The factors related to recovery time of diaper dermatitis in infants: A prospective observational study

Abstract

Prolonged diaper dermatitis may increase the risk of atopic dermatitis or infections. This prospective observational study aimed to investigate the prevalence, symptoms, areas, and recovery time of diaper dermatitis in infants aged 1 month and identify the factors related to recovery time. Diaper dermatitis was defined as the presence of erythema, papules, dryness, erosion, or ulceration in the diapered area. Recovery time was days between infant's 1-month medical check-up and disappearance of symptoms. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the log-rank test was used to identify the factors related to recovery time. Among 113 infants, 66 (58.4%) had diaper dermatitis, with erythema at the perianal area being the most common symptom. The median recovery time was 10 days. Four infants (6.1%) had diaper dermatitis for >5 weeks. Severity was not related to recovery time. A frequency of diaper changing of ≤10 times per day was a risk factor for recovery time. Our data showed recovery in approximately 10 days, regardless of severity at study enrollment. Health care professionals could inform parents of recovery time and recommended diaper changing frequency.