise due to the impact on the upper layers of the skin. Such impacts may be:
- mechanical(when using low-quality materials made from rough materials);
- physical(if the diaper or diaper is not changed for a long time after the child has urinated or defecated. In this case, increased humidity and temperature of the skin can lead to the development of irritations);
- chemical(a child’s urine and feces contain chemically active substances, such as ammonia, enzyme elements that have a negative effect on the condition of the skin).
As a result of such exposure, redness, rashes, and irritation occur on the child’s skin.
If there is a bacterial infection that affects damaged skin, painful wounds and ulcers may form on the surface of the skin.
The course of the disease is also influenced by factors such as food quality(depends on this) chemical composition feces, their content of active elements that can irritate the skin), skin characteristics (for example, its increased sensitivity).
Causes
Diaper dermatitis occurs in children of various ages, the disease most often occurs at the age of 6-12 months., when there is the introduction of complementary foods and a change in the nature of nutrition (in this case, urine and feces contain more chemically active substances).
Manifestations of pathology can also occur in older children, up to 3 years of age.
The development of the disease can lead to a wide variety of factors.
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In young children |
In older children |
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Can a child be allergic to the sun? find out right now.
Classification and forms of the disease
Depending on certain criteria, there are many varieties diaper dermatitis.
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Classification criterion |
Types of disease |
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Localization of rashes |
Diaper dermatitis can occur on various parts of the baby's body. The most common locations for rashes are:
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Type of rash |
The nature of the rash with diaper dermatitis can be different:
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Stage of pathology development |
At the first stage of the disease, the upper (stratum corneum) layer of the skin is affected. The second stage is characterized by a violation of the integrity of the skin, the formation of ulcers and wounds. At the third stage, the skin is restored. |
Localization and manifestations of pathology
The rashes characteristic of diaper dermatitis can affect various parts of the baby's body. Most often the rash appears in those places where there are physiological skin folds(neck, armpits, groin area).
The rash also occurs on areas of the skin that are in direct contact with feces ( genitals, buttocks). Some forms of diaper dermatitis provoke the appearance of a rash on the baby’s abdomen and thighs.
The rashes, depending on their type, may look different. Most often in children, the rash appears as bright red spots, but it can also occur bubbles small in size, or scar formations.
Often on the affected areas it forms yellow crust or individual flakes. Damaged skin may become wet or peel. If left untreated, a severe form of diaper dermatitis develops.
In this case, elements filled with purulent contents appear on the skin, and swelling of the skin develops.
Diagnostics
To make a diagnosis it is usually sufficient only visual inspection child's doctor. The doctor may also require an anamnesis of the disease (information about the child’s nutrition, hygiene care).
At long term pathology required swab from the affected area of skin. This is necessary to exclude or confirm secondary infection.
Treatment methods
How and with what to treat the baby? To eliminate the pathology, it is necessary to provide the child with proper hygiene care.
You will also need to use topical anti-inflammatory drugs (creams, ointments).
For the treatment of diaper dermatitis, not complicated by microbial infections, necessary:
- Remove the diaper, rinse the baby's groin area and buttocks with warm water.
- It is necessary to limit the use of various hygiene products; you can only use hypoallergenic baby soap .
- After washing, gently pat your skin dry soft cloth, avoiding rubbing and sudden movements that can injure already damaged skin.
- After this, the child’s skin can be treated decoction of oak bark, chamomile. It is also recommended to ventilate the skin (air baths for 5-10 minutes).
- It is necessary to apply a medicinal product that has regenerating and anti-inflammatory effects to the affected areas ( Zinc ointment, Bepanten, Sudocrem).
For treatment candidiasis diaper dermatitis It is also important to follow the rules of hygienic care.
It is necessary to change wet diapers immediately after the child has emptied his bowels or bladder (not only changing the diaper, but also washing it is recommended).
