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Meta-Analysis
. 2006 Jul 19;2006(3):CD004262.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004262.pub2.

Disposable nappies for preventing napkin dermatitis in infants

E L Baer  1 , M W Davies, K J Easterbrook
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Disposable nappies for preventing napkin dermatitis in infants

E L Baer et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. .

Abstract

Background: Napkin dermatitis is a common condition that occurs in otherwise healthy infants. It causes discomfort to infants, anxiety to parents and caregivers and contributes to the load on the health care system. A large variety of napkins, both disposable and non-disposable, are available. Evidence is required to assist carers and health care workers in making informed decisions when balancing the pros and cons of different napkin choices.

Objectives: To assess whether disposable napkins prevent napkin dermatitis in infants.

Search strategy: We searched the Skin Group Specialised Register (up to June 2003), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in (The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2004), MEDLINE (from 1966 to November 2004), EMBASE (from 1980 to February 2003) and CINAHL (from 1982 to November 2004). We searched reference lists of articles. We contacted lead investigators in the area and companies that manufacture disposable napkins for access to unpublished trials.

Selection criteria: Randomised controlled trials in which disposable napkins were compared with other types of disposable napkins or non-disposable napkins, in infants up to two years of age, for preventing napkin dermatitis.

Data collection and analysis: Two authors independently extracted data. The same two authors independently assessed trials for methodological quality. Attempts were made to contact trial authors of the trials identified for clarification of methods and results of published trials.

Main results: We identified 28 studies of the effects of various napkin types on napkin dermatitis. Seventeen studies from nine reports were included. Eleven studies were excluded due to methodology that did not fit the inclusion criteria of this review. Due to the poor reporting of methodology and results of the studies found in this review, there were no quantitative data available for analysis (or meta-analysis). Although the included studies appeared to favour cellulose-core disposable napkins over cloth, absorbent gelling material over cellulose-only core napkins, breathable outer shell over occlusive outer shell napkins and linings impregnated with formulations over plain linings, all of these studies were open to bias due to flawed methodology.

Authors' conclusions: There is not enough evidence from good quality randomised controlled trials to support or refute the use and type of disposable napkins for the prevention of napkin dermatitis in infants.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

None known.

Update of

  • doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004262

References

References to studies included in this review

Akin 2001a {published data only}
    1. Akin F, Spraker M, Aly R, Leyden J, Raynor W, Landin W. Effects of breathable disposable diapers: reduced prevalence of Candida and common diaper dermatitis. Pediatric Dermatology 2001;18(4):282‐90. - PubMed
Akin 2001b {published data only}
    1. Akin F, Spraker M, Aly R, Leyden J, Raynor W, Landin W. Effects of breathable disposable diapers: reduced prevalence of Candida and common diaper dermatitis. Pediatric Dermatology 2001;18(4):282‐90. - PubMed
Baldwin 2001 {published data only}
    1. Baldwin S, Odio MR, Haines SL, O'Connor RJ, Englhart JS, Lane AT. Skin benefits from continuous topical administration of a zinc oxide/petrolatum formulation by a novel disposable diaper. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 2001;15(Supplement 1):5‐11. - PubMed
Campbell 1987a {published data only}
    1. Campbell RL. Clinical tests with improved disposable diapers. Pediatrician 1987;14(Suppl 1):34‐8. - PubMed
    1. Campbell RL, Seymour JL, Stone LC, Milligan MC. Clinical studies with disposable diapers containing absorbent gelling materials: Evaluation of effects on infant skin condition. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 1987;17(6):978‐87. - PubMed
Campbell 1987b {published data only}
    1. Campbell RL. Clinical tests with improved disposable diapers. Pediatrician 1987;14(Suppl 1):34‐8. - PubMed
    1. Campbell RL, Seymour JL, Stone LC, Milligan MC. Clinical studies with disposable diapers containing absorbent gelling materials: Evaluation of effects on infant skin condition. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 1987;17:978‐87. - PubMed
Campbell 1987c {published data only}
    1. Campbell RL. Clinical tests with improved disposable diapers. Pediatrician 1987;14(Suppl 1):34‐8. - PubMed
    1. Campbell RL, Seymour JL, Stone LC, Milligan MC. Clinical studies with disposable diapers containing absorbent gelling materials: Evaluation of effects on infant skin condition. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 1987;17:978‐87. - PubMed
Campbell 1987d {published data only}
    1. Campbell RL. Clinical tests with improved disposable diapers. Pediatrician 1987;14(Suppl 1):34‐38. - PubMed
    1. Campbell RL, Seymour JL, Stone LC, Milligan MC. Clinical studies with disposable diapers containing absorbent gelling materials: Evaluation of effects on infant skin condition. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 1987;17:978‐87. - PubMed
Davis 1989 {published data only}
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Jordan 1982d {published data only}
    1. Jordan WE, Blaney TL. Factors influencing infant diaper dermatitis. In: Maibach HI, Boisits EK editor(s). Neonatal skin: structure and function. New York: Dekker, 1982:205‐21.
Lane 1990 {published data only}
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Odio 2000a {published data only}
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Odio 2000b {published data only}
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Seymour 1987 {published data only}
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    1. Seymour JL, Keswick BH, Milligan MC, Jordan WP, Hanifin JM. Clinical and microbial effects of cloth, cellulose core and cellulose core/absorbent gel diapers in atopic dermatitis. Pediatrician 1987;14(Supplement 1):39‐43. - PubMed
Stein 1982 {published data only}
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References to studies excluded from this review

Berg 1994 {published data only}
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Campbell 1988 {published data only}
    1. Campbell RL, Bartlett AV, Sarbaugh FC, Pickering LK. Effects of diaper types on diaper dermatitis associated with diarrhea and antibiotic use in children in day‐care centers. Pediatric Dermatology 1988;5(2):83‐7. - PubMed
De Prost 1987 {published data only}
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Grant 1973 {published data only}
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Jordan 1986 {published data only}
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Longhi 1992 {published data only}
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Oranje 1987 {published data only}
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    1. Tio TT, Waard‐van der Spek FB, Oranje AP, Bilo RAC, Stolz E, Voorhoeve HWA. Prevention of diaper rash and the influence of the diaper used; a comparative study [Preventie van luierdermatitis en de invloed van der gebruikte luier]. Ned Tijdshr Geneeskd 1988;132(21):960‐3. - PubMed
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References to studies awaiting assessment

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