Introduction
The diaper rash – also called diaper dermatitis – is the name given to a characteristic skin rash of infants and toddlers in the diaper area. Approximately two thirds of all diapered children suffer from a diaper rash at least once in the course of their lives, although it can be more or less intense. The maximum frequency is around the 9th – 12th month of life.
Contrary to what is often assumed, it is not only infants and toddlers who can suffer from diaper rashes. This rash can occur much more often in all age groups, provided there is a reason for the person affected to wear a diaper (e.g. incontinence in old age). Characteristically, the rash can be recognized by the sometimes painful reddening of the skin in the diaper area, on which small weeping blisters, larger bases, swelling (edema), scales, skin injuries (erosions) and scabs can be found. The skin in the anal and genital regions is particularly affected, but also the regions adjacent to the diaper area such as groin, buttocks, thighs, lower abdomen and back.
Causes of diaper rash
The main cause of diaper rash is due to the combination of repeated urine and stool contact of the skin with a simultaneous warm and humid environment caused by a nearly air and water impermeable closure by a diaper. In particular, the high plastic and rubber content in diapers leads to a build-up of heat, which causes the skin to “swell” after a short time. This “swelling” damages the skin, so that the natural protective barrier is attacked and repeated contact with urine and stool or with the skin-irritating substances contained in them (e.g. urea, digestive enzymes) can cause additional irritation.
The reaction of the skin to this permanent irritation is then the characteristic rash, and the impaired barrier function in turn facilitates additional infection of this skin area with bacteria and fungi. Other causes for the development of a diaper rash can be allergic reactions of the child to certain detergents, fabric softeners or components of the diaper material as well as too intensive use of skin care production. However, the child’s own diseases such as neurodermatitis, psoriasis, seborrhoeic eczema or a generally impaired immune system can also be a risk factor for a diaper rash.
If napkin dermatitis is more severe or is not treated in time, it can lead to fungal infection, more precisely infection with Candida albicans. This fungus belongs to the group of yeast fungi and is a normal part of the skin flora. Normally it is not infectious.
However, if the skin is very irritated, warm and moist, as is the case with diaper dermatitis, these are ideal conditions for fungal growth. A fungal infection develops. If not treated, this can spread further and be painful.
The standard treatment for a fungal infection is an antifungal cream, which is applied to the appropriate area of the skin. In severe cases, oral administration may be necessary. While the little ones are teething, the child’s organism is particularly stressed and strained, so that during this time, among other things, rashes can frequently occur during teething.
Parts of the body at risk for a rash, such as the diaper area, can sometimes be slightly affected. The reasons for this are, on the one hand, that children often feel feverish during teething and sweat more during this time, so that the warm, moist environment under the diaper is encouraged. At the same time, the fever indicates that the child’s body’s own defense system is working at full capacity, but may also be more susceptible to infection.
On the other hand, teething is often accompanied by stool changes, so that some children may suffer from diarrhea. In addition, the composition of both the child’s urine and stool changes during teething and their components are much more aggressive, which additionally attacks the skin in the diaper area. All of these factors taken together make it clear why a diaper rash can occur especially during teething and therefore special attention should be paid to the baby’s skin care during this time, especially the skin care of the diaper area.Here you can get tips on: Baby skin care