Diapers are used for the care of infants and young children. However, the use of diaper possesses a risk of developing “irritant diaper dermatitis”, which is also known as “diaper rash”. To maintain baby’s skin healthy remains a challenge for midwives and parents, since up to 50% of babies suffer from at least one episode of nappy rash at some time.

Diaper dermatitis or nappy rash is the most common and involves a simple erythema and mild scaling of the buttocks, thighs, and lower abdomen.

Factors involved in the pathogenesis of diaper dermatitis includes prolong exposure of urine & feces to the skin, the friction between skin & diaper material and allergies associated with diaper material.

Possible treatments include minimizing diaper use, barrier creams, mild topical steroids and antifungal agents.

However, topical steroids are not advisable especially during infancy due to potential side effects and are generally reserved in conditions where other approaches are failed^.

Application of barrier cream at every nappy change helps in both prevention & treatment of diaper dermatitis.

Diaper Rash:

• The term diaper dermatitis includes all eruptions that occur in the area covered by the diaper.
• These conditions are normally caused by prolonged exposure to wet diapers
• DD is the most common skin infections in infants & children.
• Buttocks, genitalia, lower abdomen and upper thighs are usually the most severely affected.

Prevalence:

• 1 in 4 children have chance of being diagnosed with irritant diaper dermatitis.

• Up to 50% of babies suffer from at least one episode of nappy rash during 9 to 12 months of age

• Diaper dermatitis represents almost 20% of all skin disorders evaluated by the pediatricians between 0 to 5 years of age.

DD is common complaint Being reported by up to 75% of parents

Indications:

Ideal in the treatment of,

• Mild to moderate diaper rash
• Contact irritant dermatitis
• Perianal excoriation of Diarrhea

Also regular use of Diapersafe cream before each nappy change can prevent,

• Bacterial & yeast infections.
• Allergies associated with diaper material.