What is the recommended treatment for diaper dermatitis in infants?

The recommended treatment for diaper dermatitis, commonly known as diaper rash, is zinc oxide. Zinc oxide acts as a barrier that protects the skin from moisture and irritants, which are key contributors to the development of diaper dermatitis. It helps to soothe the affected skin and also promotes healing by preventing further irritation from urine, feces, and friction from the diaper.

In addition to its protective properties, zinc oxide is often well-tolerated by infants and has minimal side effects, making it a preferred choice for managing this skin condition. It is typically applied as a thick paste or ointment to the clean and dry affected area during diaper changes to maintain the protective barrier.

Other treatments, while available, are not as suitable. Hydrocortisone cream may be used for inflammatory skin conditions but is not recommended for diaper dermatitis due to the risk of skin thinning and side effects from prolonged use in sensitive areas. Antibiotic ointments are not needed unless there is a secondary bacterial infection, which is uncommon in typical cases of diaper rash. Moisturizing lotions can help in some cases but do not provide the protective barrier that zinc oxide does, so they may not be as effective for treating or preventing diaper dermatitis.