Diaper dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin of the gluteal region, genitals and the inner surface of the thighs. The disease can be caused by multiple factors. It is most often found in newborns, which is explained by the underdevelopment of the skin. Irritation and itching can lead to functional disorders of the nervous system and the psyche of the child.
Features of the newborn’s skin:
– relative immaturity of the skin (thinness and vulnerability, tendency to slight traumatization);
– dehydration of the skin;
– increased adsorption function (therefore, hormonal creams cannot be used).
– underdevelopment of immunity and thermoregulatory function.
Why does irritation occur?
The causes of occurrence may be:
– physical factors (high temperature, humidity of diapers and diapers);
– chemical irritants (urine, sweat, increased acidity (pH) of the skin, bile acid salts);
– microbial pathogens (infections, pathogenic microorganisms).
Every 2nd child has such a problem, and girls are more prone to diaper dermatitis than boys.
There can be several degrees:
– mild degree (mild irritability, slight rash and redness);
– severe (deep infection of the skin, the occurrence of ulcers).
Any discomfort (burning, redness, pain) can lead to increased irritability of the baby, restless behavior, sleep disturbance.
The manifestations of the disease can be divided into stages:
Primary destruction of the protective barrier of the skin (integrity is not broken, only slight redness is observed);
Loss of protective function by the skin (bright redness, formation of microcracks, ulcers, pustules, erosion);
Normalization of the skin.
Diaper dermatitis begins with a slight redness of the skin under the diaper. Sometimes diaper dermatitis is defined as “diaper rash”. In places of contact with urine, irritation increases.
The course of diaper dermatitis can be sudden and short-lived and caused by various external factors: food, meteorological or infectious.
Diagnostics.
The establishment of diaper dermatitis is determined by a pediatrician and is based on the analysis of the identified symptoms.
Treatment.
The main thing is to take appropriate measures in time. The child needs to change the diaper more often, and wash the areas with warm water before each change. Keeping the skin clean and dry is the main rule of preventing diaper dermatitis.
It is very useful to take “air” baths – exposing the surface of the skin of the baby’s body for a long time.
You can also use creams and powders under the diaper, as well as gels, milk and lotions after bathing, the components of which are glycerin, panthenol, essential oils (chamomile, calendula, aloe), vitamins A, E, C.
Soap for diaper dermatitis should be used once a day.
Diapers should be disposable, three-layer, well-absorbing liquid. To date, there are various diapers depending on the sex of the child: products for girls have an additional absorbent pad in the back, and in diapers for boys it is mainly in the front.
In order to prevent irritation and in order to maintain hygiene, a number of simple measures must be followed:
– change the diaper on time;
– the right choice of diaper size;
– use of cream, lotion under diapers;
– washing with warm water after each “toilet trip”;
– the use of vitamin D, because with rickets (lack of vitamin D) there is excessive sweating and a change in the integrity of the skin;
– avoiding the friction of diapers and clothes with the baby’s skin.
In any case, a dermatologist’s consultation is necessary.
