Incidence of diaper dermatitis in the neonatal units of the University Hospital Complex of Ferrol.

Authors

  • Mónica Mouteira Vázquez UCI de pediatría. CHUF. Ferrol. A Coruña.
  • Mónica Rey Bouza Centro de Salud de Ares – Mugardos. A Coruña.
  • Tamara Corral Martínez UCI de pediatría. CHUF. Ferrol. A Coruña.
  • Eva Tizón Bouza Consultas externas. CHUF. Ferrol. A Coruña.
  • María de los Ángeles Rodeño Abelleira UCI de pediatría. CHUF. Ferrol. A Coruña.
  • María Jesús Acción Rodríguez UCI de pediatría. CHUF. Ferrol. A Coruña.

Keywords:

Diaper dermatitis, neonate, barrier cream, breast milk, zinc oxide, nursing care

Abstract

Background: The newborn's skin presents anatomical and physiological characteristics that make it more vulnerable to irritation and infection, with diaper dermatitis being one of the most common conditions. This condition, caused by factors such as contact with urine and feces, leads to discomfort and stress in neonates. Proper skin care, including strategies such as the use of highly absorbent diapers, adequate cleansing, and barrier creams, is essential for prevention. This study assesses the incidence of diaper dermatitis in a neonatal hospital unit, its contributing factors, and the effectiveness of nursing care.

Objective: To determine the incidence of diaper dermatitis in the neonatal units of the Ferrol University Hospital Complex.

Methods: A descriptive, observational, prospective study was carried out among newborns admitted to the hospital's neonatal services. An Ad Hoc survey was developed, where sociodemographic and clinical variables, skin appearance and care of the area were collected.

Results: The prevalence of dermatitis was 19.46%, with an incidence of 18.13%. The mean number of days from admission until the onset of dermatitis was 4.19 days (± 3.06). Regarding the preventive care used, 47.02% had barrier cream applied every 8 hours, 36.22% received basic care (daily bathing and cleaning with water at each diaper change) and 16.76% received others such as barrier films or protective solution spray. In 36 cases, therapeutic skin treatment was necessary, with an average duration of 4.40 days (± 2.74).

Conclusions: The need to create a protocol for the prevention, evaluation and treatment of diaper dermatitis in our hospital adapted to current scientific evidence is evident, to avoid variability in therapeutic attitudes among professionals.

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Published

2025-02-18 — Updated on 2025-08-26

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How to Cite

Mouteira Vázquez, M., Rey Bouza, M., Corral Martínez, T., Tizón Bouza, E., Rodeño Abelleira, M. de los Ángeles, & Acción Rodríguez, M. J. (2025). Incidence of diaper dermatitis in the neonatal units of the University Hospital Complex of Ferrol. Revista Enfermeir@s, 1(44), 20–29. Retrieved from https://www.enfermerialugo.org/revista/index.php/enfermeiraos/article/view/2 (Original work published February 18, 2025)

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Vol. 1 No. 44 (2025): Enfermeir@s. Journal of the Illustrious Official College of Nursing of Lugo

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Original Articles in Health Sciences

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