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More Diseases and Conditions Topics
Diaper Rash - symptom, Treatment of Diaper Rash
Diaper Rash Information
Diaper Rash is a painful eruption in the groin and diaper area in infants. In severe cases, it can cause enough discomfort to make the baby hold back urine. What you're seeing is most likely diaper rash, a common form of inflamed skin (dermatitis). Diaper rash is a term that covers a broad variety of skin conditions that occur on the same area of the body. Some babies are more prone to diaper rash than others. It occurs when urine in the diaper remains in contact with the skin for too long, making the skin tender. The rash is usually caused by the diaper on tender skin. Treated appropriately, diaper rash will resolve fairly quickly if there is no underlying health problem or skin disease.
Most infants develop a diaper rash at some time or another; some even arrive home from the hospital with a slight rash. Diaper rash may be more common after solid foods are added to your baby's diet or when your baby is taking antibiotics. Although frustrating for parents, most children get at least one diaper rash, and many get them over and over. If your baby gets diaper rash, you should change a soiled diaper immediately, and keep the irritated skin clean and dry. Leave your baby without a diaper for short periods, allowing air to reach the skin. If your baby has a fever, loss of appetite, or has developed large bumps around the rash, call your doctor. To treat a diaper rash, you can do many of the same things, but try to avoid vigorous rubbing of sore areas.
Cause of Diaper Rash
The cause of Diaper Rash is irritation from the breakdown products of urine staying in contact with the delicate skin. Secondary infection, either fungal or bacterial can occur.
Treatment of Diaper Rash
- Get rid of diapers
- leave baby without a napkin till the rash is better, then substitute soft cotton nappies that you should change immediately when wet.
- the usual warm water of baby's bath may burn the rash area.
- use slightly cooler water for her bath.
SEVEN WAYS TO PREVENT OR MINIMIZE DIAPER RASH
If your baby does not have a problem with diaper rash, then you don't need to be too strict with these preventative measures. However, if you are constantly battling rash, here are some helpful hints to minimize it:
- Change diapers frequently - at least every two hours in newborns . You can space this out as baby starts to urinate less often.
- Change poopy diapers right away - this is a lot of trouble at first since newborns often have small, frequent stools. This will slow down as baby grows.
- Try different brands - if using disposables, another brand may fit a little better and cause less friction.
- Rinse cloth diapers - add a half-cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle. This helps remove alkaline irritants. Your diaper service can also do this.
- Wipe well - be sure to wipe all the stool and urine away.
- Use unscented wipes or just plain water - these are less irritating. You can even rinse out the wipes with water, although this takes more time.
- Diaper rash cream - some lucky babies don't need any. More sensitive bottoms need cream with each new diaper. There are two basic types of barrier creams: Petroleum ointment (Original A & D ointment) - this is an excellent preventative every-day ointment. It's less sticky and less messy. White zinc oxide - this is thicker and may be better for babies who are more prone to rash.
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