Nappy rash Flashcards
What is nappy rash?
Contact dermatitis in the nappy area.
What is nappy rash usually due?
- friction between the skin and nappy
* contact with urine and faeces in a dirty nappy.
What age of infant is nappy rash most common in?
9 and 12 months of age.
What can the breakdown of skin in a warm environment cause?
Added infection with candida (fungus) or bacteria
What bacterial infection is common in the nappy area?
Staphylococcus or Streptococcus.
What is the most common cause of nappy rash?
Irritant dermatitis
What causes irritant dermatitis?
Irritant effect of urinary ammonia and faeces
What area is usually spared with irritant dermatitis?
The flexural areas
How would you differ between candida dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis (nappy rash)?
Candida rash spreads into the flexural areas
What are possible risk factors for nappy rash?
- Delayed changing of nappies
- Irritant soap products and vigorous cleaning
- Certain types of nappies (poorly absorbent ones)
- Diarrhoea
- Oral antibiotics predispose to candida infection
- Pre-term infants
How does nappy rash present?
Sore, red, inflamed skin in the nappy area.
Rash appears in individual patches on exposure areas of the skin that come in contact with the nappy.
It tends to spare the skin creases- creases in the groin are healthy.
What can severe and longstanding nappy rash lead to?
Erosions and ulceration.
What is candida dermatitis?
An erythematous rash which has characteristic satellite lesions
What oral sign would indicate a candida infection?
A white coating on the tongue
What are some general management points for nappy rash?
- Switching to highly absorbent nappies (disposable gel matrix nappies)
- Change the nappy and clean the skin as soon as possible after wetting or soiling
- Use water or gentle alcohol free products for cleaning the nappy area
- Ensure the nappy area is dry before replacing the nappy
- Maximise time not wearing a nappy
