What is Diaper Rash?

Diaper rash, also known as ammonia dermatitis, occurs when the skin around the buttocks, genital area, and groin becomes irritated due to ammonia exposure. Under normal conditions, urine contains urea, a derivative of ammonia that does not irritate the skin. However, if the baby’s diaper is not changed frequently and urine remains in contact with the skin for an extended time, bacteria can convert urea into ammonia, which has an irritating effect. A type of fungus known as Candida albicans is responsible for this conversion. This fungus uses urine and feces as food sources, and warm, moist areas create an ideal environment for its growth.

How to Recognize Diaper Rash

The surface of the skin has a thin layer of oil that helps protect it from external factors. Ammonia eliminates this protective effect, causing skin irritation. Diaper rash is typically found in areas where the diaper touches the skin, such as the groin, genital area, and buttocks, leading to a red, wet appearance, stinging, and burning. Initially, the irritation appears as mild redness with slight swelling, which can develop into painful, fluid-filled blisters. If left untreated, the rash may become infected, with red, shiny lesions that spread. Diaper rash is commonly seen in babies aged 9-12 months, starting around the anus and spreading to the groin folds, scrotum, and under the penis in boys, or on the labia in girls. Affected areas may cause burning, itching, and stinging, often making the baby fussy or causing crying spells.

Pişik nasıl anlaşılır?

Cilt yüzeyinde cildi dış etkenlerden korumaya yardımcı olan ince bir yağ tabakası bulunur. Amonyak yağ tabakasının koruyucu etkisini ortadan kaldırarak cildin tahriş olmasına neden olur. Kasık, genital organ çevresi ve kalça bölgesindeki ciltte kırmızı ıslak bir görünüm, sızlama ve yanma gibi karakteristik etkilere sahip olan pişik hastalığı genellikle bebeklerde alt bezin tene temas ettiği noktalarda görülür. Başlangıçta hafif kabarıklığa sahip kızarmalar şeklinde ortaya çıkan tahrişler, zamanla içi su dolu kabarcık ve küçük şişliklere dönüşür ve acı verici yanmalar şeklinde kendini gösterir. Önlemi alınmayan pişikler enfekte olur ve deri döküntüleri kırmızı parlak bir renge dönüşerek genişler. Genellikle 9-12 aylık bebeklerde görülen cilt hastalığı anüs etrafından başlayarak erkek bebeklerde kasık kıvrımları, testis torbası ve penis altına, kızlarda büyük dudakların üzerinde kızarıklıklar oluşturur. Kabarcıkların oluştuğu bölgelerde yanma, kaşıntı ve batmalar hisseden bebekte huzursuzluk ve ağlama nöbetleri gözlenir.

Pişik nedenleri nelerdir?

Bebeklerde ve yetişkinlerde görülen pişiklerin nedenleri birbirinden farklıdır.

Bebeklerde pişik nedenleri:

Bebeğin altını temizlerken kullanılan temizlik maddeleri ve ıslak mendil kullanımı bebeğin cildini tahriş ederek pişik oluşturabilir.
İshal döneminde sık dışkıya çıkılması ve idrar yolları enfeksiyonları pişik oluşumunu kolaylaştıran nedenlerdir.
Bebeğin alt bezinin geç değiştirilmesi ve yeterince sık değiştirilmemesi bakterilerin çoğalması için ideal ortam yaratır ve pişik oluşumuna neden olur.
Anne sütünden mamaya ve ek besinlere geçilmesi bebeğin idrar ve dışkı ph’ında değişiklik yaratır ve bu durum pişik oluşumuna neden olabilir.
Hastalıklarda kullanılan antibiyotik tedavileri, bebeğin diş çıkarma dönemi ve egzama gibi hastalıklar pişik oluşumuna neden olabilir.
Bazı kalıtsal hastalıklar ve çinko yetersizliği de bebeklik döneminde pişiğe neden olan faktörlerdir.

Causes of Diaper Rash

The causes of diaper rash in babies and adults differ.

Causes in Babies:

Cleaning products and wet wipes used on the baby’s skin can cause irritation and lead to diaper rash.
Frequent bowel movements during diarrhea and urinary tract infections can increase the likelihood of diaper rash.
Infrequent diaper changes create an ideal environment for bacterial growth, which can lead to diaper rash.
Transitioning from breastfeeding to formula or solid foods may alter the pH levels of urine and stool, causing diaper rash.
Antibiotic treatments, teething, and conditions like eczema can contribute to diaper rash.
Certain genetic conditions and zinc deficiency are also factors that can lead to diaper rash during infancy.

Causes of Diaper Rash in Adults

Fungal infections, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, are one of the main causes of diaper rash in the groin and vaginal areas in adults. Viral infections in these areas can also trigger rashes, leading to diaper rash. Other significant causes include surgical procedures, bacterial infections, and poor hygiene practices.

How to Prevent Diaper Rash

The most important rule for preventing diaper rash is maintaining proper hygiene. The area covered by the diaper should be kept clean, cool, and dry. The baby’s diaper area should be cleaned frequently and given as much air exposure as possible. After each diaper change, the skin should be allowed to air-dry for 10-15 minutes before putting on a fresh diaper, ensuring the diaper is not too tight to allow air circulation. Choosing the right size diaper for the baby’s height and weight is another critical factor in preventing diaper rash. When cleaning a baby’s diaper area, use a clean cotton cloth soaked in warm water. Avoid using perfumes and chemicals; only a mild, fragrance-free disinfectant soap or water should be used to remove urine and feces. After cleaning, gently pat the area dry with a soft towel and allow it to air-dry before putting on a new diaper. Dress the baby in breathable clothing, and ensure they drink enough water. Nursing mothers should be cautious with antibiotics and maintain proper nutrition for the baby to help prevent diaper rash.

How to Treat Diaper Rash
Ensuring the hygiene and dryness of the affected area will help clear up diaper rash within a few days. Lotions and creams containing zinc can be applied to the irritated area. However, if redness and swelling persist despite these measures, it is advisable to consult a family physician or pediatrician. For diaper rash, the pediatrician may prescribe creams and medications that should be used regularly. In adults, diaper rash treatment depends on the underlying cause. Since diaper rash is often caused by fungal infections, using medications without medical advice can worsen the condition.

Last Updated Date: 20 July 2018

Publication Date: 20 July 2018

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