Diaper Dermatitis: a Survey of Risk Factors in Thai Children Aged 1-24 Months

Abstract

Objective : To identify the prevalence and risk factors of diaper dermatitis in Thai Children aged 1-24 months.

Methods : Cross-sectional study of 1,153 out-patient setting by using structural questionnaires at Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand during November 2015 – January 2017. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to test the association between the occurrence of diaper dermatitis and the possible risk factors.

Results : A total of 36.1% (416/1153) of the study population had experienced of diaper dermatitis during the past 6 weeks when the questionnaires were performed. The occurrence of diaper dermatitis was significantly decreased with age. The peak prevalence occurred during 1-6 month-old. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the risk of diaper dermatitis was significantly decreased by frequency of diaper changing during the night-time (> 3 changes/ night time) while the day time diaper changing showed no statistical significant. The major risk factors of diaper dermatitis from the study population were diarrhea, had previous episodes of diaper rashes more than 2 times, had underlying allergic diseases and using baby wipes and alcohol as skin cleansing on the diaper area.  There was no statistical significant between type of diaper using (disposable versus cloth) from the present study.

Conclusion : Diarrhea was a major risk factor regarding the occurrence of diaper dermatitis in the study population. Frequent diaper changing especially during night-time can lead to a significant decreased of diaper dermatitis among this age group. Furthermore, proper cleansing regimen on the diaper area should be advised to the primary care givers to prevent the occurrence of diaper dermatitis in the future.