Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to clarify changes in diaper rash and the relationships between diaper rash and skin hydration level in the buttocks of newborns , the process of mothers' diaper change at the time of hospital discharge and during the one month checkup.
Subjects and Methods
The subjects investigated were 69 mothers and 69 healthy newborns (male=31, female=38). Measurements of the diaper area were taken twice between July and October 2012: at four days after discharge and at the one month checkup. The following areas were investigated: the presence or absence of erythema, papules, swelling, erosions, desquamation and hydration of the stratum corneum of the buttocks using the Scalar moisture checker. We interviewed the mothers about the diaper changing process. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS Ver.20; the significance level was set to 5%.
Results
The results showed that erythema or papules were observed on four days (n=18, 26.1%) and at the one month checkup (n=30, 43.5%). These conditions were observed to be present in both the perianal region and the thigh at both intervals (n=38, 55.1%). There was significantly more diaper rash at the one month checkup (p=.03), and in the male group on four days (p=.04). The stratum corneum hydration of the buttocks was 31.9±1.0% at four days, and 32.2±1.0% at the one month checkup and significantly higher at four days (p=.04). How the mothers' changed the diapers was the same at both times: the baby's cry indicated that a diaper change was needed, the buttocks were gently wiped and the setting of the diaper was not too tight around the abdomen. There was no significant data on the relationship between the presence or absence of diaper rash and defecation frequency, diaper change frequency, presence of atopic dermatitis in the mothers' past, diaper change instruction during hospitalization, breast or bottle feeding, or how to wipe the buttocks. There was no difference in the method of diaper change at either of the study intervals.
Conclusion
No differences were discovered in the method of diaper change, the factors that are considered to result in diaper rash, or the presence or absence of diaper rash. Anyone may cause diaper rash in newborns. Mothers performed diaper changes after discharge in much the same way as in the hospital. This study points to the importance of leadership among nurses in hospitals.
