Synonyms in the broadest sense
dermatitis ammoniacalis, dermatitis pseudosyphilitica papulosa, dermatitis glutaealis infantum, erythema papulosum posterosivum, erythema glutaeale, posterosive syphiloid
Definition
More than two thirds of all infants develop diaper dermatitis, which is caused by an extensive, irritable inflammation with
- Redness
- Wetness and
- Pustules
is marked in the diaper area. Children often develop acute diaper dermatitis several times during their nappy-changing years. The development of napkin dermatitis is favored by a number of factors, such as diarrhea (diarrhea) or rare diaper changes. As a complication, an additional fungal colonization with Candida albicans can occur during such an inflammatory period, whereupon a so-called diaper sororum forms, or, in the rarer case, bacteria can settle in the area of the inflammation. Therapeutically, the most important thing is to take preventive measures or use ointments.
Epidemiology
Almost all children develop a form of diaper dermatitis at least once during their diaper age. In addition, the occurrence is influenced by hygiene and nutrition as well as the climate.
Cause
Infants empty their bladders very often during the day, especially in the first few days. If the baby lies in the warm, damp diaper for a long time, the uppermost layer of skin, the cornea, swells up. This disrupts the natural protective function of the skin and promotes the development of an inflammation.
However, not only lying in urine for a longer period of time can lead to diaper dermatitis in the diaper area, but also faeces or soap residues can cause a barrier disorder of the skin in the area of the diaper. Since the skin is more susceptible to pathogens, especially fungi, due to the altered layer of the cornea, an additional infection of the inflamed area with Candida albicans, a fungal species, often occurs later in the course of the disease. It is not yet sufficiently clear whether bacteria also penetrate more easily and lead to an infection.
Otherwise it is known that a reduced state of health of the child favors the development of diaper dermatitis. The predisposition (predisposition) to psoriasis or another inflammatory skin disease with itching (eczema) can also be the cause of diaper dermatitis. If diaper dermatitis is not treated correctly, fungal spores develop on the inflamed skin on the buttocks due to the moist and warm environment.
This is then called diaper sores or candidosis. In most cases it is the yeast fungus Candida albicans. Diaper soror can be recognized by the strongly reddened skin, with additional pustules and scales.
The inflammation often spreads to the genital area. However, it can also spread to the thighs, buttocks and back. As the diaper pet often causes severe itching and pain for the baby, therapy should be started as soon as possible. In this case a doctor should be consulted who will prescribe special ointments against the fungus.