Diaper rash, diaper rash and sore bottom

Diaper rash: A sore butt in infants and toddlers

In babies and young children it is not uncommon in the diaper area to inflammatory skin diseases, which are referred to as diaper rash or diaper rash. The heat and moisture accumulation created by the diaper wear and the permanent skin contact with urine and stool can lead to different manifestations of a sore, aching buttocks. Targeted changes in the care measures and the diet, as well as gentle applications from naturopathy, can provide a simple and quick remedy.

contents

• Diaper rash: A sore butt in infants and toddlers
• In short: miracles butt in babies - what helps?
• definition
• symptoms
• causes
• diagnosis
• treatment
• Naturopathic treatment

In short: miracles butt in babies - what helps?

• A frequent and needs-based diaper changing, a loose donning the diapers and times without diaper help to minimize the irritation to the baby skin and allow adequate ventilation of the skin.
• A thorough but gentle cleansing and care helps to relieve discomfort and the healing process. Only clear water and possibly certain oils should be used. The skin should be thoroughly dry after cleaning.
• The use of cloth diapers or a change of brand of disposable diapers may reduce the symptoms of diaper dermatitis.
• In stronger cases, anti-inflammatory and moisture-absorbing ointments and pastes can relieve the symptoms. Often ointments are prescribed with the addition of dexpanthenol, zinc or liver oil.
• If the symptoms do not resolve within a few days, or if there is severe dermatitis that may be the result of an infection, a doctor's visit is advised. An accurate diagnosis helps to determine the further therapy. It may be necessary to use antifungal or antibacterial agents.
• For the application of special home remedies and naturopathic procedures experienced health practitioners or other subject matter experts should be consulted.

A red and unclear rash in the diaper area is a typical sign of diaper dermatitis. (Image: lavizzara / fotolia.com)

definition

Dermatitis is basically an inflammatory reaction of the skin. The terms diaper dermatitis and diaper rash are derived from the diseased body region. This childhood disease causes various skin irritations and inflammations in the diaper region. Often one speaks of a Wundsein or a sore Po. Infants and babies in their first year of life are particularly affected.

Diaper rash is one of the most common diseases in infancy and early childhood. Up to a third of all children being wound will experience an itchy rash in the diaper area once or even several times. In particular, babies are affected between the ninth and twelfth month of it. About six percent of children develop severe dermatitis, which can be associated with secondary infections caused by yeasts or bacteria. But adults can be affected as well. Protective insoles and sealing pants that must be used in the presence of incontinence can provide the same effect as wearing a diaper.

Symptoms of diaper rash range from mild to severe forms with secondary infections and ulcers. (Image: autodesk13 / fotolia.com, own editing heilpraxis.de)

In diaper rash, one differentiates between different forms. The spectrum ranges from mild skin irritation, severe rashes, to complicated cases with secondary infections caused by fungus (Windelsoor) or bacteria and ulcers.

symptoms

The signs of diaper dermatitis occur in the diaper area (genital area, anal area). The skin areas of the buttocks, genitals, groin and thigh are in direct contact with a diaper. The skin folds in this area typically remain symptom-free. The rash can also spread to adjacent skin areas.

The first sign is a blurred redness in Windelbreich, the so-called "sore Po". In addition, blisters, nodules or pustules can develop, predominantly in the margins of reddened, irritated and inflamed skin.

The complaints are often accompanied by itching, burning and pain. Babies and small children then often feel uncomfortable and show restless, sensitive and whiny. In particular, the stool and the urine are causing burning pain. But even touches or movements, and a friction between the skin and the diaper, can be perceived as very unpleasant and cause additional skin irritation. Some children sleep and eat badly as a result of being unwell.

In more severe cases, and most often by subordinate infections by fungi or bacteria, the symptoms increase. The redness may then be sharply limited in appearance and may be visible swelling. If bubbles are bursting and this causes the skin to ooze, skin and tissue (erosions and scaling) may also be lost. Not infrequently, then open, bleeding wounds and it comes to scabies. Even skin folds can now be affected and there is the possibility that arise especially in the margins ulcers. Rarely, it can cause fever or discomfort to distant parts of the body, or an infestation of the entire body.

The dermatitis under a diaper can also spread to adjacent skin areas. (Image: Ocskay Mark / fotolia.com)

causes

The main causes for the emergence of a diaper rash are the heat and moisture accumulation under a diaper, as well as the prolonged and repeated contact of urine and stool with the sensitive baby skin. In particular, diarrhea (diarrhea), by activating certain enzymes, has a damaging effect on the skin.

