A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 17 studies. Due to the poor reporting of methodology and results of the studies, there were no quantitative data available for analysis (or meta-analysis). Although the included studies appeared to favour cellulose-core disposable napkins over cloth, absorbent gelling material over cellulose-only core napkins, breathable outer shell over occlusive outer shell napkins and linings impregnated with formulations over plain linings, all of these studies were open to bias due to flawed methodology.
Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by poor reporting of the studies and high probability of publication bias. However, the clinically evident decrease in the incidence of severe napkin dermatitis seems to have coincided with the increase in the use of disposable napkins.
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