Two Types Of Dermatitis
DIAPER DERMATITIS Definition: Diaper dermatitis or diaper rash
is an irritation of the skin covering the groin, lower stomach,
upper thighs and buttocks. This condition is seen more commonly
in infants and early childhood prior to 2 years of age. Diaper
dermatitis usually occurs between one and two months of age and
may continue until the child no longer wears diapers Symptoms:
The symptoms of diaper dermatitis vary depending on the cause of
the dermatitis, and may be different for each child that is
affected. The following are common characteristics of the rash
that may occur with each type of infection: 1. candida diaper
dermatitis - this rash usually begins in the creases or folds of
the thighs and in the diaper area, and then spreads. The rash is
usually a deep, red, shiny rash with red, satellite lesions. 2.
seborrheic diaper dermatitis - this rash also affects the skin
folds in the groin area and is usually pink. Infants may also
have this rash on their face, scalp, or neck at the same time.
3. contact diaper dermatitis - this rash is mostly seen on the
buttocks and may extend to the thighs, stomach, and waist area
Causes: 1. We all have a natural protective film of oil on our
skin. If this oil is removed the skin becomes red, irritated,
cracked and inflamed. When a person's skin is exposed to urine
or feces for prolonged periods, the natural skin oil is removed
causing diaper dermatitis. 2. After the skin becomes red and
inflamed, the skin becomes predisposed to infection. Both
bacteria and yeast can infect the inflamed cracked skin
Prevention: 1. The best treatment for diaper dermatitis is to
prevent it from starting. Using absorbent disposable diapers
easiest does this. These do not allow urine to come into contact
with the skin. Modern absorbent disposable diapers can hold
large amounts of urine and keep it away from the skin. 2. If you
plan to use reusable diapers, they must be changed each time
after they become wet or every one to two hours. Treatment:
1.Keep the diaper area as dry as possible by using absorbent
disposable diapers or by frequent changes of conventional
diapers. Triple paste is an ointment that can be applied to the
diapered area with every diaper change. 2.Lotrimin cream can be
used for diaper rash and can be purchased without a
prescription. Do not use a medication named Lotrisone, even if
given to you by your doctor. This medication can do irreversible
harm if applied to the groin area of a child.
Foot dermatitis: it can turn your attention to a major foot
care:
This problem can affect the feet entirely as it causes a serious
disorder to skin of the feet. It can be caused by excessive dry
skin that is a result of excessive bathing, hand washing,
sweating or swimming. If one is into an excessive contact of
cosmetics, detergents or deodorants or cleansers then there can
be a problem excessive dryness of the skin again leading to
dermatitis. An exposure to high humidity can also affect the
skin as it can result into skin exfoliation. In some cases it
was found that consumption of tobacco and smoking were also
causes of this problem. Wearing some specific type of footwear
can also be a cause for this problem. In extreme temperatures
this problem becomes more obvious.
Where does it affect?
If the problem is related to sole then there are yellow patches
with a red base that can cause an itchy peeling of the skin that
can last for several months. If front part of foot is affected
then there is a red itchy scaly eruption with other problems
like vesicles and crusting of the feet. If the entire foot is
affected then it is observed that there are multiple red papules
on the foot. In some cases this problem can occur with very
small children and it can make them too sensitive to everything.
It was observed that some children have developed fever and
hypertension resulting into mucus in membranes. There is an
entire description of regulation of fluid in the body. In some
cases the spread of infection till the legs it can lead to
purple and brown plaques in the feet and legs. In the case of
occurrence of nodules surgery is advised but it is seen that the
problem may reoccur in patients.
How to get rid of this problem?
Even if there is a little insignificant rash on the feet then it
should be considered because it can lead to foot dermatitis at
anytime. If one is detected with the problem then it should
begin with the appropriate ointments suggested by the physician.
Appropriate type of lubricants should be used so that the
moisture content in the feet is maintained. In some severe cases
doctors advice the patients with an oral dosage of medicines so
that dryness can be removed from within.