Under the airtight and waterproof nature of a diaper, moisture and heat quickly form. As a result, the uppermost skin layer softens and the natural protective function is impaired. The irritation of the skin is mainly caused by ammonia. This occurs when bacteria (from the stool) split off ammonia from the urea in the urine. The result is an increase in pH which leaches the skin, similar to washing with soap too frequently. This, and the moist-warm environment, favor a colonization and multiplication of pathogens on the skin. The fungal infections are mostly an infestation of yeast fungi (Candida albicans) and one speaks of a so-called Windelsoor. If, on the other hand, it is bacteria (less common), staphylococci or streptococci are predominant. In general, germ colonization can be both a consequence and a cause, with prior damage to the skin facilitating the ingress of microorganisms and harmful substances. A poor general health and reduced defenses can also promote infections.

In addition, a lack of or improper hygiene and care significantly increases the risk. Not infrequently, this is the actual trigger for diaper dermatitis. However, it can also happen that dermatitis develops due to incompatibilities with certain components of diapers (disposable diapers) or any ingredients of detergents (cloth diapers) and care products. Too tight diapers can cause a chafing on the skin and eventually a rash.

Another risk factor is the diet. Particularly acidic and spicy food that is fed to babies can cause a soreness in response. This can even be triggered by the feeding of nursing mothers. In this context, attention is drawn to a low-sugar diet.

diagnosis

Rashes, even in the diaper area, are a common reason for visiting a pediatric practice. An accurate, external view of the affected skin is usually sufficient to make the appropriate diagnosis. However, since allergic reactions, atopic dermatitis or other infections can cause similar skin eczema and symptoms, it is important to exclude other diseases during the examination.

Improper care and traditional care products can be the cause of diaper dermatitis. (Image: nataliaderiabina / fotolia.com)

If it is suspected that it is a diaper rash with a secondary attack by fungi or bacteria, the pathogens can be determined by a smear and its examination in the laboratory. This can be a decisive diagnostic criterion for the following treatment. With Windelsoor, it is important to also analyze the intestine via analyzes of the stool, as here too a fungal colonization may be required which requires treatment.

treatment

Frequently, and especially with the lighter forms, relatively simple hygiene and care measures are sufficient to treat diaper dermatitis. The following measures show both a preventive and a curing effectiveness:

• Changing diapers as needed, it is advisable to leave it for three to four hours or directly after emptying the bowel or bladder,
• Put on diapers as loosely as possible,
• allow longer periods without wearing diapers,
• Wash the skin as little as possible in the nappy area and refrain from using any care products (eg wet wipes or creams),
• use warm water and clean cloths for cleaning, if necessary also soft oils (almond, olive),
• dry the skin well after cleaning,
• avoid spicy, sour and sugar-rich foods (children and nursing mothers).

In addition, switching to cloth diapers or changing the diaper brand can help if an allergic reaction is suspected. In more severe forms, anti-inflammatory ointments or moisturizing pastes can often cause rapid healing. Ointments with the additives dexpanthenol, zinc or cod liver oil have proven effective.

If the buttocks are sore due to an infection, therapy tailored to the pathogen should be used. Antifungal agents are then used against fungi and antibiotics against bacteria. However, this always requires a medical examination and prescription. In rare cases, treatment with cortisone may be considered. Here special care is required and the medical instructions should be strictly adhered to.

The so-called ABCDE principle summarizes the most important care measures for diaper dermatitis (Image: heilpraxis.de)

In most cases, diaper dermatitis completely heals within a few days due to the measures described. If the illness lasts longer and occurs repeatedly, the intensive hygiene and care measures must be continued and a (re) doctor's visit is advised.

Naturopathic treatment

Many of the described preventive and soothing measures come from the field of natural medicine and are so-called home remedies. Naturopaths postulate the use of cloth diapers as a very useful method against rashes in the diaper area. For disinfection, essential oil can be used as an additive during washing.

Conventional cleansing lotions, wash gels and creams should not be applied to the naturopathic concept. Instead, hygiene measures using clear water and possibly cold-pressed oils are recommended. Even a wash, baths or ointments with chamomile or pansy herb can have a calming effect on an inflamed skin. In the acute state, an external Bach flower therapy with "Rescue drops" can be used to relieve the symptoms. A Bach flower mixture for internal use should be made only under expert advice.

In addition, certain remedies of homeopathy (globules) can be used to support the therapy. This should be done by a doctor (jvs, cs, updated 13/09/2018)

Read how naturopathy can help:
Miracle butt in babies: Naturopathy can help