It is necessary to dress the child correctly in accordance with temperature conditions the room where the baby is. If you dress your baby too warmly, he will sweat, and this will lead to an increase in skin moisture, and, as a result, further development diseases.
Traditional medicine
What can be done to cure it? To relieve inflammation, itching and swelling that appear during the development of diaper dermatitis, it is recommended to treat the baby’s skin with decoctions of herbs, such as celandine, string, chamomile.
To prepare the decoction you need 2 tbsp. pour 0.5 l of raw materials. boiling water, heat in a water bath for 10 minutes.
After this, strain the broth and cool. Soak clean gauze in the broth, wipe the child’s skin, or leave as a compress for 10 minutes.
Decoctions are also useful to add to the bath while bathing the baby. Except herbal decoctions You can use a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
If diaper dermatitis develops, it is necessary to provide the child with sufficient fluid intake.
Lack of fluid can lead to dry skin, making it more sensitive to various negative influences.
The same result is caused by insufficient air humidity in the children's room, frequent use of hygiene products for washing the child, which can destroy natural protective fat layer skin.
Disposable diapers and proper hygiene care
It is necessary to change disposable diapers for a child suffering from diaper dermatitis as often as possible(compared to healthy children).
In general, such diapers should be used as rarely as possible, for example, at night or during walks.
It is important to choose products high quality made from soft materials.
In addition, the diaper must be the right size. A diaper that is too tight or, conversely, large can rub the skin, which provokes the development of the disease.
Before each diaper change, the baby must be washed with warm running water. You can use special baby soap, or even do without hygiene products(it is recommended to wash with soap no more than 1-2 times a day).
After washing, remove any remaining moisture from the skin. It is recommended to leave the child naked for a few minutes so that the skin can be saturated with oxygen.
Prevention
In order to prevent the development of such an unpleasant phenomenon as diaper dermatitis, it is necessary to follow simple preventive rules:
Diaper dermatitis, which occurs in young children, gives the child a lot of anxiety, interferes with normal sleep and wakefulness patterns.
In addition, pathology can provoke the development of more serious problems, in particular, the connection of secondary bacterial infection. Therefore, when the first signs of dermatitis appear on the skin, it is necessary to begin treatment.
How to cure diaper dermatitis? Advice for a young mother in this video:
We kindly ask you not to self-medicate. Make an appointment with a doctor!
Diaper dermatitis is the name given to dermatitis that is directly related to swaddling. Diaper dermatitis is most often observed in newborns, but sometimes diaper dermatitis occurs in older children. The peak of this type of dermatitis comes at 6 months from the birth of the baby. Newborn babies suffer from it somewhat less frequently, since they are less mobile in the first weeks and months of life. But again, a diaper or diaper that is not replaced in time can trigger the occurrence of this diaper dermatitis in newborns.
In general, the phenomenon of diaper dermatitis in children is quite common throughout the world. In Russia, about 70 percent of childhood dermatitis is associated with this form. Diaper dermatitis owes its name to children of that age who do not know how to control their excretory function.
Diaper dermatitis causes
Diaper dermatitis in children can occur in conditions of high humidity inside the diaper or under the diapers, and as a result, difficult access of air, the presence various stimuli chemicals and the presence of microorganisms contained in feces and urine, as well as friction from clothing and diapers. Considerable importance in the development of diaper dermatitis is given to the simultaneous exposure of feces and urine. The irritant effect is due to the addition of ammonia to uric acid, which is formed when urine comes into contact with feces, as well as with enzymes that are present in feces (for example, lipase or protease).
Diaper dermatitis in children can develop from the first days of life, but the peak of the disease can be observed between 6-12 months. During this period, nutrition becomes especially varied, which kind of provides good soil for the development and formation intestinal microflora. But as the skin acquires important protective properties, his condition and resistance to various irritating factors begin to improve.
