Lto diaper rash, which with the classic symptoms of redness, burning and itching affects most children in the first months of life, can get considerably worse during the summer months due to the heat and favor the appearance of infections and fungi. A new study conducted by della Italian Society of Pediatricians of Campaniaseems to have found the solution for a rapid re-epithelializing and soothing action thanks to a new compound also suitable for newborns in the very first months of life.
The study, presented at SIDeMaST Congressshows the effectiveness of the combination of wheat extract and the antiseptic polyhexanide in the treatment of dermatitis due to diaper rubbing and in the prevention of bacterial and fungal over-infections.
Diaper rash: what it is and why it gets worse in the summer
With the rise in temperature and humidity, in the summer the diaper can irritate the very delicate skin of the little ones causing irritation and redness, often even with the appearance of small papules, scaly or eroded areas, on the groin, genitals and buttocks. To warn parents and pediatricians in view of the arrival of the summer season, is Maria Giuliano, president of the Italian Society of Pediatricians (SIMPE) Campania and author of a research on diaper dermatitis.
“Diaper rash is ainflammation due to certain substances contained in urine and/or faeces that irritate the skin – explains Giuliano -. L’humidity and the friction generated by the diaper lead to skin maceration, making it more vulnerable to the penetration of microorganisms and irritants. The diaper is partly made of plastic and when the outside temperature is very high, as happens during the summer, with exposure to the sea, sand and sweat, the risk of developing dermatitis doubles. In some cases, especially in the dental eruption stage, which can involve a increased acidity of urineor when the inflammation is neglected, the dermatitis can get worse and you can have some bacterial and fungal over-infectionssuch as those from Staphylococcus aureus or from Candida auris», explains the Professor.
A new remedy for dermatitis thanks to an Italian study
A new research by SIMPE Campania, presented in Naples on the occasion of the SIDeMaST congress, demonstrated theefficacy of a compound, a combination of wheat extract and polyhexanide, a powerful antiseptic, in healing the skin and preventing over-infections.
The research involved 26 children, 13 boys and 13 girls under 4 years of age, affected by dermatitis due to diaper friction.
«All the little patients were treated with the new compound based on wheat extractboth in formulation spray what a creamapplied for 2 times a day”.
Problem solved!
«At the end of the therapy – comments Giuliano – a complete resolution of the lesions in all 26 cases with an average healing period of 6 days. Only in one case was it necessary to add a topical antibiotic.
In all the others, however, no bacterial or fungal superinfection was observed. The research results – concludes the expert – demonstrate that the wheat extract creates a protective barrier in the genital area, facilitating the conditions for a rapid and correct re-epithelializing action on the skin. In less than a week, all the patients involved in the research recovered, without reporting complications,” adds the expert. The product, available in gauze and spray in all pharmacies, is also useful for dermatitis in adults, subject to indication from the dermatologist or pharmacist, who will evaluate it on a case-by-case basis.
The handbook of pediatricians to prevent diaper dermatitis
In view of the increase in temperatures for the next few days, SIMPE experts have drawn up a handbook dedicated to the protection of children from diaper dermatitis.
1) “Nap” the baby when the little one learns to understand when the bladder is full and to start the contraction of the bladder muscle. Usually the right time coincides with 2 years for girls and 3 years for boys.
2) Increase the frequency of diaper changes to prevent the covered delicate skin from remaining moist for too long and in contact with urine and sweat.
3) Do not overuse moisturizing wipes and prefer to use warm water and a mild cleanser to cleanse and/or freshen the genitals.
4) After washing, avoid scrubbing the area to dry it, but pat it dry with a soft towel.
5) The drying phase is as important as the washing phase: before putting the diaper back on, make sure that the bottom and genitals are dry. Leaving the area moist promotes irritation and the proliferation of infectious microorganisms.
6) Increase the frequency and dose of applications of soothing creamsthe one based on wheat extract can also serve this purpose, in order to create a very light veil to protect the skin from the acidity of the pee.
7) Plan for short or long nappy-free breaks. Summer is the right season to do it: for very young children it is enough to leave the genital area free even for just 15 minutes, for the older ones you can be more daring.
8) If irritations and dermatitis are very frequent it is a good idea to try changing the type and/or brand of diaper to check whether or not the problem depends on the product used.
9) If redness and irritation do not improve within two to three days it is necessary to consult the pediatrician: infections could be in progress and the doctor will indicate the best treatments.
10) On the other hand, the “do it yourself” should be avoided” and in particular the use of corticosteroid-based creams, because they can cause side effects.
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