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Daper Rash - Causes and Remedies
A Diaper rash is very common in babies. Even the most diligent of parents will not be able to keep rashes at bay. Diaper rash (diaper dermatitis) is a skin irritation caused by prolonged skin wetness, friction with the diaper material, and contact with urine and stool. The skin may look red, raw, scalded, or burned. While a diaper rash is uncomfortable, normally it is not serious. Diaper rash is the most common skin problem seen in babies.
Most babies will have diaper rash at least once during their diaper wearing years. But most rashes are preventable and easily treated when caught early.
Signs and Symptoms
- The most common sign for a diaper rash is irritation, inflammation and redness in the genital region.
- The affected area sometimes looks bumpy or appears to have a rash of pimples. It is important that diaper rash is treated right away because it may lead to an infection if left unattended for long.
- A red, painful, swollen bump on the skin
- A generalized skin rash on other parts of the body:
Causes of Diaper Rash
- The primary cause of a diaper rash is constant exposure to wetness. Newborns urinate several times a day and often have loose and wet bowel movements, which are more likely to irritate the surrounding skin.
- Not changing a wet or dirty diaper often enough.
- Rubbing or irritation of the skin by a diaper.
- There are many highly absorbent diapers available in the market that make it difficult to determine whether or not a baby has urinated, thus many baby's are wet before their parents even realize it.
- Wet diapers are not the only cause of diaper rash. Some babies simply have very sensitive skin, and are more susceptible to all kinds of skin rashes including diaper rash.
- Diarrhea is often another common cause of diaper rash, because it irritates the skin much more than normal bowels.
Prevention of Diaper Rash
- Decrease skin wetness and minimize contact with urine and stool.
- If possible, change your baby's diaper before and after feeds. Change the diaper atleast 8-10 times a day.
- Apply a liberal amount of a barrier ointment. This will protect the skin from urine and stool, which is very helpful. Use a thick zinc oxide ointment. Apply this with every diaper change when the skin appears irritated.
- Allow your baby to go without a diaper for an hour a day. Simply let him/her lie on a towel for a short time. This is particularly useful for treating an already existing rash.
- Allow your baby's bottom to thoroughly dry after cleaning or washing before you put on a new diaper.
- Always wash your hands and your child's hands thoroughly before and after each diaper change.
- Wash cloth diapers with mild detergent and rinse them twice. Do not use bleach or fabric softeners.
- If diarrhea is present, protect the diaper area with a cream such as Desitin, Diaparene, A&D Ointment, or zinc oxide. This will protect the skin from bacteria that may cause infection.
- Use only a mild soap if soap is needed.
- Do not use "baby wipes" that contain alcohol or propylene glycol to clean the skin while a rash is present. It may burn the skin and spread bacteria on the skin.
The following ointments can help prevent a rash:
- Balmex Diaper Rash Ointment with Aloe & Vitamin E
- Desitin Diaper Rash Ointment, Creamy, Fresh Scent
- Johnson's Baby Diaper Rash Cream with Zinc Oxide
- Balmex Diaper Rash Ointment (Zinc Oxide) with Aloe and Vitamin
Remember a diaper rash, while common in newborns, is easily treated. But if the rash is associated with a fever or if the rash lasts longer than three days, be sure to contact your health care provider.