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Nappy rash - Background information
What is it?
- Nappy rash is an irritant contact dermatitis confined to the nappy area [Scheinfeld, 2005]. Colonization with Candida albicans is usual [Ferrazzini et al, 2003; Atherton, 2004; Gupta and Skinner, 2004; Scheinfeld, 2005].
- Nappies cause the skin to become fragile by increasing its hydration and pH. Prolonged contact with urine and faeces (and faecal enzymes) damages the softer skin, resulting in contact dermatitis.
- The dermatitis predisposes the skin to colonization with C. albicans. Ongoing irritation may also lead to infection of the skin with C. albicans and bacteria (most commonly Staphylococcus aureus, but infection with streptococci and anaerobic bacteria can also occur).
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