Strategies and Protocols for Healthy Diapered Skin

Improving diapered skin health for diaper dermatitis prevention

Maintenance of skin integrity is a challenge for all infants when exposed to irritants known to compromise the skin, such as urine and feces; diaper dermatitis is the most common skin condition in infants.8,9 Preventative care can effectively help reduce the incidence and severity of skin irritation, ensuring healthier skin for infants. Incorporating a documented protocol for diapering for newborns and preterm infants can play a crucial role in maintaining healthy diapered skin.

Develop a Diapering Protocol for
Newborn & Preterm Skin

Key Diapering Skin Care Practices:

1. Thorough and Gentle Cleaning
Gently cleanse diapered skin with pH-formulated wipes, such as Huggies^® Natural Care^® Wipes and Huggies^® Natural Care^® Extra Sensitive Wipes, to remove urine and feces from skin. These wipes are designed to be as gentle as water, making them ideal for sensitive infant skin. They help maintain the skin s naturally acidic barrier while effectively removing irritants that can lead to discomfort or diaper rash.

2. Maintaining Dry Skin
Keeping the diaper area dry is vital for preventing skin damage from overhydration. Regularly change diapers and, when possible, allow the skin to air out between changes. Huggies^® Little Snugglers^® Diapers offer superior protection with their GentleAbsorb® Liner, which draws moisture away from the skin, locking it in to keep the area dry and comfortable. These breathable diapers also feature a pocketed waistband to help contain messes, ensuring that urine and feces are kept off the skin. Proper diaper care for newborn practices, like frequent diaper changes and using absorbent diapers, can greatly contribute to improving diapered skin health.

3. Skin Barrier Protection
Apply barrier creams and ointments to shield the skin from irritants in urine and feces. This protective layer reduces the risk of diaper dermatitis, ensuring baby stays comfortable. Pairing this with the dryness provided by Huggies^® Little Snugglers^® Diapers helps create a powerful defense against skin irritation.

4. Additional Tips
For a deeper dive into prevention and treatment strategies for diaper dermatitis, refer to the AWHONN Neonatal Skin Care Evidence-Based Guidelines. Implement consistent care by adopting and documenting clinically appropriate measures for your infants to support the fundamentals of Change and Check^TM for healthy diapered skin for both newborn and preterm infants. NICU specific diaper rash protocols can also be an essential part of caring for the most vulnerable infants.

By following a documented diapering protocol, caregivers can help reduce the risk of diaper dermatitis and maintain healthy skin for their infants. For a more in depth understanding, refer to the videos linked below

Considerations to help promote diapered skin health:
1. Change diapers every 2–3 hours or when soiled.¹
*Preterm Skin: Provide clustered care to minimize sleep disruption, when possible.
2. Perform a focused assessment of the perianal area at each change using a valid tool; note redness or irritation.¹
3. Use appropriate methods to gently cleanse the diaper area based on the gestational age of the neonate. Avoid vigorous rubbing of skin in the diaper area.
4. Conduct gentle, thorough cleaning of the genital area at every change with pH appropriate baby wipes.¹
5. Use disposable diapers with super absorbent gel materials.^1-6
6. Ensure proper diaper fit.^2,4,5,7
7. For infants at risk of developing diaper dermatitis, apply petrolatumbased ointments or skin barriers containing zinc oxide at every change.¹
*Preterm skin is thinner and at higher risk for breakdown.

Change and Check^TM Skin Health Video Series:

• Fundamentals of Infant Skin
• The Skin Barrier and Diaper Dermattitis
• Caring For Diapered Skin