Anyone using diapers or incontinence briefs, including adults, children, and infants, might develop diaper rash.
Adults may experience the same symptoms as infants and toddlers, such as a pinkish-to-red rash, peeling skin, and an itchy appearance.
Infrequent diaper changes can result in irritation from chemicals in urine and feces, which is a typical cause of diaper rash.
A yeast or fungal infection, as well as an allergic reaction, are other potential causes.
Despite the discomfort, adult diaper rash is typically treatable with over-the-counter (OTC) topical or prescription medicines.
To discover more about this illness, continue reading.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ Make sure to let your doctor know if you or a loved one experiences diaper rashes frequently.
✅ An adult diaper rash may indicate neglect, insufficient diaper changes, or inadequate cleaning of the diaper area in the context of nursing home care.
✅ If the diaper rash is properly treated and cared for, it usually goes away on its own.
✅ Diaper rash can be prevented from worsening by getting treatment as soon as it begins to itch.
Symptoms
Adult diaper rash symptoms could include:
- Light rashes on pink, dry skin.
- In more severe cases, red, irritated, raw, inflamed, or burnt-looking skin.
- Skin blemishes
- burning
- itching
The vaginal area, thighs, or buttocks may all develop the rash. Additionally, it could reach the hip region.
A candida diaper rash, also known as a rash brought on by a yeast infection, is characterized by bright red skin that is slightly elevated and by little red bumps that extend beyond the main area of the rash. It might penetrate the creases of the skin.
Typical causes of diaper rash in adults include:
- Skin sensitivity. This may be brought on by prolonged contact with the chemicals in urine or faeces or friction from moist skin rubbing against the diaper.
- An allergic response. The scents in incontinence underwear may cause allergic reactions in elderly people.
- Inadequate washing. A rash around the area where the diaper is worn can result from not carefully cleansing the genital area during bathing.
- Candida. Another prevalent type of adult diaper rash is yeast infections. This is because yeast prefers warm, dark, and damp environments. Diaper changes on a regular basis can lower the risk of this kind of infection.
- Yeast infection.
Treatment
A little adult diaper rash is typically treatable at home. An over-the-counter zinc oxide diaper cream is one of the best therapies.
Examples of creams for adult diapers include:
- Adult Care Rash Cream by Balmex
- Diaper rash cream with calmoseptine
- The Z-Bum Daily Diaper Rash Cream
- Desitin Rapid Relief Diaper Rash Cream with Zinc Oxide
Guidelines for treatment
The American Academy of Dermatology has recommended these guidelines (AAD). Always adhere to your doctor’s advice while treating a particular rash on yourself or, if you’re a caregiver, a loved one.
- Liberally apply diaper rash cream or ointment to the affected region, two to four times each day.
- You can pat off surplus product rather than quickly washing off a bothersome rash. All bathing-related residue should be completely removed.
- Put on a fresh, dry diaper and, if required, apply the cream or ointment with petroleum jelly to prevent sticking.
It’s also a good idea to remove the diaper each day for a few minutes to let the affected region air out. The airflow will aid in the rash’s recovery. Use larger-than-needed diapers to allow for more airflow as the rash heals.
Treating a candida infection that caused diaper rash
Your doctor could advise topical antifungals, such as nystatin or ciclopirox (CNL8, Penlac), be used to the afflicted area if the rash is brought on by a yeast or fungal infection. In more severe cases, they should be used every time you change your diaper.
Oral tablets of fluconazole (Diflucan) may also be administered. Remember to always check with your doctor to be sure that suggested diaper rash treatments don’t clash with any other medications you or a loved one may be on. Follow your doctor’s particular instructions for treatment.
When should I go and visit a Doctor?
After a few days of home care, diaper rash usually goes away. It’s crucial to keep in mind, though, that older folks are more susceptible to illnesses. Due to a weakened immune system, this has happened. A doctor should be informed of any severe symptoms.
If any of the following occur, consult a doctor:
- Rashes that intensify and don’t go away after three days, despite home remedies
- pus, seeping, or bleeding emanates from the afflicted area
- fever accompanies the rash
- discomfort when urinating, having a bowel movement, or both
Adult diaper rash rarely results in long-term problems. Most of the time, it will go away with the right care and management. A few adults may also have psoriasis, eczema, or seborrhoea in addition to diaper rash. If you or a loved one exhibits signs of these illnesses, consult a doctor.
Prevention
Cleaning and changing soiled diapers as soon as possible is the best strategy to avoid adult diaper rash. As a result, moisture cannot cause a rash.
- After every diaper change, gently wipe the diapered area with a washcloth like a Prevail Washcloth.
- Thoroughly wash the entire diaper region once a day.
- Permit the diaper region to dry and breathe.
- Before putting on a clean diaper, apply a moisture barrier cream to the buttocks and other delicate areas.
Diaper rash in adults
it is possible to get a diaper rash even when not using diapers. The skin folds around the vaginal region are susceptible to irritation or infection from a warm, damp environment or skin friction.
This can be brought on by a variety of situations, including obesity, chafing from clothing that is too tight, and illnesses that can weaken the immune system, such as diabetes, HIV infection, or long-term steroid usage.