Irritant diaper dermatitis is a term for dermatitis caused by the occlusion, moisture, and friction produced by diapers or training pants. Once the skin barrier is compromised by this environment, secondary factors such as urinary ammonia, increased urine pH, fecal proteases and lipases, Candida albicans, bacterial overgrowth, and detergent soaps exacerbate the dermatitis.

There have been several reports in the literature of laxative use in infants leading to a severe irritant dermatitis. Laxative-induced diarrhea contained and occluded by a diaper can cause bullae and erosions.

Related topics: diaper dermatitis candidiasis, Jacquet erosive diaper dermatitis