Diaper rash is a term which refers to rash that affects the skin covered with diapers. It affects babies and is also possible in elderly individuals or adults suffering from certain conditions due to which they need to wear diapers for longer period of time. Still, babies are most affected because their skin is highly sensitive and may react to different chemicals found in disposable diapers as well as harsh skin products parents tend to buy in order to maintain a child's hygiene.
Diaper rash can be divided into rash that is closely related to wearing diapers, rash that appears elsewhere and can additionally affect the groin area due to irritating effect of diapers and rash which is not connected to wearing diapers at all.
Why does Diaper Rash Occur?
The actual cause and exact etiology of diaper rash has not been fully understood yet. Still, many experts know for sure that a combination of different factors contribute to diaper rash. Although such rash usually affects the child a few times in some children it can frequently repeat and become chronic. Some factors which contribute to diaper rash include wetness of the area, constant friction, the presence of urine and feces and different microorganisms.
Apart from some contributing factors which cause occasional rash and are quite easily dealt with, some children develop diaper rash associated with some other medical conditions which require proper diagnosis and treatment. Milliaria, intertrigo, contact dermatitis, Candida infection, bacterial diaper dermatitis and granuloma gluteal infantum are the most common illnesses associated with diaper rash. Each of them has different approach when it comes to diagnosing and treatment.
What to Do?
Chronic diaper rash associated with factors which can be controlled such as excessive moisture, use of harsh skin products and similar can be easily controlled and prevented if parents pay close attention on the baby and reduce the intensity of trigger factors, if not eliminate them for good. For example, some skin products can be easily replaced with less aggressive ones.
Temporary solution is usage of cloth diapers (until the rash heals). It is also essential to change the baby frequently, as soon as he/she wets or soils the diaper. It is also good to let the child be without diapers for certain period of time during day because this allows the skin irritation to subside and accelerates the healing. Rash that lingers in spite of the mentioned measures, rash which spreads further and affects larger portions of the skin as well as rash accompanied by additional symptoms and signs require further evaluation and proper treatment. All parents who are not sure what to do about their child's rash are advised to consult the baby's pediatrician and get proper treatment and advice.
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