What are the symptoms of diaper rash?

The diaper rash is a skin inflammation localized in the buttock, groin, and thigh area. It is also known as diaper dermatitis and is a fairly common condition in infants and children , although it does not exclude adults. Diaper rash results from a skin reaction to prolonged exposure to moisture, an environment that weakens the skin barrier, and friction. In some cases, the diaper rash can be exacerbated by a fungal infection, primarily by the fungus Candida albicans, which thrives in warm and moist environments. Although it is less common, diaper dermatitis can also occur due to poor hygiene or skin contact with allergens, such as the fragrance of wipes or cleaning products. Diaper rash is accompanied by several symptoms, detailed below.

Diaper rash symptom number 1: redness.

Diaper rash, being a skin inflammation, is primarily accompanied by the symptom of redness. This can appear on the buttocks, in the groin fold, on the thigh, or even across the entire affected area, forming patches of varying sizes. It can even occur that the redness extends to the genital areas, particularly when the diaper rash progresses without proper care or when moisture and friction persist. The intensity of the redness can vary based on several factors, including the severity of the inflammation, the duration of the diaper rash, and the individual's skin sensitivity.

The color of redness can also slightly differ from one person to another, being more or less dark depending on the individual's phototype. In fair skin, redness usually takes on a pink to bright red hue, while in darker skin, it can appear brownish or purplish. Skin sensitivity also plays a role, with some people being more prone to marked inflammations.

Symptom No. 2 of diaper rash: skin peeling.

In addition to redness, diaper rash can be accompanied by skin peeling, meaning that thin layers of skin may detach from the surface of the epidermis. This peeling can be mild, giving the skin a dry and slightly scaly appearance, or more pronounced, with areas where the epidermis appears to crumble in patches. The severity of this condition once again depends on the stage of the diaper rash and individual skin sensitivity.

Symptom No. 3 of diaper rash: itching.

Diaper rash causes irritation in the areas it affects. The reddened skin often becomes sensitive to touch and tends to be warmer. It's not uncommon for this irritation to be accompanied by varying degrees of itching across the entire area and sensations of burning. These symptoms of diaper rash are particularly hard for babies to endure, who don't understand their cause. They are often the reason for their crying, which can sometimes bewilder parents who are doing their best to soothe them.

Even though itching can be bothersome, it is advised against scratching the area affected by diaper rash as this could worsen the irritation and lead to an infection, making treatment more challenging. To soothe them, it's better to apply cold, some calendula extract or Roman chamomile hydrosol, known for their calming properties.

Symptom No. 4 of diaper rash: blisters and lesions.

If not properly managed, the diaper rash can worsen and blisters may appear on the skin. These small swellings filled with clear fluid or blood should never be punctured as this could promote bacterial or fungal infections. Indeed, in case of rupture, the skin loses its protective barrier function, thus allowing pathogenic microorganisms to come into contact with the epidermis more easily. Moreover, a bacterial or fungal infection can exacerbate inflammation, slow down healing, and increase pain, which makes the skin even more susceptible to new irritations.

In addition to blisters, severe diaper rash can lead to the formation of micro-lesions, which are superficial tears in the skin. These can be painful as they expose the nerve endings of the epidermis and heal slowly due to the area's constant contact with moisture. It is also possible that these lesions are accompanied by minor bleeding, caused by the alteration of the skin's structure, thus requiring a swift medical intervention for the diaper rash.