Contents:
- Medical Video: At Home with Your Newborn | Skin Conditions
- What are the causes of diaper rash in adults?
- What are the symptoms of diaper rash that appear in adults?
- How do you deal with rashes in adults?
- When to see a doctor immediately?
Medical Video: At Home with Your Newborn | Skin Conditions
Diaper rash can not only occur in infants. Diaper rash can occur in anyone who uses diapers, from adults, or the elderly. This rash certainly causes pain and discomfort in the skin. Symptoms of diaper rash in infants and adults are also usually similar, namely skin redness, flaking skin, and irritation. Come see below, how to deal with and cause diaper rash in adults.
What are the causes of diaper rash in adults?
The rash generally occurs due to too long usage and diapers are rarely replaced. Diapers that are too long to use will make the skin wet or moist. Moist skin then rubs against the dirty layer of diaper, it will be easy to cause irritation and diaper space.
If indeed the diaper is used recently, but a rash occurs, you may experience allergies. Some people may be allergic because of their sensitive skin.
Not clean washing genital organs can also be the cause of a rash around the diaper. Because, in the area around the genital organs is a place that is ideal for bacteria and germs to grow, because it is damp. The bacteria that most often trigger diaper rash is Staphylococcus aureus.
Fungal infections can also cause diaper rash in adults. Because, the fungus is easy to grow in warm, dark and moist areas like the area inside the diaper.
This fungus growth also eventually makes the skin irritated and itchy. One fungus that causes irritation to adult diaper rash is Candida albicans.
What are the symptoms of diaper rash that appear in adults?
Rashes in adults can occur anywhere, from the groin, buttocks, thighs and hips.
Rash will cause symptoms:
- The skin is red and or there are red spots
- Red patches of skin
- The surface of the skin becomes more rough
- Itchy skin
- There is a burning sensation
The more severe the rash in the diaper area, the more irritated the skin can become. If the red rash is caused by a fungal infection, small red bumps are usually found.
How do you deal with rashes in adults?
One drug that is commonly used and can be purchased freely is zinc oxide skin rash cream and petroleum jelly, which can relieve symptoms of diaper rash. If you use zinc oxide cream that is too sticky, after the cream has dried, apply a thin petroleum jelly over it.
Well, another way to deal with diaper rash is:
- Change diapers when they are slightly wet. Don't use diapers all day even though not so much dirt.
- Wash the affected area several times a day with warm water and soap or use a special cleanser that is hypoallergenic.
- Always dry the skin before using diapers. We recommend that you dry it with a soft pat using a towel, do not rub it.
- Before bathing, you should let the rash part dry completely, just use the diaper again.
- When bathing, always wash and rinse with bath soap.
- Use a cleanser, or soap that does not contain fragrances, additional dyes or alcohol.
- Avoid using pants that are too tight.
When to see a doctor immediately?
You need to see a doctor immediately if:
- If the rash does not subside also after using zinc oxide cream for more than 3 days, or even worse.
- If you experience bleeding from the area of diaper rash.
- If you become a fever.
- If pain occurs when urinating or defecating.
Your doctor will find out the underlying cause of your skin diaper rash and give you a more patent drug.
If it is caused due to a fungal infection, the doctor will give special anti-fungal creams such as ciclopirox, nyastatin, and imidazole which need to be used for 7-10 days. If the fungal infection is already in a severe category, the doctor will give oral medication in addition to cream.
If diaper rash is caused by bacteria, the doctor will give a special anti-bacterial cream containing bacitracin or furidic acid.