It can be assumed that some children are predisposed to developing diaper dermatitis. This type dermatitis has prerequisites for recurrence in some children, which explains the increased sensitizing feature of the skin and mucous membranes, which have a tendency to allergic reactions, which also have instability of water-salt metabolism, have a violation of the ratio of intestinal microflora (), have increased content ammonia in urine.
Dermatoses such as atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis or candidal dermatitis can play an important role in the development of diaper dermatitis.
diaper dermatitis in a newborn photo
Candidiasis diaper dermatitis develops due to frequent use antibiotics, especially with a broad spectrum of action (for example, when treating diarrhea in a child).
In a child whose barrier functions of the skin are impaired, it is necessary to join secondary infection, such as Candida albicans or Streptococcus aureus. In other words, candidal diaper dermatitis or streptococcal infection are provided for them.
The causes of diaper dermatitis in newborns and children can also be: improper use of baby skin care products (for example, powders, creams, diapers and soaps). Also, an incorrectly worn diaper can cause friction of the skin against its surface, and this will contribute to the penetration of irritating substances. Allergy to washing and detergents for clothing can cause diaper dermatitis.
In some cases, diaper dermatitis may manifest as chronic disease. In this case, the parents themselves are to blame for not showing the child to a specialist on time, or for not properly caring for the baby’s skin, self-medicating, or not caring for the child at all.
Diaper dermatitis symptoms
Diaper dermatitis in children begins its course with slight redness of the skin under the diaper, in particular around the genital organs, on the child’s hips and buttocks. Sometimes peeling and blistering of the skin may occur. In everyday terms, diaper dermatitis can be called “diaper rash.” In the most severe cases, there are manifestations in the affected areas, swelling and ulcers.
In general, the term “diaper dermatitis in children” applies to many conditions of the skin in the area where diapers are worn. Redness in the area anus are usually caused by stool with an alkaline reaction in those children who are bottle-fed and, as a rule, practically do not occur in those babies who are breast-fed until complementary foods are introduced into their diet.
diaper dermatitis in a child photo
Slight redness of the skin or intertrigo due to mechanical thorns in babies can also occur in deep folds in the groin areas between bottom belly and thighs. In those places where contact with urine occurs, the inflammatory process intensifies. Diaper dermatitis is redness in places where there is particularly strong friction of diapers and clothing on the baby’s skin and it is most severe in its effect on it.
It is also possible that diaper dermatitis will occur in those children who have. As a result, there are seborrheic yellowish scales on the head, infiltration and redness of the skin on the cheeks (milk scab), persistent diaper rash begins to appear in the skin folds and on the buttocks. The progression of diaper dermatitis in such children occurs in waves. An exacerbation is usually caused by any provoking factor - weather conditions, food conditions, infections.
The appearance of erythematous plaques, as well as small pink papules with their spread to the genitals, folds and perianal area indicates the presence of candidal diaper dermatitis. Involvement of skin folds in the process appears to be important factor for the diagnosis of differential candidiasis from irritative primary diaper dermatitis. Also, candidal diaper dermatitis should be suspected if the rash persists for more than 72 hours. The diagnosis is made on the basis of laboratory and clinical data: mycological analysis of the affected lesions from the periphery of papules, erythema, pustules, which makes it possible to identify pseudohyphae.
As a rule, a child with diaper dermatitis behaves restlessly, is capricious, cries, tries to remove the diaper and puts his hands on the groin area.
You should consult a doctor immediately in cases where: against the background of diaper dermatitis, body temperature rises to 38.5 °C; the affected area enlarges, areas on it become swollen and acquire a bluish-purple tint; the child experiences hair loss due to diaper dermatitis; formation of abscesses in areas affected by diaper dermatitis; Treatment of diaper dermatitis at home does not bring any effect within three to five days.
Diaper dermatitis treatment
The main measure in the treatment of diaper dermatitis in children is prevention. of this disease. It is also important to notice the onset of the inflammatory process as early as possible and take the necessary measures.
