Diaper Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis

Diaper dermatitis results in an erythematous rash, and severe cases may have vesicles and oozing erosions. The rash may be infected by Candida species and present with confluent red plaques, papules, and pustules.

Treatment

• Management involves frequent diaper changes, air drying (removing the diaper for as long as practical), gentle cleansing (preferably with nonsoap cleansers and lukewarm water), and use of barrier products. Zinc oxide has astringent and absorbent properties and provides an effective barrier.
• Candidal (yeast) diaper rash should be treated with a topical antifungal agent and then covered by a barrier product. Imidazoles are the treatment of choice. The antifungal agents should be stopped once the rash subsides and the barrier product continued.
• In severe inflammatory diaper rashes, a very low potency topical corticosteroid (hydrocortisone 0.5%–1%) may be used for short periods (1–2 week).