Evaluation of napkin lesions in Egyptian pediatric patients during the first three years of life: a hospital based study

Abstract

Background Napkin rashes represent different varieties of cutaneous lesions that affect the napkin area and cause a burden on infants and their parents. Objective To evaluate different diaper rashes in pediatric patients less than 3 years old. Patients and methods All 300 pediatric patients with napkin lesions were included in the study. Every patient’s personal and medical history as well as photographs were compiled and recorded in data sheets. Results The most common rashes affecting the napkin area were contacted napkin dermatitis (29%) and napkin candidiasis (28%) followed by hand-foot mouth disease (12%). There was a statistically significant relation between the rate of daily napkin changing and the occurrence of contact napkin dermatitis. Conclusion Different types of cutaneous rashes could affect the napkin area other than contact napkin dermatitis and candidiasis, which should be taken into consideration during the evaluation of napkin lesions.