eMedicine Specialties > Pediatrics: General Medicine > Dermatology

Diaper Dermatitis: Differential Diagnoses & Workup

Author: Ruchir Agrawal, MD,, Chief, Allergy and Immunology, Aurora Sheboygan Clinic
Coauthor(s): Vijay Sammeta, MD, Medical Information Services, Adventis Pharmaceutical; Isabelle Thomas, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School; Chief of Dermatology Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center of East Orange
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: Mar 13, 2009

Differential Diagnoses

Acrodermatitis Enteropathica
Contact Dermatitis
Atopic Dermatitis
Herpes Simplex Virus Infection
Biotin Deficiency
Histiocytosis
Candidiasis
Scabies
Child Abuse & Neglect: Physical Abuse
Syphilis
Child Abuse & Neglect: Sexual Abuse
Varicella

Other Problems to Be Considered

Psoriasis

Workup

Laboratory Studies

  • Diagnosis of candidal dermatitis can be established by potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation or culture, but is usually not necessary in patients with diaper dermatitis.

More on Diaper Dermatitis

Overview: Diaper Dermatitis
Differential Diagnoses & Workup: Diaper Dermatitis
Treatment & Medication: Diaper Dermatitis
Follow-up: Diaper Dermatitis
Multimedia: Diaper Dermatitis
References

References

  1. Runeman B. Skin interaction with absorbent hygiene products. Clin Dermatol. Jan-Feb 2008;26(1):45-51. [Medline].

  2. Jordan WE, Lawson KD, Berg RW, et al. Diaper dermatitis: frequency and severity among a general infant population. Pediatr Dermatol. Jun 1986;3(3):198-207. [Medline].

  3. Collipp PJ, Kuo B, Castro-Magana M, et al. Hair zinc, scalp hair quantity, and diaper rash in normal infants. Cutis. Jan 1985;35(1):66-70. [Medline].

  4. Benedix F, Hermann U, Brod C, et al. [Transient zinc deficiency in preterm infants]. Hautarzt. Jul 2008;59(7):563-6. [Medline].

  5. Adam R. Skin care of the diaper area. Pediatr Dermatol. Jul-Aug 2008;25(4):427-33. [Medline].

  6. Berg RW, Milligan MC, Sarbaugh FC. Association of skin wetness and pH with diaper dermatitis. Pediatr Dermatol. Mar 1994;11(1):18-20. [Medline].

  7. Boiko S. Treatment of diaper dermatitis. Dermatol Clin. Jan 1999;17(1):235-40, x. [Medline].

  8. Darmstadt GL, Dinulos JG. Neonatal skin care. Pediatr Clin North Am. Aug 2000;47(4):757-82. [Medline].

  9. Ferrera PC, Dupree ML, Verdile VP. Dermatologic problems encountered in the emergency department. Am J Emerg Med. Oct 1996;14(6):588-601. [Medline].

  10. Gokalp AS, Aldirmaz C, Oguz A, et al. Relation between the intestinal flora and diaper dermatitis in infancy. Trop Geogr Med. Jul 1990;42(3):238-40. [Medline].

  11. Higuchi R, Mizukoshi M, Koyama H, et al. Intractable diaper dermatitis as an early sign of biotin deficiency. Acta Paediatr. Feb 1998;87(2):228-9. [Medline].

  12. Janniger CK, Thomas I. Diaper dermatitis: an approach to prevention employing effective diaper care. Cutis. Sep 1993;52(3):153-5. [Medline].

  13. Kazaks EL, Lane AT. Diaper dermatitis. Pediatr Clin North Am. Aug 2000;47(4):909-19. [Medline].

  14. Lane AT. Resolving controversies in diaper dermatitis. In: Contemporary Pediatrics. Vol 3. 1986:45-55.

  15. Longhi F, Carlucci G, Bellucci R, et al. Diaper dermatitis: a study of contributing factors. Contact Dermatitis. Apr 1992;26(4):248-52. [Medline].

  16. Manzoni P, Gomirato G. [Effectiveness of topical acetate tocopherol for the prevention and treatment of skin lesions in newborns: a 5 years experience in a 3rd level Italian Neonatal Intensive Care Unit]. Minerva Pediatr. Oct 2005;57(5):305-11. [Medline].

  17. Martin E. Weisse Stephen C. Aronoff. Candida. In: Kliegman. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Saunders; 2007:231.

  18. Metry DW, Hebert AA. Topical therapies and medications in the pediatric patient. Pediatr Clin North Am. Aug 2000;47(4):867-76. [Medline].

Further Reading

Keywords

diaper dermatitis, diaper rash, perianal dermatitis, diaper candidiasis, Candida albicans, allergic contact dermatitis, ACD, eczema, atopic dermatitis, acrodermatitis enteropathica, diarrhea, immunocompromise, diagnosis, treatment

Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Ruchir Agrawal, MD,, Chief, Allergy and Immunology, Aurora Sheboygan Clinic
Ruchir Agrawal, MD, is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, and American Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Vijay Sammeta, MD, Medical Information Services, Adventis Pharmaceutical
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Isabelle Thomas, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School; Chief of Dermatology Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center of East Orange
Isabelle Thomas, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology and Sigma Xi
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Medical Editor

Kevin P Connelly, DO, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics and Emergency Care, Virginia Commonwealth University; Medical Director, Paws for Health Pet Visitation Program of the Richmond SPCA; Pediatric Emergency Physician, Emergency Consultants Inc, Chippenham Medical Center
Kevin P Connelly, DO is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians, and American Osteopathic Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

Mary L Windle, PharmD, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: Pfizer Inc Stock Investment from financial planner; Avanir Pharma Stock Investment from financial planner ; WebMD Salary and stock Employment and investment from financial planner

Managing Editor

Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH, Professor and Head, Dermatology, Professor of Pathology, Pediatrics, Medicine, and Preventive Medicine and Community Health, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School
Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Physicians, and Sigma Xi
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

CME Editor

Merrily P M Poth, MD, Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Merrily P M Poth, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, Endocrine Society, and Lawson-Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD, Director, Department of Dermatology, Geisinger Medical Center
Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

 
 
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