The effect of topical application of breast milk and education on preventing diaper dermatitis in children in rural areas

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to ascertain the impact of topical breast milk and diaper-area care instruction on the prevention of diaper dermatitis in rural settings. Design and methods: This was a pre-test–post-test experimental study with forty-eight 6–18-month-old children and their mothers. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: two experimental groups (Group A: breast milk, Group B: education) and one control group (Group C). Data were collected face-to-face through home-visits. A sociodemographic data and diaper-area care practices form and The Scale for Assessing the Severity of Uncomplicated Diaper Dermatitis in Infants were used for data collection. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between children who used breast milk application to prevent dermatitis compared to children whose parents received diaper-area care education and a control group (p = 0.002). Conclusions: It was determined that topical breast milk application and diaper-area care education given to mothers were effective in preventing diaper dermatitis, and the application of breast milk was found to be safe and more effective than education. Practice implications: These findings highlight the need for education, information and practical solutions to prevent and appropriately treat diaper dermatitis. © 2024 Elsevier Inc.