Parents should take into account that, depending on the provoking factor, diaper dermatitis appears on various skin areas and may have varying degrees its expressiveness. It is also necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the child; they may predispose to the appearance of dermatitis such as diaper dermatitis.
Keeping the skin clean and dry in the diaper area is the main principle of prevention. The moisture content of the skin is reduced by timely replacement of diapers, even at night when the child wakes up. It is very important to use modern disposable diapers, in which the inner cellulose layer contains a gel-forming material with an increased ability to absorb moisture. The advantage of such diapers is that the absorption and retention of urine occurs during inner layer diaper, so the baby's skin does not come into contact with moisture. In addition, the child should not be dressed too warmly, and clothing that is tight to the skin should not be used. Careful parental attention should be paid to the selection of a diaper by size - the Velcro fasteners should be securely, neatly and symmetrically fixed when dressing the child. When changing the diaper, the baby's skin is thoroughly washed with warm water and dried well.
The various functions of the skin and the increased absorption capacity of the skin require increased attention to the choice cosmetics, which are used to care for children in the first year of life.
Many manifestations of diaper dermatitis in children are self-limiting and respond well to simple measures, for example, diapers are changed regularly or more often than usual, the period of time when taking air baths (time spent without a diaper) increases. Be sure to expose the child from the waist down more often and leave him in this form overnight, if room temperature allows.
In addition to proper and timely cleansing of the baby’s skin, it is necessary to regularly lubricate it with creams, oils, and use baby powder. Insufficient use of baby powder protects the skin from chafing with the diaper, and at the same time, excessive use of baby powder, particularly after bathing, when the skin is not wiped dry, leads to the development and formation of scabs and scabs.
How to treat diaper dermatitis
The use of cosmetics for children in the first year of life has a preventive effect on the development of inflammatory reactions on the skin. Various types and types of cosmetics for children include: milk, lotions, gels, baby oils after bathing, which create a film with a protective effect on the surface of the skin, baby creams, which contain the following substances: beeswax, mineral and/or castor oil, glycerin, zinc oxide, panthenol, vitamins groups A, E, D, C, natural plant extracts and oils with flavonoids (chamomile, string, aloe, calendula, etc.)
To treat affected skin areas with diaper dermatitis, it is recommended to use ointments and creams with a therapeutic effect.
Desitin ointment, which contains zinc oxide, has a drying effect, which reduces the flow of secretions and mucus to areas of the skin affected by dermatitis. Drapolen cream, which contains benzalkonium chloride and citrimide, has a disinfectant, antiseptic, softening, hydrating and protective effect on the child's skin. Ointments Bepanten and D-Panthenol, which contain dexpanthenol, have an effect that stimulates the epithelization of the skin, and they also have an anti-inflammatory effect.
In the treatment of candidiasis diaper dermatitis, topical drugs with antifungal action are used (for example, Miconazole, Ketoconazole, Clotrimazole, Batrafen). If no effect is observed when local application ointments or the infection has spread to other areas and mucous bodies, then resort to systemic treatment candida infection, taking into account the age of the child and the course of the disease. It is necessary to take into account the fact that it is not recommended to simultaneously apply baby powder and cream to the same areas of the skin.
You should also use a special children's shampoo for washing hair, which is designed taking into account the structure and characteristics of the child's scalp and hair. Baby shampoos also do not irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes, which helps to significantly facilitate the child’s bathing procedure.
For bathing children infancy It is recommended to use special baby soap that contains minimum quantity alkali, which also does not contribute to drying and irritation of the skin. If diaper dermatitis appears in a child, reduce the use of any soap to once a day. There may be various allergic reactions for all different baby skin care products.
If seborrheic dermatitis occurs, it may be necessary to prescribe a topical steroid ointment, and if an infection occurs, antiviral, antifungal or antibacterial agents. All of them must be prescribed strictly by a specialist. Self-medication in such cases is unacceptable!
