title: Diaper (napkin) dermatitis: A fold (intertriginous) dermatosis.
abstract: Diaper (napkin) dermatitis is an acutely presenting inflammatory irritant contact dermatitis of the diaper region. It is one of the most common dermatologic diseases in infants and children. In the past, the disease was thought to be caused by ammonia; however, a number of factors, such as friction, wetness, inappropriate skin care, microorganisms, antibiotics, and nutritional defects, are important. Diaper dermatitis commonly affects the lower parts of the abdomen, thighs, and diaper area. Involvement of skin fold regions is typical with diaper dermatitis. At the early stages of the disease, only dryness is observed in the affected area. At later stages, erythematous maceration and edema can be seen. Secondary candidal and bacterial infections can complicate the dermatitis. In the differential diagnosis of the disease, allergic contact dermatitis, intertrigo, psoriasis, atopic and seborrheic dermatitis, and the other diseases should be considered. Causes of the disease should be determined and eliminated primarily. Families need to be informed about the importance of a clean, dry diaper area and the frequency of diaper changes. The use of superabsorbent disposable diapers has decreased the incidence of the disease. Soap and alcohol-containing products should be avoided in cleaning the area. In some cases, corticosteroids and antifungal agents can be administered. If necessary, antibacterial agents and calcineurin inhibitors can also be beneficial.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, İstanbul, Turkey. Electronic address: Yalcintuzun@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Yalçın
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Tüzün
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Unit, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel, affiliated with the School of Medicine, Hebrew University and Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
authors.forename: Ronni
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wolf
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, İstanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Süleyman
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bağlam
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, İstanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Burhan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Engin
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003963:Diaper Rash / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007402:Intertrigo / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003879:Dermatologic Agents