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Perinatal diaper lesions - when to worry?

07-11-2019,
doctor. Paulina Raczynska

You can read this text in 2 min.

Perinatal diaper lesions - when to worry?

PantherMedia

Baby in pampers

Mild nappy rash can occur in babies who are not yet in control of their physiological activities. The most common cause is simple irritation from urine or faeces. Sometimes, the course of various infections (viral, bacterial, fungal) and parasitic infections can mimic nappy rash. How can you tell the difference and which symptoms to look out for?

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Among the most common infections and parasitic infections occurring in young children are:

  • HSV (herpes virus) infection - this virus causes clusters of small vesicles and pustules with a dark scab sometimes present. It is accompanied by fever and irritability in the child. The infection is most often transmitted from parents, siblings and close contacts.
  • Enterovirus infection - these are viruses that inhabit the digestive tract and cause symmetrically scattered clusters of red papules with central scabs, usually located in the nappy area, limbs and mouth.
  • Molluscum contagiosum infection - this virus causes clusters of pearly papules (sometimes surrounded by erythema) 2-4 mm in diameter arranged in a linear fashion.
  • Infection with H. pyloriV (papilloma virus) - the virus infects the child most often by transmission from the mother. It manifests as characteristic warts in the anal region.
  • Hemiplegia - hemiplegia can occur in any region of the body, forming clusters of vesicles 2-4 mm in diameter. The occurrence of smallpox during the perinatal period and during the first 4-5 months of life increases the risk of contracting hemiplegia up to 2 years of age.
  • Scabies - in children under 1 year of age, scabies usually manifests as red, elongated and swollen papules with inflammatory infiltration and so-called scabies tunnels. They may appear in one place and then spread to other parts of the body.
  • Streptococcalinfection - Streptococcus pyogenes causes an inflammation of the skin that persists for a long time and is accompanied by limited erythema, pruritus and burning, which increases after defecation.

The above disease entities are not common and in the vast majority of cases it will be a mild nappy dermatitis. If you notice any of the above symptoms in your child, you should immediately visit a specialist who will diagnose the infection and select the appropriate treatment. However, in order to prevent the onset of any ailments or infections as far as possible, it is important to maintain good hygiene during contact with the baby. Do not over-apply talcum powder or olives, as they can contribute to skin irritation and create conditions conducive to the development of infections. It is also a good idea to change the nappy at least every three hours and to "air out" the perinatal area after each urination or defecation.