Prognosis for diaper dermatitis, in case of timely treatment and preventive actions, promises to be favorable.
Often mothers may notice the appearance of redness on the skin of their children in the groin, buttocks or thighs. This is how dermatitis, which is called “diaper rash,” manifests itself. The disease should not be neglected; at the first symptoms you should go to the hospital to avoid complications.
What is diaper dermatitis
This disease can appear in newborns or babies under 12 months of age. Diaper dermatitis is an inflammation that forms on the skin of the buttocks and inner surface hips This phenomenon is caused by swaddling a child or wearing diapers. When hit large quantity rubbing of urine or feces on the fabric occurs as the child exhibits motor activity. This process provokes irritation. Diaper dermatitis in newborns is found less frequently than in six-month-old children.
Symptoms of diaper dermatitis
Experts highlight following symptoms diaper dermatitis:
- redness of the skin on the perineum, buttocks, inguinal folds;
- small weeping bubbles;
- peeling of the skin;
- pustules;
- swelling;
- itching sensation;
- the appearance of ulcers;
- tissue infiltration;
- general anxiety of the child;
- sleep disturbance;
- decreased appetite.
Causes of diaper dermatitis
Failure to comply with hygiene rules, close contact and friction of clothing or diapers against the skin are the main causes of diaper dermatitis in babies. The risk increases if diapers and diapers are changed at the wrong time. The course of the disease can be complicated by pathogenic microflora. Diaper rash can develop in children who have a tendency to allergies, disruptions in water-salt balance, and increased concentrations of ammonia in the urine. Children with atopic dermatitis, immunodeficiency, stool disorders. TO negative consequences artificial mixtures may result.
Fungal diaper dermatitis
Inflamed skin in the affected areas is a favorable environment for the development and activity of pathogenic microorganisms. Fungal diaper dermatitis develops with prolonged exposure to feces. Pathogenic yeast can live in the baby’s intestines and, when it gets on the affected skin, aggravate the symptoms of the disease. Often this disease is caused by taking antibiotics wide range actions that fight bacteria, but do not cope with Candida fungi.
Candidiasis diaper dermatitis
Fungi often cause candidiasis diaper dermatitis. It manifests itself in the form of pustules white, which are located on the redness in the fold area. Fungal infection is determined by ineffectiveness home treatment. You should immediately consult a doctor if you find some signs in your child:
- increase in the area of inflammation;
- painful rash;
- appearance of purple or bluish tint skin;
- skin thickening;
- formation of edema;
- rise in temperature;
- the occurrence of rashes with pustules.
Treatment of diaper dermatitis
It is important to consult a doctor at the first symptoms of the disease so that he can prescribe treatment for diaper dermatitis. You will definitely need to strictly follow the rules of hygiene when changing a diaper according to following instructions:
- After emptying, remove the dirty product from the child.
- The next step is to rinse your baby's skin under running warm water. Cleansing is necessary in the areas of the perineum, thighs and buttocks. Pay special attention to places where the skin forms folds.
- Dry baby's lungs blotting with a towel, do not allow rubbing.
- Apply diaper cream or ointment prescribed by your doctor to your skin. Apply a thin layer of the product to the affected areas.
- Leave the child for about half an hour to take an air bath.
In addition to these rules, diaper dermatitis is treated by special means:
- ointments;
- creams;
- traditional medicines, prepared at home.
Ointment for diaper dermatitis
An effective remedy To combat inflammation, there is an ointment for diaper dermatitis. Doctors prescribe the following medications:
- Desitin is a preparation containing zinc. It has a tightening and drying effect, which helps reduce the impact of baby secretions on the affected skin.
- Antifungal ointments (Batrafen, Ketoconazole) will help with complications caused by candidiasis. Such drugs should not be used without a doctor's prescription.
- Antibacterial corticosteroids are used in the most severe cases of diaper rash in children. Their use must be supervised by a doctor.
