Traditional practices in the treatment of children with diaper dermatitis

Traditions are cultural heritages, habits, knowledge, customs and behaviors that are passed from generation to generation and from society to society. In all societies, children are seen as the future of society. Knowledge from traditions is used in raising children. Traditional practices are often used for children in cases such as breastfeeding, salting, diaper rash, diarrhea and jaundice. The aim of this study is to determine traditional practices used in the treatment of children with diaper dermatitis.

The research was conducted descriptively between June and August 2023. 81 children with diaper dermatitis were included in the sample. In the study conducted in a single stage, data were collected with a personal information form and Assessing the Severity of Uncomplicated Diaper Dermatitis in Infants Scale.

The age of the children was 16.12 ± 0.97 months and the average score of the Assessing the Severity of Uncomplicated Diaper Dermatitis in Infants Scale was 2.55 ± 0.14. It was determined that approximately half of the mothers received training on diaper dermatitis. It was determined that during diaper dermatitis, mothers used barrier cream containing zinc oxide at most 38.3% as a modern method, and olive oil at most 35.8% as a traditional method.

It was determined that traditional methods that do not harm health are generally used in children with diaper dermatitis. It is important to inform mothers and healthcare professionals about traditional practices for children and to support practices that do not negatively affect health.