Diaper rash (U.S.) or nappy rash (UK), (also known as "Diaper dermatitis" and "Napkin dermatitis") is a generic term applied to skin rashes in the diaper area that are caused by various skin disorders and/or irritants.
Generic rash or irritant diaper dermatitis (IDD) is characterized by joined patches of erythema and scaling mainly seen on the convex surfaces, with the skin folds spared.
Diaper dermatitis with secondary bacterial or fungal involvement tends to spread to concave surfaces (i.e. skin folds), as well as convex surfaces, and often exhibits a central red, beefy erythema with satellite pustules around the border.
It is usually considered a form of irritant contact dermatitis. Despite the word "diaper" in the name, the dermatitis is not due to the diaper itself, but to the materials trapped by the diaper (usually feces.) Allergic contact dermatitis has also been suggested, but there is little evidence for this etiology.
The term diaper candidiasis is used when a fungal origin is identified. The distinction is critical, because the treatment (antifungals) is completely different.
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