Diaper thrush
definition
For diaper thrush or diaper rash it is a skin disease that can occur in babies or adult patients in the area of the skin that is actually covered by diapers. The disease is caused by fungi and is therefore one of the fungal diseases (Candidacies).
Also read: Rash on the bottom of the baby
root cause
A Diaper thrush occurs in Area of pos on which one usually covered by the diaper is.
Do the parents change their child's diaper rarelyso it comes to one increased urine build-up in the diaper. In the urine is among other things ammonia contain. This can damage baby's delicate skin and the skin becomes sore and showing in the area under the diaper small cracks and openings.
Through these smallest cracks you can now different bacteria and Viruses penetrate into layers of skin below. With the diaper thrush it now happens that Yeasts, more precisely Candida albicans-Fungi, through which small cracks get into deeper layers of the skin and now one infection cause.
The slightly moist and warm skin in the area of the buttocks under the diaper is a ideal breeding ground for the mushrooms. They do best in warm, moist areas of the skin. There too Genital area it can be warm and humid, and thus represents optimal conditions infection in this area as well come.
But not just poor hygiene makes for a diaper thrush. Babies too particularly sensitive skin are particularly quickly affected by the fungal disease, especially if they are still wrapped.
However, it is important to know that the disease is not only affects babies but also, if only rarely, Adults may concern or childrenthat has been around for a long time no longer wear diapers. Mostly, however, the reason is that patients are wearing a diaper because of Incontinence. Patients who develop diaper thrush without a diaper are to be worn extremely rare.
Another important reason for the development of a diaper indoor is the fact that babies are still no fully developed immune system to have. Normally the yeast Candida albicans can be found in almost all patients in the area of the genital organs and often also on the skin. This is referred to as a opportunistic settlement as it is not associated with symptoms for the patient, as the immune system fends off the infection, symptoms can still occur as soon as this Weakened immune system becomes.
At elderly patients on the other hand, is it so that Immune system gets weaker and weaker and works incorrectlywhich in turn is a reason why diaper thrush occurs in older patients too, which Having to wear a diaper due to incontinence.
It is often difficult to say where the fungus comes from. Either they have Parents already have the fungus on their hands or he is on the changing mat or the baby has some Fungi in the bowel area and then excretes this, whereby the fungus comes into the area of the buttocks and thus into the diaper.
diagnosis
To the Diagnosis of a diaper oor parents should definitely have one Pediatrician seek out. This first introduces Conversation with the parents and then examines the child. Usually that is enough to look at (inspect) the pediatrician to recognize the diaper thrush. The doctor can also use the pustules smear do to determine the pathogen. However, this is usually not necessary.
Symptoms
A Diaper thrush starts very slowly and then spreads further and further, so it is important that the first signs to observe and to react to them.
in the Area of pos as well as in Genital area (for example a Inflammation of the glans in boys) it initially only occurs Redness and small soreswhich, however, are very small and can hardly be noticed by the parents. There are often small wounds or tears around them characteristic red dots. The color can change from light red to deep red and should then be noticed by the parents at the latest.
In the further course mostly arise Vesicles, Which wet can be and for the baby very painful are. Parents often notice that the baby is unusual at this time often screams and cries, especially when the diaper is changed and there is friction over the reddened areas and painful blisters again.
It is important to act actively against the diaper thrush as soon as possible since this would otherwise over the thighs and also Spread on your back can.
In addition, the Skin turns whitish in some places or very rough becomes.
The baby is also trying to scratch frequently because diaper thrush with large itching connected is.
Often a diaper bog is also used in parallel Oral thrush in babies discovered, especially when the babies have ingested the fungus through their mouths or have got their hands on diaper thrush and then put their hands in their mouths.
Duration of Windelsoor
How long a diaper thrush lasts depends on the time of diagnosis and the initiation of therapeutic measures. If the diaper thrush is recognized at an early stage and increased hygienic measures and the use of special ointments are quickly started, the thrush usually heals completely after a week.
However, if the infection spreads further and affects the legs or back in addition to the diaper area, the healing process can take several weeks. So that the diaper thrush heals as quickly as possible, it is particularly important to ensure adequate hygiene. This is the only way to limit the multiplication of fungal cells and prevent further spread.
therapy
A adequate therapy is very important with diaper thrush, above all it should done quickly so as not to cause unnecessary pain to the baby by letting them Disease spreads.
First of all, it is important to focus on one adequate hygiene to pay attention. The baby or even the older patient should as fast as possibleafter the diaper got wet, rewound the germs will not even be able to feel comfortable in the moist environment.
In addition to frequent diaper changes, it is also important to be on when changing diapers proper hygiene to pay attention. The parent or carer should always be the one wash your hands and if necessary disinfect.
In addition, the Cleaned your buttocks and possibly with a Zinc ointment that supports wound healing become. Also, the baby or the elderly patient should washed frequently but it is very important that the Pouch dried off afterwards and that no moisture remains, which only again Breeding ground for mushrooms represents.
Are particularly good Chamomile baths, as these soothe the irritated and reddened skin and are therefore perceived as very pleasant.
Breastfeeding if the mother still has her child, she can a few drops of breast milk Apply to the inflamed areas of the skin. Breast milk contains several antibodywhich can help the child to fight diaper thrush faster and more effectively.
It is important that a doctor determines where the diaper bog comes from, as one with a fungal attack suitable ointments can give. In this case, no greasy ointments are suitable, but rather antifungal ointmentswhich are applied to the affected areas.
