Nappy Rash
It affects infants in the areas covered by the napkin. Lesions consist mainly of simple erythema, though they may become vesicular or even ulceratiye. They are situated, most frequently, on the prominences, and may occupy the inner parts of the thighs, perineum and genitalia. Usually, the flexures are not affected, contrary to what happens in intertrigo.
Cause of Nappy Rash
The causes of napkin rash are:
- wet or soiled napkins,
- soap left in the napkins after washing,
- strong ammoniacal urine,
- poor general health.
Differential diagnosis of Nappy Rash
It is made from other erythematous eruptions in this area, namely, congenital syphilis (it is accompanied by other syphilitic manifestations, rash on the palms and the soles, involvement of the anal region; the lesions are erythematous or bullous); thrush (moist, red areas with peeling at the edges, also thrush lesions in the mouth); intertrigo (confined to the flexures only) and tinea (the lesions are characteristic, besides, tinea is rare in infancy).
Treatment of Nappy Rash
It consists mainly in correcting the cause or causes of the condition. Part must be kept dry and exposed to fresh air as far as possible. Rubber and nylon panties must be avoided. Napkins should be changed as soon as they become wet, and should be rinsed in clear water after being washed with soap. The general health of the patient should be improved. If the urine is strong, water should be given for drinking in between feeds. Any soothing ointment and talcum powder would do the trick, after the cause or causes have been eliminated. The author prefers zinc and castor oil cream or eucerine for local application.
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