Imaging reveals distinct textures at three infant skin sites and reflects skin barrier status.

BACKGROUND

Infant diaper dermatitis (DD) is a prevalent condition due to multiple, interactive factors including increased skin hydration, irritant exposure, and increased skin pH. We examined diaper dermatitis vs within diaper and non-diaper controls over time and characterized the association of skin color and texture relative to skin barrier integrity, hydration, and pH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The prospective study included 46 infants with DD at well-child visits. Skin integrity was evaluated over 15 days, including visual skin condition, rate of stratum corneum transepidermal water accumulation, hydration, pH, and skin color and texture from high-resolution digital skin surface images. Effects by site and time were evaluated with general linear models.

RESULTS

Six distinct texture patterns were observed. All three sites differed significantly for texture class frequency. Normal dermatoglyphics were more frequent for non-diaper vs both within diaper and rash sites. Dermatoglyphics with marked furrows or lines (class 3) were common within diaper vs rash but not for non-diaper vs within diaper. Streaks were highest for DD and lowest for non-diaper. Flat regions were more frequent DD. Barrier integrity, that is, moisture accumulation rate, was lower for normal dermatoglyphics than streaks or flat texture. DD severity decreased over 15 days. Barrier properties of within diaper and non-diaper areas were not well-differentiated.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of streak texture in the within diaper high magnification images was high despite being visually normal. This finding suggests that it is an "early indicator" of skin damage and may be clinically useful for early detection and treatment.