Dermatology >>>> How to treat diaper rash?

How to treat diaper rash?

Diaper rash is a type of dermatosis, in the development of which microorganisms play a large role symbionts that inhabit the surface of the skin, for the reproduction of which favorable conditions are created: increased skin moisture, sweating, secretion of skin secretions, overheating of the skin, microtraumas caused by friction of clothes, diapers, sheet.

Improper or inadequate hygiene of the skin, impaired ventilation of the skin, reduced immune reactions in combination with the waste products of opportunistic microorganisms give impetus to the development of an inflammatory process manifested in the form of skin erythema, abrasions, cracking of the epidermis, weeping wounds, ulceration, sometimes accompanied by bleeding. Diaper rash makes itself felt by itching or burning. With the wrong and untimely treatment of diaper rash, they remain for many years, and the inflammatory process becomes chronic.

As a rule, diaper rash is observed in people who find it difficult to take care of themselves due to inactivity or a recumbent lifestyle, in patients suffering from fever and profuse sweating, urinary incontinence, as well as in children who are not yet able to take good care of themselves. In obese people, diaper rash can develop in the folds of the skin that are difficult to access, and irregular washing of the body, insufficient drying of the skin, synthetic clothing that does not allow air to pass through are factors that provoke the appearance of diaper rash.

Skin hygiene plays an important role in the treatment of diaper rash. As in the treatment of prickly heat, the first stage in the treatment of diaper rash is a thorough care of the skin, which must be carried out not only regularly, but in fact after each sweating, urination, and bowel movements.

You can wash the skin in the area of diaper rash with water with the addition of antiseptics (potassium permanganate, furacilin, chlorophyllipt, propolis alcohol solution) or antibacterial soap, and also use plant infusions with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. If it is not possible at some point to rinse the skin, you can wipe the skin with a weak alcohol solution, alcoholic solutions of boric or salicylic acid.

After washing, dry the skin (without rubbing) with a cotton cloth, grease with drying paste (Zinc paste, Teymur paste, Lassar paste) or use talcum powder.

Irritated, cracked skin is lubricated with Panthenol, Levomikol or Solcoseryl. Creams and ointments containing corticosteroids relieve inflammation, have a good healing effect, but they should be used strictly according to the doctor's prescription, since after using corticosteroid ointments, many drugs for treating the skin become ineffective. Tar-based ointments have a good healing effect.

The skin in places where diaper rash occurs should be regularly ventilated, pushing apart the skin folds with cotton swabs or soft rags of natural threads (cotton, bike), wear loose clothing that does not impede air circulation. Bed linen and diapers should be cotton, not linen or synthetics (linen is hard, synthetics do not absorb moisture). Diapers and panty liners should be changed frequently. To blow off the affected areas of the skin, you can use a hairdryer in the mode of cold or warm air (but not hot), a fan.

What not to do when treating diaper rash:

Use oils and fats to lubricate the skin (they form a film that does not allow air to pass through),
Use antiperspirants (they may contain perfume additives that cause irritation and maintain inflammation),
Use soap with aromatic additives and cream for washing,
Wipe leather with undiluted alcohol or other tanning agents,
Use "tight" underwear,
Cover with an overly warm blanket or a tight swaddle.