A new study published in Pediatric Dermatology aimed to determine the impact of Regimen A – diaper with an emollient and apertures on the inner liner with an acidic pH-buffered wipe, on diaper area erythema severity over a 2-week use period.

This blinded, randomized, crossover study enrolled newborn infants >7 days and ≤ 8 weeks old. Participants exclusively used two unique diaper and wipe combinations—Regimen A and Regimen B, non-emollient, non-aperture containing topsheet and wipe with limited buffering capacity—each for 14 days and preceded by a 3-day washout regimen.

The results revealed that the diapered skin pH was reduced during Regimen A, to values similar to that of a non-diapered control site (chest). Whereas, Regimen B was associated with a more alkaline skin pH. Regimen A rendered significantly fewer severe erythema episodes. Moreover, at the site of highest erythema – the perianal space, the average erythema score was significantly lower and more newborns were free of erythema while using Regimen A versus Regimen B.

Thus, it was concluded that diapering products can have a significant impact on newborn skin. Appropriate products can reinforce physiological normalization of skin pH and hence, protect from skin irritation and damage.

Source: Pediatric Dermatology. 2021 May 31. doi: 10.1111/pde.14602.