Adult Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is a general term used to describe skin irritation within the diaper area (around the genitals and anus areas) caused by a variety of causes such as bacterial overgrowth and continued contact with irritants contained in urine and feces. Diaper rash is a generally thought of as a condition affecting babies, though any diaper wearing individual, including incontinent adults can be affected.

Having diaper rash does not automatically indicate neglectful care conditions. Currently, diaper rash comprises 10%-20% of all dermatitis cases currently being treated by a physician.

There are several types of adult diaper rash, each with a different recommended treatment regimen, depending on the cause. The most common type is contact dermatitis. Symptoms of contact dermatitis are: redness of the affected area and erosion of the outermost layers of skin. This type of rash generally does not spread past the point of contact with irritants, or urine and feces. Treatment includes frequent diaper changes and flushing the skin with warm, plain water. Coating the area with a petroleum based product to form a barrier between the irritants and the skin. Allow the affected areas as much exposure to the open air as practical.

Skin infections comprise the next main cause of adult diaper rash. Strep and yeast are the most common offenders and will spread to any area of the skin that is warm and moist, particularly the skin folds and creases. Symptoms of bacterial and fungal infections of the skin are tiny blisters that form all over the diaper covered area that easily rupture, leaving open sores. Yeast will also cause the skin to be patch-worked with areas of bright red irritation and localized “satellite” areas of irritation that border the main area of irritation. Treatment with antibiotic or anti-fungal ointments is the general course of action with these types of infections. It is not advisable to use petroleum based barrier ointments as these tend to aggravate the existing condition. Good hygiene practices such as frequent diaper changes are recommended, but water flushing should be kept to a minimum so that the medicated ointment has the opportunity to work. Allowing the affected areas direct access to air and light is also advisable.

While adult diaper rash is an unpleasant side effect of incontinence, it doesn’t have to become unmanageable. By following the treatment steps above, caretakers should be able to successfully treat most cases of diaper rash from home. If the adult in question has repeated cases of contact dermatitis and is under the care of a long term care facility, make sure that diaper changes are being performed adequately, but do not assume that this is the reason that the individual is experiencing diaper rash.