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Dermatitis, Diaper

Dennis E Hughes, DO FACEP Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Diaper dermatitis is a rash occurring under the covered area of a diaper (named for typical location, not etiology). It is usually initially a contact irritant dermatitis, but can be...

DIAGNOSIS

Correct diagnosis is key. The initial presentation of diseases other than contact irritant dermatitis may be in the diaper area. Avoid assuming that all diaper-area dermatitis is simple cont...

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 or neutral pH cleanser with water; no rubbing a...

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
Burdall O, Willgress L, Goad N. Neonatal skin care: Developments in care to maintain neonatal barrier function and prevention of diaper dermatitis. Pediatr Dermatol. 2019;36(1):31-35. PMID...

ADDITIONAL READING

SEE ALSO

Chadha A, Jahnke M. Common Neonatal Rashes. Pediatr Ann. 2019;48(1):e16-e22. PMID: 30653638.  

SEE ALSO

Algorithm: Rash 

CODES

ICD10

  • L22 Diaper dermatitis

  • B37.2 Candidiasis of skin and nail

SNOMED

  • 91487003 Diaper rash (disorder)

  • 240711004 Diaper candidiasis

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Hygiene is the main preventative measure.

  • Look for secondary infection in persistent cases (especially candida, staph spp).

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