Cream for diaper dermatitis
To treat a childhood illness, you can use a properly selected cream for diaper dermatitis. Among these drugs are often prescribed:
- Bepanten - the drug contains d-panthenol, successfully fights diaper rash, inflammation, and accelerates the healing process. The medicine moisturizes and soothes the skin, has an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Drapolene – well moisturizes the baby’s dermis and has an antimicrobial effect.
- Sudocrem - the main active substance of the drug is zinc oxide. The light cream dries and soothes the baby's dermis well. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects that are beneficial for dermatitis. When using the medication, a barrier is formed on the baby's skin that repels moisture, significantly reducing the impact of irritating factors. Lanolin helps fight peeling and moisturize the dermis.
Komarovsky about the treatment of diaper dermatitis
The famous pediatrician Komarovsky says about the treatment of diaper dermatitis that air baths are of great benefit for this disease. To properly organize the procedure, you need to remove the baby’s clothes that cover the affected area and diapers. It is important that the air temperature in the room is between 19 and 20 degrees.
At first, the air should act on the child’s skin for about 5-10 minutes. Gradually this period should be increased, bringing it to 40 minutes. Air baths must be repeated twice a day. When treating dermatitis, it is important to do everything systematically and not interrupt the course. While the baby is undergoing the procedure, the mother must remember to periodically place him on his tummy and sides, and pick him up. If symptoms persist, the doctor recommends going to the hospital for a cosmetic or drug treatment.
Komarovsky formulated several tips for adults who treat children for diaper rash:
- The diaper should be changed regularly immediately after emptying.
- It is necessary to limit the use of wet wipes in favor of washing.
- After bathing, dry the baby's skin by gently blotting it or allow it to air dry.
- When using creams and ointments, apply them only to dry and clean skin. The diaper can be put on after the product has been absorbed.
- Give preference to children's clothing made from natural fabrics. Through it, air will better flow to the child’s epidermis.
Prevention of dermatitis
Prevention of dermatitis, including the following conditions, will help you avoid the occurrence of the disease:
- try not to use powder;
- if necessary, use creams under the diaper, for example, products containing d-panthenol;
- let's daily to support immune system baby;
- be sure to change diapers after each bowel movement or bladder;
- do not use gauze diapers;
- When choosing these products for a child, take into account his gender, age and size.
Video: Diaper dermatitis
This inflammation occurs due to the structural features of children's skin, which is more susceptible to negative impact factors external environment than in older children and adults. Inflammation occurs under the influence of mechanical, chemical, physical, biological reasons. What are these reasons?
Reasons
1. A wet diaper or diaper, chosen incorrectly or replaced at the wrong time.2. Aggressive components of urine and feces (ammonia, salts bile acids, enzymes).
3. Microorganisms (fungi of the genus Candida, streptococcus, staphylococcus, etc.).
Symptoms
The main symptoms of diaper dermatitis are redness of the skin, the appearance of peeling or weeping, blisters in the buttocks and perineum, where there is direct contact with the diaper.The most pronounced symptoms are in areas of close contact of the diaper with the skin, friction of elastic bands in the groin folds.
It must be remembered that when diaper dermatitis symptoms (redness, blisters, peeling) appear on the skin exclusively in the diaper area. If similar symptoms are observed on the cheeks, behind the ears, then you need to look for another disease, and not blame everything on the diaper.
Candidiasis diaper dermatitis
In the perineal area, in the inguinal folds, bright red lesions with heterogeneous edges appear. The skin may be dry or macerated (with wet areas). This type of dermatitis cannot be treated with conventional methods and requires prescription. special ointments.
Diaper dermatitis in children
It should be noted that the main reason for the development of diaper dermatitis in newborns is improper child care.Parents must remember that a diaper, whether disposable or reusable, must be changed on time. Even if your baby pooped and immediately fell asleep, and you don’t want to wake him up, remember that you are providing him with disservice. It is better to immediately replace the used diaper with a clean one and put the child to bed - this will guarantee healthy sleep your baby.
