Abstract

Pushkar Shekhar Badhe* and Subhash Balasaheb Nathe

ABSTRACT

Diaper dermatitis or napkin rashes is a ubiquitous problem in the pediatric OPD.The condition is referred to as Ahiputana, Gudakuttaka, Mathrukadosha, Prishtaruand Anamaka in Ayurvedic classics. It is caused by improper care of infants andchildren requiring diapering and is also said to be caused by stanyadushti (vitiatedbreast milk). The disease is characterised by erythema, papules, pustules, ulcer,erosions, etc in the anal region. The condition has close resemblance with diaperdermatitis which encompasses irritant contact diaper dermatitis, candidial diaperdermatitis, perianal infectious dermatitis, etc and is comorbid with atisara-grahanirogas, putana graha, ksheeralasaka, charmadala, etc. The treatment involvesavoidance of causes, stanyasodhana (purification of breast milk), applications liketarkshyasaila, decoctions for cleansing, powders for dusting, etc. as per thecondition of the rash and doshas involved.