This is a childhood skin disorder. It affects young children under the age of 2 years. It is an inflammation of the skin resulting from skin irritation of chemicals in urine and faeces. This is most frequently observed at 7 to 12 months of age, when the baby's urine volume exceeds the absorbing capacity of the diaper. The fourth presentation consists of confluent redness with satellite lesions involving the inguinal areas and the genitalia.
Diaper dermatitis is the result of prolonged skin contact with urine and faeces.
Tight occlusion of faeces and urine by diaper covers increase the penetration of these alkaline substances through the skin. Consult your doctor for advice. The basis for treatment in diaper dermatitis is to remove the urine and faeces from the skin surface and prevent skin maceration by keeping the diaper area dry. Lubrication of diapered skin with a greasy ointment decreases the severity of diaper dermatitis and protects the skin from urine and faeces. Very frequent diaper changes followed by application of ointment limits maceration and prevent recurrences.