The severity of diaper dermatitis and the effects of caregivers' habits on infants' behaviors

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the behavioral characteristics of infants with diaper dermatitis as well as the habits of their caregivers and the effects of those habits on infants with diaper dermatitis. Methods: The participants' demographic features, the infants' behavior, and the caregivers' habits were evaluated using a questionnaire. The severity of diaper dermatitis was scored using the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Diaper Dermatitis Grading Scale. Results: A statistically significant difference in terms of the infants' behavioral changes was found in relation to the different maternal education level groups (P < 0.001). Three well-known discomfort behaviors, namely easy crying, changes in eating habits, and changes in sleeping patterns, were observed in infants with diaper dermatitis who were being raised by uneducated caregivers. Conclusions: The growth and development of babies with recurrent diaper dermatitis may be affected over time if adequate protection methods are not applied to prevent diaper dermatitis. Both diaper dermatitis and recurrent attacks can be prevented by adequate training of the caregivers of babies prone to diaper dermatitis. Babies who are not restless and whose sleeping and eating patterns are not disturbed may develop healthier growth.