Diaper dermatitis is a generic term applied to skin rashes in the diaper area that are caused by various skin disorders and/or irritants. It develops when skin is exposed to prolonged wetness and heat, especially in the summer.

Possible causes

1. The rubbing between diaper and skin sabotages stratum corneum, the protective layer of our skin.
2. The stimulation of frequent loose stool or diarrhea yields rash-like skin change.
3. Materials attaching to baby’s skin also injure its stratum layer; common attachments include urine, stool, and cleansing chemicals.

How to prevent and how to care

1. prevention:

1. Keep baby’s buttock clean: Wash genitalia with warm water and mild soap.
2. Change diapers frequently to maintain the dryness of the skin.
3. Frequently apply protective creams like Vaseline after a thorough wash.
4. Use diaper correctly.

2. skin care of diaper dermatitis:

1. Wash baby’s buttock with warm water instead of use of wet tissues.
2. Keep dry.
3. For already irritated skin, apply Zinc oxide to curb secretion of the injured skin.
4. With parents who use diaper like cloth, wash it thoroughly and boil it to exterminate bacteria; expose it under the sun until it is dried and then iron it.
5. Change the diaper brand if the rash condition does not recover; ask for doctor’s opinion and assistance to prevent further infection.

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