Pediatricians’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Therapeutic Approaches Regarding Diaper Dermatitis: A Common Condition with Many Different Practices

Abstract

Background Diaper dermatitis is one of the most common skin diseases in early childhood. The prevalence of diaper dermatitis varies between 7% and 35% depending on population and age groups. There may be some differences among the pediatricians about treatment approaches to this common skin condition. Aim The purpose of this study is to evaluate the management strategies of pediatricians for diaper dermatitis. Methods The questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 2021. The questionnaire which contained 21 items aimed to investigate the approaches of pediatricians to diaper dermatitis treatment, follow-up and prevention strategies. Results A total of 217 pediatricians (59.4% female, median age 40.0 years) practicing in 32 different provinces of Turkey completed the questionnaire. The most preferred medical treatments in the first visit of children with diaper dermatitis, in respect of frequency, were zinc oxide, panthenol/dexpanthenol, and hamamelis virginiana extract (70.9%, 36.9%, 33.6% respectively). If there was no response to the first-line treatment in the control examination, the treatment was rearranged by adding an antifungal creams, topical low-potency corticosteroids, and/or high concentration zinc oxide creams (67.7%, 57.6%, 28.6%, respectively). Most cases were referred to a dermatologist if these treatments were not effective in the control visits of patients. Conclusion Although pediatricians often prefer topical barrier creams for the treatment of diaper dermatitis, options may change depending on the severity of the lesions or the treatment response to the first-line topical treatments.

The Pediatricians’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Therapeutic Approaches Regarding Diaper Dermatitis: A Common Condition with Many Different Practices [Letter]

“…In conclusion, we agree that zinc oxide, panthenol/dexpanthenol, and hamamelis virginiana extract are the most frequently prescribed topical treatment options and most pediatricians apply topical antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory treatment to their patients when there is no response to first-line treatment, 1 however we recommend to conduct a more prospective and controlled study that synergizes with objective diagnostic tools that can evaluate the signs and symptoms of diaper dermatitis and add insight in the management of diaper dermatitis. 4 …”

“…We have read a paper by Yildiz et al on Pediatricians’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Therapeutic Approaches Regarding Diaper Dermatitis. 1 Congratulations to the author for reviewing the pediatrician’s therapeutic approach to the incidence of diaper dermatitis which worries many mothers. Diaper dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition in infants which is characterized by a red rash in the diaper area that is not flat, this is affected by moisture retention, urine, sweat and feces in the baby.…”

“…Yildiz et al found that the most preferred therapy of choice for pediatric patients with diaper dermatitis was zinc oxide, panthenol and hamamelis virginiana extract. 1 However, we would like to introduce a new therapy as an option for diaper dermatitis, namely a new combination of topical treatments containing zinc gluconate, zinc oxide, dexpanthenol, and taurine that are clinically proven to reduce skin erythema and irritation in the diaper area; however, patients still have to pay attention to choosing the right diapers, namely diapers that have high absorption power and are safe for baby’s skin. 4 We also recommend using a barrier cream that contains mild to moderate antifungals or corticosteroids as monotherapy because it has been proven safe and well tolerated for the prevention of diaper dermatitis.…”

“…The second questionnaire contains strategies for preventing diaper dermatitis by pediatricians. 1 However, we would like to recommend adding questions related to diaper products used by pediatric patients because the ingredients of the diaper products used can have a significant impact on physiological pH, irritation and damage to baby’s skin. 3 …”

Development and Microbiological Evaluation of Natural Diaper Rash (Diaper Dermatitis) Cream Formulations

“…However, the interaction of other factors facilitates the access of microorganisms to the epidermis through the damaged stratum corneum (SC) layer, which increases the risk of secondary infections caused by fungi and bacteria (5). When secondary infection develops, the course of gland dermatitis becomes more severe (6). In addition, the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for various reasons increases the risk of developing gland dermatitis (2).…”