Global perspective on the incidence, severity, and management of diaper dermatitis in neonates, infants, and young children

Abstract

Objective

We aimed to determine the incidence and severity of diaper dermatitis (DD) among neonates, infants and young children and identify the most effective treatment strategies with a global perspective.

Materials and methods

We conducted a narrative review of literatures searches from PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS, found 1996 citations, selected primary source papers on infants and children ≤36 months and critically reviewed reports on incidence, severity, and treatment.

Results

The analysis produced information on DD incidence and diaper skin care habits from 7500 subjects in 12 countries including extremely premature infants. Three studies suggested that dark-skinned infants had lower incidence and/or severity versus light-skinned subjects. Treatments were generally effective but varied somewhat in rate and/or extent of DD reduction. Variations in DD assessment methods, study design, and starting severity were limitations for comprehensive treatment comparison.

Conclusions

DD incidence is relatively high, ranging from 36 to 75 % in home and hospital settings, with severe cases from 1 to 24 %. The review suggests that treatments with “drying” processes or ingredients are promising strategies for improved outcomes. It highlights skin care practices that may reduce DD and prompts questions for future research to understand and manage conditions for optimum skin function in the diaper environment.