How to Treat Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is an unpleasant experience babies go through, but one that parents sometimes cannot avoid. It’s hard to see your baby uncomfortable and in pain, so if your infant gets this condition, you have to treat it immediately.
Causes Of Diaper Rash
Diaper rash can occur because of many reasons. Here are some of the common culprits.
Wetness. Some diapers are not absorbent enough, leaving moisture on your child’s delicate skin. Once this breaks down and mizes with stool, ammonia forms.
Infection. Yeast and bacteria infections are common culprits that cause diaper rash.
Chemical sensitivity and chafing. Some baby powders and lotions have chemicals that are not ideal for sensitive baby skin. A diaper’s continuous rubbing against the skin can also be blamed.
Change in diet. When babies start eating solid food, their stool composition changes. A Breastfeeding mom’s diet can also affect diaper rash.
Treatment For Diaper Rash
Knowing the causes of diaper rash isn’t enough to get rid of it. Here are some steps you can follow to treat this condition properly.
What You’ll Need:
New breathable diaper
Water and baby soap
Soft washcloth and unscented baby wipes
Diaper rash cream
Cornstarch
Procedure:
Always check if your baby’s diaper is full and/or needs changing. This will ensure that the area stays clean and dry. Newborns need diaper changing every two or or less, but older babies can go a bit longer. Here are some more tips to follow when changing diapers.
When you see that your baby’s bottom is soiled or very wet, remove the diaper. Use the unscented baby wipes or a soft washcloth dipped in water to wash it. If there’s stool, you need to use antibacterial baby soap when cleaning your baby’s bottom. Make sure you clean the genitals, too. Pat it dry gently. Avoid rubbing the skin; this might worsen or cause skin chafing.
Get some diaper cream or “barrier ointment” and apply a generous amount all over your baby’s bottom and around the genital area. There are many diaper cream brands available today, but you can also use petroleum ointment or white zinc oxide.
Cornstarch or cornstarch-based powder also works great on diaper rash. Just spread it with a cottonball or makeup brush all over the affected parts.
Put a fresh new diaper on your baby, securing it loosely. This allows better air circulation.
If possible, leave your baby without any diaper for a few minutes, to air out his bottom.
If the rash looks infected, go to a doctor. He will prescribe oral or topical antibiotics and a different ointment for your child. Signs of an infected diaper rash include pus-filled pimples, blisters, open sores or oozing yellow patches.
Prevention is always better than cure. Learn how you can prevent this condition here.
Don’t let your baby suffer from diaper rash. Follow these steps and make sure his bottom stays clean, fresh and healthy all the time.