Diaper dermatitis: differential diagnosis and prevention issues

Abstract

The skin of newborns and infants is characterized by structural and functional immaturity. Diaper dermatitis is one of the most common skin conditions in this age period. This condition has a complex and multifactorial etiology. The interaction of several causes, including high humidity under the diaper, skin maceration, and prolonged contact with irritants, leads to destruction of the immature epidermal barrier, microbial invasion, and inflammation. Diaper dermatitis should be differentiated from allergic contact dermatitis, candidiasis, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis. Effective measures to prevent diaper dermatitis are to keep the skin dry, reduce friction, limit the time of contact with urine and feces, as well as the topical application of protective products. Today, of all the disposable diapers on the market, the high quality disposable diapers developed and produced by the Japanese company KAO Corporation are proven effective in preventing diaper dermatitis.