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The factors related to recovery time of diaper dermatitis in infants: A prospective observational study
Moeri Yokoyama1, Kaori Yonezawa1,2, Manami Matsubara1
1Department of Midwifery and Women's Health, Division of Health Sciences and Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Insights
Diaper dermatitis affects over half of infants, typically resolving in 10 days. Frequent diaper changes (more than 10 daily) significantly speed up recovery time for this common infant skin condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Dermatology
- Infant Health
Background:
- Prolonged diaper dermatitis poses risks for atopic dermatitis and infections.
- Understanding diaper dermatitis prevalence and recovery is crucial for infant care.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate diaper dermatitis prevalence, symptoms, and recovery time in 1-month-old infants.
- Identify factors influencing diaper dermatitis recovery duration.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study of 113 infants.
- Diaper dermatitis defined by clinical signs (erythema, papules, etc.).
- Kaplan-Meier survival analysis used to determine recovery time and influencing factors.
Main Results:
- Diaper dermatitis observed in 58.4% of infants.
- Median recovery time was 10 days; 6.1% had dermatitis >5 weeks.
- Severity of diaper dermatitis did not correlate with recovery time.
Conclusions:
- Infrequent diaper changes (≤10/day) are linked to longer recovery.
- Infants typically recover within 10 days, irrespective of initial severity.
- Healthcare providers should counsel parents on recovery timelines and optimal diapering practices.
Aim:
Prolonged diaper dermatitis may increase the risk of atopic dermatitis or infections. This prospective observational study aimed to investigate the prevalence, symptoms, areas, and recovery time of diaper dermatitis in infants aged 1 month and identify the factors related to recovery time.
Methods:
Diaper dermatitis was defined as the presence of erythema, papules, dryness, erosion, or ulceration in the diapered area. Recovery time was days between infant's 1-month medical check-up and disappearance of symptoms. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the log-rank test was used to identify the factors related to recovery time.
Results:
Among 113 infants, 66 (58.4%) had diaper dermatitis, with erythema at the perianal area being the most common symptom. The median recovery time was 10 days. Four infants (6.1%) had diaper dermatitis for >5 weeks. Severity was not related to recovery time.
Conclusions:
A frequency of diaper changing of ≤10 times per day was a risk factor for recovery time. Our data showed recovery in approximately 10 days, regardless of severity at study enrollment. Health care professionals could inform parents of recovery time and recommended diaper changing frequency.
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