Why does it occur | Diaper rash | Symptoms of diaper rash | How to prevent diaper rash | Result
Have you ever heard of intertrigo? This is a medical term for a diaper rash. Mostly diaper rash occurs in places of skin folds and more often in the hot period. Unfortunately, among people with diabetes, the problem of rash is much more common than in people without diabetes.
Why does it occur?
Diaper rash occurs due to physical impact. This usually occurs during the friction of two surfaces of the skin: the inner side of the thighs, in the skin folds — under the chest, buttocks, in the inguinal zone, under the armpits, skin folds on the neck, stomach, between the toes with excessive sweating.
Irritation is worsened by factors such as:
- heat,
- high humidity
- maceration (swelling and wrinkling of the skin with prolonged contact with water or moisture),
- increased sweating and sebum secretion;
- insufficient air circulation (especially when wearing tight clothing)
- inadequate personal hygiene;
- the use of specific antibiotics and corticosteroids (in this case, consult a dermatologist).
In places of skin irritation, pathogenic microflora can develop, which greatly aggravates the condition and complicates treatment. The development of bacteria and fungi also enhances pain in the places where diaper rash occurs.
Diaper rash in people with diabetes
Diaper rash is often exacerbated by the development of pathogenic microflora, especially fungi of the genus Candida. People with diabetes are more prone to fungal infections of the skin — 80% of reported cases of skin candidiasis.
According to various estimates, 32.5 — 45% of patients with diabetes face fungal skin lesions. Among these cases, intertrigo (diaper rash) is the most common pathology. Given this data, with diabetes mellitus, it is especially important to follow the recommendations for preventing diaper rash, as well as have your own quick-aid tool in the medicine cabinet.
Symptoms of diaper rash
Symptoms of diaper rash are not specific. If you have not encountered such a problem before, you should visit a dermatologist to make a diagnosis.
At the initial stage, common symptoms include redness, more often in skin folds, with mild discomfort.
When aggravating the condition:
- more intense redness of the skin;
- a reddish, sometimes brownish rash;
- moist, sometimes oozing skin;
- wet fissures on the skin;
- itchy discomfort, tingling, burning sensation;
- peeling skin;
- in the absence of treatment for diaper rash, a musty smell may appear.
How to prevent diaper rash?
You can prevent a condition by using the following simple rules:
- Take a shower carefully, at least once a day. On especially hot days — twice.
- Do not use aggressive types of detergents. The pH of your soap should be as close as possible to the pH of your skin.
Pay attention to specific products, for example intended for intimate hygiene. Such caring cosmetics provides effective skin cleansing, while possessing a milder effect. You can use it as the main product (EVO liquid cream soap for intimate hygiene, EVO liquid soap for intimate hygiene, Atopic gel for bathing is perfect for children).
- Keep your skin dry and cool. After taking a shower — thoroughly dry the skin, gently patting it with a towel.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing and synthetic fabrics. Your skin should be well ventilated.
- Women in the hot season should prefer bras with good breast support.
- Normalization of body weight is not a simple but very effective method to prevent diaper rash problems in obese people.
- In places with an increased risk of diaper rash, use special care cosmetics. The selected product should eliminate excess moisture, reduce skin friction and have an antibacterial effect. Excellent with this task cope with the content of talc.
There are special care products to deal with diaper rash. For example, talc cream DiaDerm is especially recommended for people with diabetes.
The powerful antimicrobial complex of the cream consists of zinc oxide and essential oils of tea tree and lemon. The antibacterial complex gently dries the skin and stops the development of pathogenic bacteria.
Menthol and eucalyptus oil eliminate discomfort and soothe irritated skin. Allantoin supplements essential oils. This remedy for local anesthesia, in addition, has a softening property, restores and normalizes the protective function of the skin.
Talc — Dries and creates a thin barrier on the skin, which reduces friction.
Cream-talcum Diaderm has a pleasant smell and texture. Economical to use. It can be used as a prophylaxis and care for diaper rash places. Approved and recommended for use by endocrinologists.
What is the result?
Diaper rash is an unpleasant problem that should be addressed in the first stages of occurrence. Although the main treatment for diaper rash is aimed at eliminating external factors, it will be much easier for people with diabetes to fight when blood sugar is stable.
Focus on glycemia, but don’t forget about diabetes skin care rules, especially on hot days.