Varying Patterns of Dermatoses Presenting in the Diaper Area in Children: A Prospective Observational Study at a Tertiary Care Children Hospital

Introduction: Diaper area dermatoses is an umbrella term used to describe various skin conditions that can occur in the diaper area which is a common dermatological problem in neonates and younger children. Diaper dermatoses (DD) can occur as a primary disorder or as a part of an underlying systemic disorder. Methods: One hundred and thirty-five children below the age of 5 years with eruptions in the diaper area were enrolled in the study. A detailed history and physical and dermatological examination were done and recorded on a predesigned proforma. Tests to aid in the diagnosis such as Gram stain, Tzanck smear, KOH examination, culture sensitivity, biochemical and hematological investigations, and skin biopsy were done whenever necessary. Results: The prevalence of DD was 3.4%. A total of 26 dermatoses were encountered. Infections were the most common dermatoses observed in 68.8% followed by diaper dermatitis (primary irritant contact dermatitis) in 14.1% of children. The rarer dermatoses seen in our study were napkin psoriasis, purpura fulminans secondary to rickettsial infection, perianal pseudoverrucous papules and nodules, and aplasia cutis. Conclusions: Our study highlighted the various morphological presentation and etiological factors of DD. Infective disorders were the most common dermatoses presenting in the diaper area in the present study.