A novel treatment of diaper dermatitis in children and adults

BACKGROUND: Diaper dermatitis (DD) is an acute inflammatory reaction, regardless of the cause, of the diaper‐covered area. Topical skin barrier repair cosmetic products are the mainstay treatment to cure and/or prevent DD. AIMS: To assess the efficacy/tolerability of a zinc gluconate‐taurine/zinc oxide and panthenol/ glycerin/ Butyrospermum parkii butter barrier cream using clinical evaluation. METHODS: In this prospective, open‐label trial, 20 patients (10 infants/10 adults), with mild/moderate DD enrolled at the Dermatology University Clinic of Catania (Italy) were instructed to apply the cream twice daily for 30 days. Degree of erythema was performed clinically by a 5‐point severity scale (from 0 = no erythema to 4 = severe erythema), at baseline, at 15 and 30 days. An Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) using a 6‐point scale (from −1 = worsening to 4 = complete response/clear) along with product tolerability was also performed at 15 and 30 days. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS version 9. RESULTS: At 15 days, a reduction of clinical erythema assessment (CEA) from baseline was observed (mean from 3.2 ± 0.8 to 2.5 ± 0.3; p < 0.06), that although nonsignificant, showed a significant progressive improvement at 30 days (mean from 3.2 ± 0.8 to 1.1 ± 0.9; p < 0.0001) without any age differences. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary results indicate that the tested barrier cream may represent a promising approach in DD rash. It may be used in mild‐to‐moderate forms in monotherapy without significant side effects or, where required, in association with pharmacological agents. Its long‐term use is likely safe.