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General Medicine

Dermatitis, Diaper

Dennis E. Hughes, DO, FAAFP, FACEP Reviewed 06/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Diaper dermatitis is a rash occurring under the covered area of a diaper. It is usually initially a contact dermatitis.

  • System(s) affected: skin/exocrine

  • Synonym(s): diaper rash; nappy...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Onset, duration, and change in the nature of the rash

  • Presence of rashes outside the diaper area

  • Associated scratching or crying

  • Contact with infants with a similar rash

  • Recent illness, d...

TREATMENT

Prevention is the key to treatment of this condition. 

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Expose the buttocks to air as much as possible.

  • Use mild, slightly acidic cleanser with water; no rubbing and pat dry.

  • Avo...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

Recheck weekly until clear, then at times of recurrence. 

PATIENT EDUCATION

Patient education is vital to the treatment and prevention of recurren...

REFERENCES

1
Stamatas GN, Tierney NK. Diaper dermatitis: etiology, manifestations, prevention, and management. Pediatr Dermatol.  2014;31(1):1–7.
2
Erasala GN, Romain C, Merlay I. Diaper area and di...

ADDITIONAL READING

Qiao XP, Ge YZ. Clinical effect of hydrocolloid dressings in prevention and treatment of infant diaper rash. Exp Ther Med.  2016;12(6):3665–3669. 

SEE ALSO

Algorithm: Rash 

CODES

ICD10

  • L22 Diaper dermatitis

  • B37.2 Candidiasis of skin and nail

ICD9

  • 691.0 Diaper or napkin rash

  • 112.3 Candidiasis of skin and nails

SNOMED

  • 91487003 Diaper rash (disorder)

  • 240711004 Diaper candidiasis

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Hygiene is the main preventative measure.

  • Look for secondary infection in persistent cases.

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Related Images
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FIG. 6.5. This infant has a typical occlusion diaper dermatitis. Another common cause of diaper dermatitis is monilia, which usually manifests with satellite lesions and is more prominent in the skin folds.
FIG. 6.5. This infant has a typical occlusion diaper dermatitis. Another common cause of diaper dermatitis is monilia, which usually manife...
Figure 57-2 Candidal diaper dermatitis. Infant with erythematous rash with satellite lesions in the groin.
Figure 57-2 Candidal diaper dermatitis. Infant with erythematous rash with satellite lesions in the groin.
Candidal Diaper Dermatitis This bright red rash involves the intertriginous folds, with small "satellite lesions" along the edges.
Candidal Diaper Dermatitis This bright red rash involves the intertriginous folds, with small "satellite lesions" along the edges.
Contact Diaper Dermatitis This irritant rash is secondary to diarrhea or irritation and is noted along contact areas (here, the area touching the diaper).
Contact Diaper Dermatitis This irritant rash is secondary to diarrhea or irritation and is noted along contact areas (here, the area touchi...
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