Skin Care and Environmental Sustainability Improvements with Baby Diaper Developments

Irritant diaper dermatitis is among the most prevalent skin disorders of infancy and early childhood, and is often a source of significant discomfort and distress for the child and his or her parents. Skin wetness, friction and the interaction of urine and faeces are the most important factors leading to diaper rash. Manufacturers of disposable baby diapers such as Pampers® have been continuously improving diaper technologies to provide superior skin dryness and a healthier environment for the skin in the diaper area. Clinical data demonstrate a positive effect of better diaper technologies on the incidence and severity of diaper dermatitis. Product innovations have also resulted in a 50 % reduction of the diaper weight and a 70 % reduction in packaging material over the past 25 years. On the question of ‘cloth versus disposable’ diapers, a life-cycle assessment study published by the UK Environment Agency confirmed that ‘there is little or no difference in terms of environmental impacts between disposable and reusable diaper systems’ once all factors, including water, energy, detergent use and disposal, have been considered.