The role of microorganisms in diaper dermatitis

Abstract

A quantitative microbiological survey of multiple sites in the diaper area in 40 normal infants and 100 infants with various forms of diaper dermatitis showed (1) no significant differences between normal infants and those with common chafing form of diaper dermatitis except for a low number of Staphylococcus aureus organisms in 50% of those with chafing dermatitis compared to no S aureus in normals; (2) S aureus occurred in high numbers in every case of atopic dermatitis and was frequently found at much lower levels in psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and chafing dermatitis; (3) Candida albicans occurred in 80% of cases clinically diagnosed as moniliasis localized to the diaper area and in 33% of those suspected of Candida infection with dissemination beyond the diaper area, while C albicans was found in only five of 145 culture sites in 40 normal infants.

New perspectives on epidermal barrier dysfunction in atopic dermatitis: Gene–environment interactions

“…[158][159][160] The acid mantle has multiple effects on the skin. First, it has a strong antimicrobial effect, 161,162 decreases skin colonization by pathogenic bacteria, 156,161,163 and favors the adhesion of nonpathogenic bacteria to the stratum corneum. 164 Second, several lines of evidence indicate a role for skin surface pH on desquamation, permeability barrier homeostasis, and stratum corneum integrity/cohesion.…”

Zinc Oxide 30% and Tocopherol Compared to 10% Zinc Oxide Ointment in the Treatment of Infant's Diaper Dermatitis: A Triple Blinded Controlled Randomized Trial

“…[20] define mycoses as the major complication in DD patients. Usually 5 days treated DD without reduction of SDCC is considered as mycoses [21]. During this study, no patient was diagnosed as colonized.…”

Candida albicans colonisation, continence status and incontinence‐associated dermatitis in the acute care setting: a pilot study

“…A germ tube test was performed to identify C. albicans. The ability to form germ tubes after incubation in serum for 2 hours at 37 ∘ C (98⋅6 ∘ Fahrenheit) is presumptive evidence of C. albicans (7,19). The laboratory reports specified either C. albicans or non-C. albicans spp.…”

“…It has been reported that Candida infections play a central role in the pathogenesis of diaper dermatitis in infants (16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22). Several studies have shown significantly higher rates of Candida colonisation in oral, inguinal and perianal sites in infants with diaper dermatitis than those without, and colonisation rates correlated with the severity of diaper dermatitis (17,20).…”