What is the common practice for oxygen use for diaper rash?

[Laurakfels]

When a neonate has a bad diaper rash, we try to leave the buttocks open to air as much as possible, as well as using blow-by oxygen directly to the diaper area. Some nurses use 21%, while others use 100% oxygen. What is the common practice on your unit? Has anyone seen any research done on this topic?

[chare]

I assume that you are using the flow to dry the perineum after cleansing? If so, I can't imagine that the FiO₂ matters. I did a brief Google search, and the only reference I was able to find was a Google Book site for The Great Ormond Street Hospital Manual of Children's Nursing Practices.

[klm412]

We use blow-by on diaper rashes but I never change the O2 level, I don't think it matters if you use 21% or 100%!

[tinkerbell419]

Oxygen for diaper rash. Really? Never heard of that one

[BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN]

We do that also, it is 100% as that is what our bags are, but it does help dry the area out! Makes sense, the only thing we are lacking is a mini hyperbaric chamber lol

[NICU_RNC, BSN, RN]

We don't do it because I didn't think there was any evidence supporting the practice. We just leave their open bums in the air. Anyone have a reference or resource supporting this?

[LRN_RN]

I've never heard of this one, but I started a diaper rash thread a few weeks ago. We use hair blow dryers on low heat to dry the diaper area.

[BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN]

It's pretty much just the airflow dries it out. Kind of just common sense I guess lol

[Labmom1118]

Never heard of this but it does make sense. We try to air dry, use a soft cloth with just water instead of the wipes, and get an order for diaper rash cream when it is severe. My only concern about this would be the cost of the tubing. Our boss is very focused on the budget.

[Jabu, BSN, RN]

Old practice used to be to use O2 flow on skin to aide in drying site, with the theory to have oxygen act as a healing agent in terms of vasoconstriction. The problem with high level O2 (100%) is that it can potentially effect the eyes worsening or inducing retinopathy of prematurity. Oxygen is a great medication, but the more we learn about the effects we become more cautious on how liberal we are using it. I personally have found great luck in using prescribed ointment, however the key is to apply a layer of vaseline to the actual diaper so it is unable to wipe off all that precious ointment.

[kp1987]

Would this work on an adult coccyx wound? Like when the skin is just starting to break down? I've used this method in NICU and Peds but have never thought to try it on an adult?

[offlabel]

It could be blow by air for the same effect... that must feel great!