Very often, diaper dermatitis appears in children suffering from seborrhea, atopic dermatitis.
Treatment of diaper dermatitis
The main principle of treating diaper dermatitis is proper care.First of all, the child needs to undress, wash and increase the time of “airing” the skin at room temperature. That is, exclude contact of inflamed skin with the irritant (in in this case with urine and/or feces). It is necessary to wash a child, even a healthy one, every day, and always after the child has pooped. If signs of diaper dermatitis appear, diapers should be changed no later than after 3 hours, regardless of how full they are. It is better to use disposable diapers good quality- they have a good moisture-absorbing layer (subject to timely replacement), which reduces the risk of skin contact with moisture. The child does not need to be dressed warmly - sweat also exhibits aggressive properties towards the baby’s skin, which is already inflamed.
Further therapy depends on the symptoms. If there is weeping (liquid secretion from the surface of the inflammation), then powders and ointments with drying properties are used. If cracks and peeling appear, the affected area is treated with ointments or creams.
There is no allergic component in the development of diaper dermatitis, so there is no need to use antihistamines (allergy medications).
How to treat diaper dermatitis that is not complicated by a microbial infection?
We carry out all activities according to plan: stripped, washed, dried, aired. And then, if there is peeling and dryness, we treat the skin with ointment or cream, which improves healing (increases tissue regeneration). You can use creams containing zinc oxide. Bepanten, Drapolen, D-panthenol and others have proven themselves well in the treatment of diaper dermatitis. Drapolene contains antiseptic substances that disinfect the site of inflammation. All these creams have wound healing, softening effects, and have an anti-inflammatory effect.If you notice wet areas at the site of redness, you should first dry them using a powder, preferably containing zinc oxide.
Treatment of diaper candidiasis dermatitis
Along with the basic principles of treatment, for fungal diaper dermatitis, ointments containing antifungal agents (clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, batrafen, ciclopirox) are used. They must be applied three times a day for at least 1 month, even if the symptoms of the disease have already disappeared, in order to prevent reoccurrence infections.Do not use for candida infection hormonal drugs, since their use can aggravate the course of the disease.
Diaper dermatitis in adults
Diaper dermatitis is a disease childhood, however, it also occurs in adults. These patients include bedridden patients who do not control the process of defecation and urination. In these people, dermatitis develops by the same mechanisms as in children. Elderly people are especially susceptible to this disease. Due to aging, their epidermis regeneration (restoration) is reduced. The course of diaper dermatitis is also aggravated by the intake of digestive enzymes, since their excess is excreted in feces, and they, in turn, lead to irritation on the skin. Against the background of diaper dermatitis, bedsores form more easily.Treatment with folk remedies
At mild degree diaper dermatitis (slight redness) can be added to the bath while bathing herbal infusions. For this purpose, it is better to use string, oak bark, and chamomile flowers. These herbs have anti-inflammatory and drying effects. To prepare the infusion, you need to take 2 tablespoons of plant material (herbs) and brew with 1 glass of boiling water, let it brew for thirty minutes and, after straining, add it to the bathing water. You can add a decoction of oats to the bath (1 glass of oats per 1 liter of water), it will also help “calm” inflammation on the skin.
Medicines for diaper dermatitis
Cream
Drapolene disinfects, softens, moisturizes the skin, and forms a protective film on it. Used for the prevention and treatment of mild diaper dermatitis.Ointments
Desitin contains zinc oxide, which has a tightening effect and prevents the action of skin irritants.Dexpanthenol (D-panthenol) improves skin restoration (healing) and reduces the intensity of inflammation. Used to treat moderate diaper dermatitis.
Bepanten stimulates epithelial regeneration and softens the skin.
Bepanten-plus, due to the chlorhexidine included in its composition, also has a disinfectant effect.
