Sunflower and Olive Oils for Preventing Diaper Dermatitis in Hospitalized Infants

Diaper dermatitis is a common skin condition in infants and occurs more frequently in hospitalized infants receiving systemic antibiotics. This quasi-experimental study evaluated the preventive effects of sunflower oil and olive oil on diaper dermatitis. The study included 150 infants aged 0-24 months hospitalized and receiving antibiotic therapy. Participants were assigned to three groups: sunflower oil, olive oil, and control. In the intervention groups, oils were applied to the diaper area after each diaper change, while the control group received routine care. Infants were followed daily for 3-7 days, and diaper dermatitis severity was assessed using a four-stage clinical classification. The primary outcome was the incidence of diaper dermatitis. The study aimed to determine whether sunflower oil and olive oil reduce diaper dermatitis in hospitalized infants.

• Sunflower Oil (Other): Sunflower oil applied to the diaper area after each diaper change during hospitalization.
• Olive Oil (Other): Olive oil applied to the diaper area after each diaper change during hospitalization.
• Routine Care (Other): Routine diaper care without topical oil application during hospitalization.

Primary outcomes

• Incidence of diaper dermatitis [During hospitalization (3 days up to 7 days)]: Incidence of diaper dermatitis assessed using diaper dermatitis severity scoring system in hospitalized infants receiving sunflower oil, olive oil, or routine care.

Secondary outcomes

• Four-grade clinical classification described by Kırçuval (2001) [During hospitalization (3-7 days)]: Diaper dermatitis severity was assessed daily using the four-grade clinical classification described by Kırçuval (2001). Severity ranges from Grade I to Grade IV (1-4). Grade I indicates mild erythema limited to the diaper area; Grade II indicates marked erythema with lesions or desquamation limited to the diaper area; Grade III indicates marked erythema extending to the inner thighs and abdomen; and Grade IV indicates severe erythema with erosion and pustules. Higher grades indicate greater diaper dermatitis severity and therefore a worse outcome.

Sex: All, ages: 0 Months to 24 Months

Inclusion Criteria:

* Infants aged 0-24 months
* Hospitalized and receiving systemic antibiotic therapy
* Expected hospital stay of 3-7 days
* Using disposable diapers
* Written informed parental consen

Exclusion Criteria:

* Premature or low birth weight infants
* Existing diaper dermatitis
* Diarrhea or oral candidiasis
* Chronic skin diseases (eczema, atopy, seborrheic dermatitis)
* Receiving antifungal treatment
* Neurological or urological anomalies
* Use of urinary catheter or bag
* Toilet-trained infants