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Is there a relationship between hygiene practices and skin and soft tissue infections in diapered children?

Annie Heffernan Rominger1, Charles Woods, Mary Fallat

  • 1Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. ahromi01@exchange.louisville.edu

Pediatric Emergency Care
|April 23, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Perineal and general hygiene practices did not differ between diapered children with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) and those with healthy skin or diaper dermatitis. Further research is needed on diaper hygiene to prevent SSTIs.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • The perineal and gluteal regions are common sites for skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) in children who wear diapers.
  • No prior studies have examined the link between hygiene practices and SSTIs in this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between perineal and general hygiene practices and the occurrence of SSTIs in diapered children.
  • To compare hygiene practices among children with SSTIs, diaper dermatitis (DD), and healthy normal skin (NS).

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a pediatric emergency department.
  • Subjects were categorized into three groups: SSTI, DD, or NS.
  • Survey responses were analyzed, followed by staged regression to identify predictors of SSTI.

Main Results:

  • Race was the only differing demographic characteristic between groups.
  • No significant associations were found between day care attendance, history of SSTI, household contact, or propensity for diaper rash and SSTI compared to NS.
  • Predictors of SSTI compared to DD included no day care attendance, history of SSTI, household contact, less sensitive skin, and reduced diaper cream use.

Conclusions:

  • Perineal and general hygiene practices were not significantly different between children with SSTI and those in the NS or DD groups.
  • Further prospective studies are recommended to explore diaper hygiene practices for preventing DD and SSTIs, the role of day care, and interventions for recurrent SSTIs.
Abstract

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