Diaper dermatitis (commonly known as diaper rash) is one of the most frequent skin problems in newborns and infants, especially in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). This study was designed to compare two treatment approaches for diaper dermatitis: hydrocolloid dressings and a cream containing 40% zinc oxide. The severity of diaper rash was evaluated at the beginning of treatment and at 24, 48, and 72 hours of follow-up.
Diaper dermatitis (diaper rash) is a common skin problem in neonates and infants, often associated with prolonged exposure of the skin to moisture, urine, and stool. Infants hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are particularly vulnerable due to frequent stools, immature skin, and exposure to irritants. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of hydrocolloid dressings compared with standard barrier cream containing 40% zinc oxide in the management of diaper dermatitis. A total of 44 infants hospitalized in a NICU and clinically diagnosed with diaper dermatitis were included. Infants were allocated into two groups: the intervention group received hydrocolloid dressings applied to the affected area, while the control group received zinc oxide cream. The severity of diaper dermatitis was assessed using a standardized clinical evaluation scale at baseline and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after initiation of the intervention. The primary aim was to compare changes in severity scores and healing time between the two treatment groups.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
44
Hydrocolloid dressing was used for diaper dermatitis
Zinc oxide cream was used in diaper dermatitis.
Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi
Istanbul, Bakırköy, Turkey (Türkiye)
Change in diaper dermatitis severity score
The severity of diaper dermatitis will be assessed using the Clinical Evaluation Scale for Characterization of the Severity of Diaper Dermatitis (Stamatas \& Tierney, 2014). Scores range from 0 (no dermatitis) to 3.0 (severe dermatitis), with 0.5-point increments. Higher scores indicate greater severity.
Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after initiation of intervention.
Time to complete healing of diaper dermatitis
Complete healing is defined as a diaper dermatitis score of "0" on the Clinical Evaluation Scale. The proportion of infants achieving complete healing within 72 hours will be compared between groups.
Time frame: Within 72 hours after initiation of intervention.
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