Treatment for Diaper Rash

Rash -- Irritation -- Even Infection

Infant diaper dermatitis (diaper rash) develops when skin is exposed to prolonged wetness, decreased skin pH caused by urine or feces, and resulting breakdown of the outermost layer of the skin. Ammonia and bile salts in the urine increase irritation.

The outer skin layer (stratum corneum) forms a waterproof barrier that protects the deeper layers from bacteria, yeast, and injury. When damaged, the result can be a skin rash and secondary bacterial or candida (yeast) infection.

Barrier Ointments Help Prevent, Treat and Protect

MYERS Medical Compounding Pharmacists can prepare barrier ointments which may help to prevent the rashes and protect the damaged areas, and antibiotic and antifungal ointments that can help treat secondary infections.

We commonly use these Ingredients in our compounds:

• Nystatin: Most commonly used for secondary candida infections, Nystatin is an antifungal antibiotic which is both fungistatic and fungicidal in vitro against a wide variety of yeasts and yeast-like fungi. It is a polyene antibiotic, and is the first well tolerated antifungal antibiotic of dependable efficacy for the treatment of cutaneous infections caused by Candida Monilia]albicans and other Candida species. Due to its toxicity profile, there are currently no injectible formulations of this drug on the US market. However, nystatin may be safely given orally as well as applied topically due to its minimal absorption through mucocutaneous membranes such as the gut and the skin Symptomatic relief is rapid, often occurring within 24 to 72 hours after the initiation of treatment.
• Cholestyramine adsorbs and combines with bile acids, resulting in partial removal of bile acids that cause skin irritation.
• Zinc Oxide is a barrier commonly used in diaper barrier ointments. It protects the skin from further irritation and helps it heal.
• Benzoin Compound tincture is a non-water-soluble natural product used in compounding skin protectants.