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Diaper Dermatitis

A Review and Brief Survey of Eruptions of the Diaper Area

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Abstract

Eruptions in the diaper area are the most common dermatologic problem in infancy. Such eruptions can be subdivided into primary diaper dermatitis, an acute inflammation of the skin in the diaper area with an ill-defined and multifactorial etiology, and secondary diaper dermatitis, a term which encompasses eruptions in the diaper area with defined etiologies. The most important factors in the development of primary diaper dermatitis are: (i) water/moisture, (ii) friction, (iii) urine, (iv) feces, and (v) microorganisms (sometimes). Possible treatments include minimizing diaper use and using disposable diapers, barrier creams, mild topical cortisones, and antifungal agents. A variety of other inflammatory and infectious processes can occur in the diaper area and an awareness of these secondary types of diaper dermatitis aids in the accurate diagnosis and treatment of patients.

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No sources of funding were used to assist in the preparation of this review. The author has no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this review.

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  1. Department of Dermatology, St Lukes Roosevelt Hospital Center, 1090 Amsterdam Ave Suite 11D, New York, 10025, USA

    Noah Scheinfeld

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Scheinfeld, N. Diaper Dermatitis. Am J Clin Dermatol 6, 273–281 (2005). https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200506050-00001

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