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Nappy rash - Evidence
Evidence on disposable nappies to prevent nappy rash
There is insufficient evidence to recommend one nappy type over any other to prevent nappy rash.
- A Cochrane systematic review (search date: November 2004) of 17 randomized controlled trials comparing disposable nappies with other disposable or non-disposable nappies, in infants up to 2 years of age, concluded there was insufficient good quality evidence to support or refute the use of, or type of, disposable nappies for the prevention of nappy rash [Baer et al, 2006].
- The studies appeared to favour cellulose-core disposable nappies over cloth, absorbent gelling material over cellulose-only core nappies, breathable outer shell over occlusive outer shell nappies, and linings impregnated with formulations over plain linings. However, all of these studies were open to significant bias, poor methodology, follow-up, and outcome data, and therefore, any interpretation of the results would be unreliable.
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