HYDROCOLLOID DRESSING FOR DIAPER DERMATITIS IN NEONATES AND YOUNG INFANTS HOSPITALIZED IN NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNITS: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Background
Diaper dermatitis (DD) is among the most frequent dermatological problems in neonates and young infants, particularly in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). This study aimed to examine the effect of hydrocolloid dressing on the healing process of DD.

Material and methods
A quasi-experimental controlled trial was conducted with 44 infants hospitalized in a NICU and diagnosed with DD (intervention group = 22; control group = 22). The intervention group received a hydrocolloid dressing, whereas the control group received a barrier cream containing 40% zinc oxide. The severity of DD was assessed using the Clinical Evaluation Scale for DD at baseline and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after care.

Results
Infants treated with hydrocolloid dressing had significantly lower mean DD scores at 24, 48, and 72 hours compared with those treated with zinc oxide cream (all p<0.001). The intervention group also demonstrated a significantly shorter healing time (p<0.001).

Conclusions
Hydrocolloid dressing was associated with faster improvement and shorter healing duration compared with zinc oxide cream in infants hospitalized in the NICU. Further randomized and blinded studies with larger samples are warranted to confirm these findings.