ORIGINAL: Napkin Dermatitis: Skin Hydration Levels and Skin Care Practices amongst Children at Urban Comprehensive Health Centre, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
West Afr J Med . 2023 Feb 28;40(2):203-208
Abstract
Abstract in English, FrenchIntroduction: Napkin Dermatitis (ND) means skin inflammation occurring within the napkin area. Skin care practices and skin hydration levels (SHL) are parameters of interest in the pathogenesis of ND.
Aim and objectives: To compare napkin area skin care practices and levels of skin hydration in children with ND and those without ND and to determine the predictors of ND in children.
Methods: This was a case-control study of 60 participants with ND and 60 age and sex matched controls without ND, aged below 12 months that used napkins. Information on napkin area skin care practices were obtained from parents and diagnosis of ND was made clinically. Skin hydration levels were measured using a Corneometer®.
Results: The median age of children was 16 ± 17.1 weeks (range 2-48 weeks). Controls were more likely to use appropriate barrier agents compared with participants with ND (71.7% vs. 33.3%; p<0.001). There was no significant difference in the mean SHL ± SD of participants with ND and controls on the non-lesional (buttock) area (42.00 ± 19.71 vs. 43.46 ± 21.68; t = - 0.384, p= 0.702). Controls who always used a barrier agent were 83% less likely to have ND than those who did sometimes and those who never used a barrier agent (OR: 0.168, CI: 0.064-0.445, p< 0.001).
Conclusion: Consistent use of an appropriate barrier agent could be protective against ND.
Keywords: Napkin Dermatitis; Skin Hydration; Skin care.
O Afolabi 1, A A Ajani 2, A O Akinboro 3, O A Olasode 2, E O Onayemi 2
