Urine induced contact irritant dermatitis during periods of weaning from diapers and in bedwetting toddlers and children

The most common skin disorder of infancy is diaper dermatitis, rash in the diaper area. The most common causes are: water and moisture, friction, urine, feces, and microorganisms.

A moist environment and the effects it creates is the highest factor in the development of diaper dermatitis. Moisture makes the skin more fragile, increasing its susceptibility to frictional damage and destabilizes the barrier function of the skin. This results in an increase in irritant chemical penetration and the replication of bacteria and fungi. The erosive effect of stool also lessens skin integrity. Urine increases the permeability of the skin to irritants and can directly irritate skin when exposure is prolonged. Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis (IAD) is similar to diaper dermatitis and occurs when urine (or stool) come into contact with skin in the perineal genital area. It usually afflicts the very young and the very old populations. Prevention and treatment for IAD are very similar to those recommended for diaper dermatitis.

Babies and toddlers who are being weaned from diapers and bedwetting children may be exposed to urine for long periods of time especially if this occurs during the early hours of the night. Prolonged exposure to urine is a known risk factor for skin irritation.