Prospective aetiological study of diaper dermatitis in the elderly.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The different causes of diaper dermatitis (DD) in the elderly are not well known and the treatment is often empirical.

OBJECTIVES:

To determine the causes of DD in the elderly and to evaluate the efficacy of antifungal treatments in this indication.

METHODS:

Consecutive patients presenting with DD were included. Clinical evaluation, skin swabs for bacterial and mycological cultures, patch testing and skin biopsy were performed at inclusion. This was followed by 1 month of topical antifungal cream and, if needed, by oral fluconazole for the second month.

RESULTS:

Forty-six patients were included (mean age 85 years). Causes of DD were established for 38 patients: 24 had candidiasis (63%), six irritant dermatitis (16%), four eczema (11%) and four psoriasis (11%). After 2 months of treatment, 27 of 37 (73%) patients were cured and five of 37 were improved.

CONCLUSIONS:

Mycoses and irritant dermatitis are the main causes of DD in the elderly, and emollient skin care and topical antifungal treatment can be considered a first-line therapy for this indication.

• Authors: N Foureur, B Vanzo, S Meaume, P Senet
• Journal: The British journal of dermatology (Br J Dermatol) Vol. 155 Issue 5 Pg. 941-6 (Nov 2006) ISSN: 0007-0963 [Print] England
• PMID: 17034522 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antifungal Agents

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Antifungal Agents (therapeutic use)
• Candidiasis, Cutaneous (diagnosis, drug therapy, etiology)
• Dermatitis, Irritant (diagnosis, etiology)
• Diaper Rash (drug therapy, etiology, microbiology)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Prospective Studies
• Psoriasis (diagnosis, etiology)
• Treatment Outcome