No Link Between Pampers Dry Max Diaper and Baby Skin Rash

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a federal government agency tasked with keeping an eye on safety of consumer products in the United States (US), released a news release in September 2010 saying that it found no link between Pampers Dry Max Diapers and baby skin rash.

Around 4700 complaints regarding diaper skin rash were received by the CPSC from concerned parents during the period between April and August 2010. The CPSC maintains telephone hotlines for consumers to complain about any negative reaction to specific products. On May 11, 2010, a case was filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of Ohio against P&G. In a press release on May 2010, P&G stated that the accusations were motivated.

The CPSC conducted investigations by testing diaper material and also consulted medical information from Health Canada. In May 2010, Procter & Gamble (P&G) undertook a human cumulative irritation patch study. The cumulative irritation patch test is a standard test followed by manufacturers of cosmetic products where patches containing test solutions are applied and reapplied for a consecutive number of days. The reaction of the skin such as irritation or skin rash is noted. The results of this study were also taken into consideration by the CPSC.

While the CPSC ruled out any link between the diaper product and the baby skin rash, it however cautioned that some babies may have more sensitive skin and may display an adverse reaction to diapers such as an itchy skin rash. The CPSC also noted that an occasional diaper rash may commonly occur in most babies. It recommends that if any diaper rashes are noted, the use of the diaper should be stopped and a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Baby Yeast Skin Rash - How does it Happen?

Any isolated change in skin texture and colour, in specific areas of the body is called a rash. Skin rashes are usually reddish and may have scaly or rough texture. Rashes are usually an allergic reaction of the body. While it may be due to an external object such as diapers, chemicals or food, they may also be indicative of more serious disorders.

Most babies who wear diapers may display diaper skin rash occasionally. Some babies may be extra sensitive and have severe rashes. The itchy skin rash may be red and appear in patches on the tender baby skin. Diaper rashes are caused by irritation of the baby's skin due to the material of the diaper combined with factors such as dampness. Diaper rashes are also called Diaper dermatitis.

A common type of baby skin infection is a yeast skin rash caused by yeast-like fungi known as Candida albicans. This yeast fungus is found in the human intestinal tract. Due to internal body disturbances, the amount of Candida albicans in the body can increase, causing yeast skin rash and skin infections. A diaper yeast infection rash in babies is also called Diaper Candidiasis. The Candida fungi thrive in warm and damp areas of the skin such as armpits. A similar atmosphere of warmth and dampness provided by a baby diaper makes it ideal for a Candida yeast infection.

A Candida infection may also be caught from another person who had close contact with the baby. It can also be caused if a baby has been exposed to antibiotic treatment or the breastfeeding mother is on antibiotics.

What are the Symptoms of Candida Baby Yeast Skin Rash?

The skin rash occurring in the case of Diaper Candidiasis is slightly different than a normal diaper rash. In a rash due to yeast infection, there are raised red bumps or pustules bordering the rash. The rash itself is very reddish in colour. Diaper Candidiasis is also characterised by a severe itchy skin rash. There may also be small rashes next to big ones.

A Diaper Candidiasis infection also causes a yeast infection in the mouth of the baby, known as oral thrush. Babies with oral thrush have cracks around the corners of the mouth and may have a white coating in lips or tongue. A breastfeeding mother can get yeast infection from her baby if the baby has oral thrush. For the nursing mother, the Candida yeast infection affects the nipple area.

In the case of Diaper candidiasis, itchy skin rash can also occur in other areas such as thighs, and abdominal areas.

If in the case of skin rash face is also affected, it may indicate other types of disorders such as Seborrhoea or Seborrheic Dermatitis. It is quite common in infants and is characterised by a red skin rash face and forehead also displaying the rashes. Diaper yeast skin rashes also occur simultaneously.

How to Prevent Diaper Skin Rash?

The most effective prevention is to toilet-train your child as soon as possible, so that diapers can be altogether discarded.

For very small infants, some prevention methods include:

• Change diapers frequently and immediately if there are dampness in the diaper.
• Make sure that the diaper area of the baby is mostly dry as far as possible. Between changing diapers, dry the diaper area with a soft cloth or tissue. Avoid using synthetic material on the diaper area.
• Use diapers that do not use synthetic or plastic linings, as these tend to irritate the diaper area of the baby.
• If there is a skin rash, immediately change the diaper brand.

If rash persists, or spreads to other parts of the body and causes a skin rash face, discontinue the use of the diaper and consult a paediatrician. Antifungal creams are typically used to treat diaper yeast infection skin rash conditions.