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Comparison of the effect of human milk and topical hydrocortisone 1% on diaper dermatitis
Leila Amiri Farahani1, Maryam Ghobadzadeh, Parsa Yousefi
1Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.
Insights
Human breast milk effectively treats infant diaper dermatitis, matching hydrocortisone 1% ointment efficacy. This safe and accessible option offers a viable alternative for infant skin care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Dermatology
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Diaper dermatitis is a prevalent infant skin condition, affecting a significant percentage of infants.
- Existing treatments include topical corticosteroids, but safe and accessible alternatives are sought.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of hydrocortisone 1% ointment versus human breast milk in treating acute diaper dermatitis in infants.
- To evaluate human breast milk as a safe and effective therapeutic agent for infant diaper rash.
Main Methods:
- A randomized clinical trial involving infants aged 0 to 24 months with diaper dermatitis.
- Infants were randomized to receive either hydrocortisone 1% ointment or human breast milk for 7 days.
- Rash severity was assessed using total rash scores at baseline, day 3, and day 7.
Main Results:
- Both hydrocortisone 1% ointment and human breast milk groups showed rash improvement by days 3 and 7.
- No statistically significant difference in total rash scores was observed between the two treatment groups on days 3 and 7.
- Human breast milk demonstrated comparable efficacy to hydrocortisone 1% ointment in treating acute diaper dermatitis.
Conclusions:
- Human breast milk is an effective and safe treatment for acute diaper dermatitis in infants.
- This study supports the use of human breast milk as a readily available and beneficial intervention for infant diaper rash.
- Human breast milk offers a comparable therapeutic outcome to a standard topical corticosteroid treatment.
Abstract:
Diaper dermatitis is one of the most common skin problems in infants and children, affecting between 7% and 35% of infants. This randomized clinical trial compared the efficacy of hydrocortisone 1% ointment with that of human breast milk in treating acute diaper dermatitis in infants ages 0 to 24 months. Infants with diaper rash were treated with either hydrocortisone 1% ointment (n = 70) or human breast milk (n = 71) for 7 days. Improvement in the rash from baseline was seen in both treatment groups on days 3 and 7; there was no significant difference in total rash scores on days 3 and 7. Treatment with human breast milk was as effective as hydrocortisone 1% ointment alone. Human breast milk is an effective and safe treatment for diaper dermatitis in infants.
