Symptoms
The symptoms that a sick child shows depend on the severity of the diaper dermatitis. In most cases, the first thing that stands out is the reddened, sensitive skin under the diaper. Sometimes it also appears dry and scaly.
In severe cases, blisters may also form, which may peel off and then cause open, slightly bleeding wounds. In such a stage the dermatitis may also spread to areas outside the diaper. Since the affected area of skin is painful and sensitive, the child may feel pain when urinating, sleep poorly and be irritated.
If there is additional colonization by the fungus Candida albicans, moist, shiny red spots can be seen in the gluteal folds and genital region, which have a sharp border and scales can be found at the edges. In the surrounding area one can see isolated pustules or nodules (papules). In contrast, bacterial infections always cause weeping reddened areas with pustules or blisters.
These can lead to open and bleeding wounds that heal but often leave scars. Diaper dermatitis is generally provided by a close inspection of the child’s skin, as it has a typical complaint and appearance.If the suspicion is obvious that the inflamed region is additionally infested with fungi, the physician examines besides further regions, in which the mushroom colonization can appear as for example on the mucous membrane in the mouth, where in such a case white deposits are to be found. If the skin irritation of the diaper rash lasts longer than usual, a smear is often taken to rule out other diseases, in order to be able to clarify the cause microbiologically. In doing so, possible germs of the disease are detected and can then be systematically treated.
Is diaper dermatitis contagious?
Whether napkin dermatitis is contagious depends on the course and cause of the disease. If the dermatitis develops without fungal or bacterial infection, it is not contagious. But above all an accompanying fungal infection is contagious. During this time, children should not visit childcare facilities to avoid infecting other children. Clothing should also only be worn once and then washed at high heat to reduce the risk of infection.
