Irritant dermatitis

Irritant dermatitis is often the result of continued exposure to moisture in the diaper area. Diapers wet with urine or stool can lead to skin breakdown. This presents with an erythematous rash in the diaper distribution with well demarcated borders. The rash may be macular or papular in nature. Unlike candidal dermatitis, satellite lesions will not be present around the margins. Irritant dermatitis can be differentiated from perianal streptococcal infection due to the lack of increased warmth and desquamation. Treatment includes keeping the area clean and dry with exposure to air and application of topical barrier creams.