Relieve pain and also healing The diaper thrush is also when you keep your bottom a few minutes after changing your diaper in the fresh air leaves. On the one hand, this means that the moisture evaporates completely and, on the other hand, the fresh air can have a calming effect on the skin.
When the skin is not open but rather just reddened is, so can Healing wool be used as this is additional lanolin contains what anti-inflammatory works and also absorbs moisture better.
Ointment for the treatment of diaper thrush
As a rule, the treating pediatrician will prescribe ointments to treat the diaper ointment, which must be applied several times a day.
In addition to zinc ointments, which care for the skin, soothe it and soothe the inflammatory processes, so-called antimycotics are also prescribed. These are substances that attack certain components of fungi, thereby damaging them and restricting their further reproduction.
Active ingredients such as miconazole or clotrimazole are often used in the form of ointments. The ointments are also available from pharmacies without a prescription.
Gentian violet is also used in some cases. This works against the fungi and soothes the affected skin, but it stains the skin very strongly and is now somewhat controversial due to possible toxic effects.
Multilind® for the treatment of diaper thrush
Multilind® is a healing paste that is used in diaper indoor therapy for children. It contains zinc and nystatin and is used specifically to combat Candida fungi. The zinc has an anti-inflammatory effect and soothes the irritated skin.
The paste can be applied to the sore and diseased areas of the skin after each changing, up to 5 times a day. Within 24 - 72 hours there is a significant improvement in the symptoms with relief from the agonizing itching. Overall, the treatment should be continued until the affected skin areas have healed completely.
Home remedies to treat diaper thrush
In the therapy of the Windelsoor, in addition to medicinal ointments, many home remedies are also used. The simplest means of efficient therapy is to keep the affected area dry.
The sore bottom heals much faster when light and fresh air comes to the affected areas. This can be achieved by letting the baby crawl or kick in the nude.
Natural yoghurt can be applied to particularly wet areas. It cools the sore areas, reduces the swelling and relieves itching, and soothes the damaged skin.
Sitz baths with the addition of chamomile or wheat bran also have a calming and anti-inflammatory effect.
A few drops of breast milk can also be applied to the sore spots. This promotes the healing process and reduces inflammation and irritation of the skin.
Washes with healing clay also strengthen the regeneration of damaged skin and can protect against further bacterial infections thanks to their additional antibacterial effect.
Urine that is too acidic can also be a cause of diaper thrush. To neutralize this, you can give the baby special nettle or fennel teas.
In general, you should avoid using oil or powder in the area of the baby's bosom, because this clogs the skin pores and loses moisture and sufficient breathing of the skin is no longer guaranteed.
Homeopathic remedies for diaper thrush
In homeopathy, Ferrum phosphoricum is recommended for the treatment of the diaper indoor. It is used in inflammatory processes and, in addition to alleviating inflammation, also strengthens the immune system.
2-3 globules of this can be administered up to 5 times a day. Arnica globules are also used. They have a calming, decongestant character and promote wound healing. The application of marigold ointment also ensures improved wound healing and has a disinfectant effect.
How contagious is diaper thrush?
The diaper thrush caused by an infection with the Candida Albicans fungus has a high risk of infection. The fungus spreads mainly in damp areas and on sore skin areas. Babies up to 12 months of age often suffer from sores on their buttocks or groin area. These represent a suitable place for the fungus to grow. The infection presents itself as reddish spots and pustules, which appear flat over the course and are very itchy. If the small pustules open, a clear secretion is often emptied.
The pathogens can be transmitted to other parts of the body, objects or other people through smear infections. In many cases, the pathogens are transmitted to the oral mucous membranes through hand contact, so that the babies also suffer from oral thrush. The most common route of transmission is through improperly washed or disinfected hands.
Adequate hygiene measures should be taken to reduce the risk of infection. On the one hand, parents should wash and disinfect their hands thoroughly after swaddling. In addition, you should change the changing pads after each use.
In addition, care must be taken to ensure that the affected children do not scratch the infected area and spread the pathogens through their hands. The fungi can, for example, stick to toys and thus attack and infect the mucous membranes of other children through renewed hand contact.
prophylaxis
So that the baby or adult patient with diapers does not develop diaper thrush in the first place, there are some things that can be called prophylaxis can do.
On the one hand there is the Hygiene comes first, on the other hand, it should always be ensured that the Bottom not too wet will and that the Diaper changed as often as possible becomes.
Of the Plastic content in the diaper should as low as possible be so that it doesn’t close on the bottom excessive sweating come, are best suited Disposable diaperswhich can be thrown away after being used once.
In addition, the Bottom cleaned with every diaper change best just with lukewarm water. It is important to then the bottom completely dry to rub.
Another suitable prophylaxis against diaper thrush is the baby often crawling without a diaper and with a bare bottom to let a lot of air come to the bottom and it doesn't ignite.
When can the children with a diaper thrush go back to kindergarten?
If a child suffers from diaper thrush, it should not be brought to daycare for the time being, as it is a contagious fungal infection.
For the correct therapy of the diaper indoor, thorough hygiene is important, as well as frequent changing and cleaning of the diaper to keep the skin dry. In the daycare center, this cannot always be guaranteed due to the frequent lack of staff and time.
In addition, the ointments that must be applied for treatment after each diaper change are considered medicinal products and must not be administered by the daycare staff. When the symptoms have subsided and the ointments prescribed by the doctor no longer have to be applied, the child can be brought back to daycare.
