Diaper Dermatitis Medication

  • Author: Ruchir Agrawal, MD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jan 4, 2011
 

Medication Summary

Medical therapy for diaper dermatitis includes the use of protective topical agents, topical anticandidal agents, and, possibly, topical low-potency steroids.

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Protective topical agents

Class Summary

Ideally, first-line therapy for diaper dermatitis is zinc oxide ointment. The safest over-the-counter (OTC) emollient available for newborns is pure white petrolatum ointment. Another safe alternative is Aquaphor ointment, which is principally composed of white petrolatum, mineral oil, and lanolin. It is more expensive than pure white petrolatum ointment.

Petrolatum (Vaseline, Aquaphor, Aquabase)

 

Traps water beneath the epidermis.

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Zinc oxide (Borofax Skin Protectant)

 

Has antiseptic and astringent properties. Plays significant role in wound healing with low risk for allergic or contact dermatitis. To remove zinc oxide from skin, mineral oil is more effective and easier than soap and water.

Petrolatum, zinc oxide, aluminum acetate solution (1-2-3 Paste)

 

Combination product that is both a skin protectant and has a drying effect on vesicular or wet dermatoses.

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Antifungal agents

Class Summary

These agents are indicated for suspected candidiasis or proven candidal infection by potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation or culture. Commonly used topical antifungal agents are nystatin cream or ointment and econazole nitrate cream.

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Nystatin (Mycostatin)

 

Fungicidal and fungistatic antibiotic obtained from Streptomyces noursei. Effective against various yeasts and yeastlike fungi. Changes permeability of fungal cell membrane after binding to cell membrane sterols, causing cellular contents to leak.

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Clotrimazole topical (Lotrimin AF)

 

Effective in cutaneous infections. Interferes with RNA and protein synthesis and metabolism. Disrupts fungal cell wall permeability, causing fungal cell death.

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Econazole (Spectazole)

 

Effective in cutaneous infections. Interferes with RNA and protein synthesis and metabolism. Disrupts fungal cell wall permeability, causing fungal cell death.

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Topical steroids

Class Summary

Limit potent topical steroid use to a few days and to a small quantity. Avoid combination topical steroid/antifungal cream in the diaper area.

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Hydrocortisone, topical (Cortaid, Cortizone, Westcort)

 

An adrenocorticosteroid derivative suitable for application to skin or external mucous membranes. It has mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid effects resulting in anti-inflammatory activity.

For diaper dermatitis, which has the appearance of irritant and candidal dermatitis, the author has good experience using hydrocortisone 1% cream or Desonide 0.05% cream (bid) with nystatin (qid).

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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.

Specialty Editor Board

Kevin P Connelly, DO  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics and Emergency Care, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine; 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.

Mary L Windle, PharmD  Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH  Professor and Head, Dermatology, Professor of Pathology, Pediatrics, Medicine, and Preventive Medicine and Community Health, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-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.

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 Pediatric Endocrine Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology, New York

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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  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].

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

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

  17. 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].

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

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A 3-week-old female infant with diaper rash. Satellite lesions can be observed. The patient was diagnosed clinically with candidal dermatitis and successfully treated with nystatin ointment.
 
 
 
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