Diaper Rash / Diaper Dermatitis

Diaper rash is also called friction rash, irritant rash, allergic rash, interigo or seborrhea rash. It is also seen in adults who wear diapers for incontinence of urine or stools.

Diaper rash is commonly seen in babies, and more in those who wear diapers constantly. The rash commonly occurs in areas where the diaper touches the skin of the baby. Even though diapers makes life easy as far as washing and disposal is concerned, constant wearing diapers can result in diaper rash. In tropics the incidence of diaper rash is higher because sweating is more in these regions.

Diapers are rectangular in shape and made of water absorbent material, which is enclosed in waterproof material made of plastic or similar suitable material. Most diapers made are disposable type, however diapers made of cloth also are available and are less likely to cause diaper rash.

The rash is an inflammatory skin response that occurs in the diaper contact areas. The skin appears red in color and is commonly seen over the buttocks, inner side of the thighs, over the scrotal sac in males and over the mons pubis in females.