MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Diaper dermatitis

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Diaper dermatitis - irritant-induced

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Symptoms	Treatment Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Diaper rash

Diapers and diarrhea

Alternative names Return to top

Irritant-induced diaper dermatitis

Definition Return to top

Irritant-induced diaper dermatitis is a diaper rash caused by chemical irritants rather than bacterial or candidal infection. Common irritants include ammonia (produced when bacteria break down the urea in urine), acids in the stool (seen more frequently when diarrhea is present), and soaps and other products used in laundering cloth diapers.

Symptoms Return to top

Red, irritated rash in the diaper area.

Treatment Return to top

Keeping the diaper area clean and dry is the best treatment for irritant dermatitis. The more time the baby can be kept out of diapers, the better. Your doctor may suggest a barrier cream, such as a zinc oxide based product.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call your doctor if the rash worsens or there is skin breakdown.

Prevention Return to top

See treatment section

Update Date: 1/20/2004

Updated by: John Goldenring, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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