Barrier Therapeutics published its first annual Vusion Baby Bottom Line Report that includes results from a nationwide survey of new and expectant mothers. Conducted by Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates, the report found that new and expectant mothers do not know that some diaper rash can be so severe that it may require prescription drug treatment. More importantly, many moms (52 percent) are unsure or do not know when to see a healthcare provider about their babies' severe diaper rash.
"Many of the cases of persistent diaper rash that I treat involve a yeast infection," said Dr. Jennifer Shu, a pediatrician in Atlanta, GA, and co-author of Heading Home with Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality. "However, parents don't always know that yeast is a common cause of these rashes, which can get worse without proper treatment."
Child Health and Safety
According to the survey:
-- Fewer than one in five moms could identify any of the defined differences between normal diaper rash and more serious or severe diaper rash
-- Only 29% of moms know that a severe diaper rash with yeast infection can progress quickly
-- Only one in five (20%) of moms are aware that over-the-counter medications are not approved to treat this condition
-- Nearly half of moms (43%) incorrectly believe or are not sure that cloth diapers prevent diaper rash
Candida, a specific type of yeast, is commonly found in the intestinal tract and is carried to the diaper area by a baby's stool. A microscopic evaluation is needed to determine if a baby is suffering from Diaper Dermatitis complicated by documented Candidiasis (DDCC). Treating DDCC, along with a regimen of cleansing and frequent diaper changes, may require the use of a prescription skin medication.
Antibiotics are a common cause of diaper rash with yeast infection as they affect the bacterial flora in the intestinal tract, thus allowing Candida (yeast infection) an increased opportunity to multiply. Candida can worsen a diaper rash, leaving a baby uncomfortable.
While almost every baby experiences one or more episodes of diaper rash before he is toilet-trained, a healthcare provider can confirm if a child's rash is accompanied by an infection. It is important that moms consult their physician if their child's rash lasts 2-3 days or the skin in the area presents with pustules (red spots) or with a beefy red appearance.
"Barrier Therapeutics is committed to increasing the awareness of parents about skin conditions, including diaper rash with documented yeast infection," said Dr. Braham Shroot, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Barrier Therapeutics Inc. "This is important because we have discovered that parents are quite unfamiliar with this condition and we encourage them to seek advice from their health care provider."
About Vusion (0.25% miconazole nitrate, 15% zinc oxide, 81.35% white petrolatum) Ointment
In 2006, Vusion Ointment was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to safely and effectively treat diaper rash with a documented yeast infection. Vusion ointment is the first and only product approved by the FDA to treat this condition and can be prescribed to infants as young as four weeks with a normal immune system.
"Vusion Ointment is the only medication specifically approved by the FDA to treat diaper rash complicated by yeast," said Dr. Shu. "The fact that Vusion Ointment has three active ingredients in one tube makes it more practical when you're trying to treat a yeast infection while also helping protect and heal the skin. Unlike other forms of treatment, this combination allows parents and other caregivers to apply a single ointment at every diaper change for up to seven days."