Diaper Dermatitis

Epidemiology Diaper rashes are among the most common skin disorders of infancy. In one survey of 1089 infants, diaper dermatitis occurred in 50%; however, only 5% had severe rash. The peak incidence of diaper dermatitis is between 9 and 12 months of age. The relation between age and the frequency of diaper dermatitis may result from several factors, including dietary changes from breast milk to formula milk and solid foods during the first 12 months of life. Breastfed infants have fewer diaper rashes than do formula-fed infants. The incidence of diaper dermatitis is 3 to 4 times higher in infants who have diarrhea. The frequency and severity of diaper dermatitis are significantly lower when the mean number of diaper changes per day is eight or more, regardless of diaper type. Infants using superabsorbent disposable diapers have a significantly lower frequency and severity of diaper rash when compared with infants using cloth diapers. Diaper Types There currently are two types of diapering systems: reusable cloth diapers and single use (disposable) diapers. Cloth diapers provide containment through multiple layers of cotton fabric, usually aided by the use of plastic or cloth overpants. Nearly all disposable paper diapers now contain an absorbent gelling material within the cellular core.

Codisposal of Disposable Diapers with Shredded Municipal Refuse in Simulated Landfills

Pilot-scale investigations on the fate and potential effects of disposable diapers codisposed with shredded municipal refuse were conducted using simulated landfills operated under leachate containment and recycle conditions. Carbon fourteen(14C)-labelled absorbent gelling material (AGM) was used to detect the possible loss of the diaper polymer to the gases and liquids generated during the various stages of landfill stabilization. Only a small quantity (<3%) of the total 14C appeared in either the leachate or gas phases. This indicated only minor degradation of the 14C-labelled AGM to either leachate soluble products or methane (CH4) or carbon dioxide (CO2). Retrieval of the diapers and waste after the completion of the landfill stabilization is scheduled to confirm this finding and complete a 14C mass balance. Moreover, the overall results indicated the effectiveness of landfill simulations for determining the fate and effects of codisposed post-consumer products throughout the sequential phases of landfill stabilization.