Diaper rash is a nagging rash that occurs on the baby's bottom and can be traced to a variety of causes, including irritation, skin infections, and allergies. This is a very common ailment and fortunately it is easy to treat; although most babies suffer from it sooner or later, with a few simple precautions you can prevent it from developing.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Change the Diaper Immediately
Step 1. Change it now
Wet diapers make the skin more delicate and susceptible to irritation; to prevent this from happening, replace it promptly as soon as you notice it is dirty or wet, even if the baby is not uncomfortable.
Step 2. Always rinse your baby's bottom
At each diaper change you should wash the baby's genital area and buttocks with warm water, making sure the skin is really clean.
Use a soft cloth or cotton balls for this and remember to be extremely delicate
Step 3. Give your skin time to dry
It is vital not to put the diaper back on until your butt is completely dry, otherwise trapped moisture can trigger dermatitis.
- Try leaving the baby without a diaper for a few minutes; put a towel under his body in case of "accidents".
- If you are in a hurry, pat your skin with a dry cloth or wave your hand to speed up the process.
Step 4. Don't rub his skin
Whether you are washing, drying or cleaning it, be very careful not to exert excessive pressure; otherwise, you could irritate his delicate skin and make him even more susceptible to diaper rashes.
Just dab it carefully instead of scrubbing it; this is an equally effective method but causes less discomfort
Step 5. Apply a specific cream
Protect the skin of her butt by spreading a cream with every nappy change; the product acts as a barrier which makes the epidermis less vulnerable.
- Some creams contain petroleum jelly, others zinc oxide; both types are effective, but you can try both before deciding which one is best for your child.
- You can also consider powders, but choose those that contain corn starch instead of talc, as this latter substance can cause lung damage; remember to pour the powder on your hands first and away from the baby's face, to avoid the risk of inhaling it.
Part 2 of 3: Choosing the Best Diaper
Step 1. Switch to a lower absorbency product
Diapers that can hold large amounts of fluid are not always the best choice for a baby's skin that is susceptible to dermatitis; generally, they retain too much moisture, creating favorable conditions for a skin rash. If your child often suffers from this disorder, choose a lower absorbency product.
Textile ones are perfect, but there are also poorly absorbent disposable nappies
Step 2. Make sure it's the right size
If the diaper is too tight, it could prevent good air circulation, thus increasing the risk of erythema; make sure it's not time to upgrade to a larger size.
- Clothes should also be comfortable and loose.
- Be careful not to over-tighten the diaper, even if it is the correct size; find the right compromise between comfort and the risk of spills.
Step 3. Avoid models with liner and plastic edges
This material is perfect for trapping heat and moisture, just what you don't want to happen. To prevent bacteria from finding a favorable environment to proliferate on the baby's bottom, throw away any diapers or plastic linings.
Step 4. Thoroughly wash the fabric ones
If you have chosen to use cotton ones, it is essential to wash them thoroughly to clean them, sanitize them and eliminate all traces of soap; there are many effective techniques, so choose the one you prefer.
- Wash them in very hot water with a neutral detergent for best results.
- Do a pre-wash and rinse them twice to make sure they are perfectly clean.
- Consider adding bleach or vinegar to the wash cycle.
- Do not use fabric softeners or anti-static dryer sheets, as they contain irritating chemicals.
Part 3 of 3: Avoiding Other Causes
Step 1. Avoid skin irritants
Some children have very sensitive skin that becomes inflamed by simple contact with perfumes and other chemicals. Prevent this possibility by washing your baby's bottom with water alone whenever possible.
- If water isn't enough, opt for perfume-free soaps and alcohol-free wet wipes; never use those soaked in alcohol, because they dry out the epidermis very much.
- Put a drop or two of lavender oil in the bath soap before pouring it into the tub water. this substance prevents diaper rash. You can also use wet wipes that contain lavender at each change.
- Some babies are allergic to disposable nappies or even to the detergent you use to wash cloth diapers, in which case you need to switch brands.
Step 2. Pay attention to food sensitivities
Some rashes can be caused by allergic reactions to new foods the baby has started eating. It is worth introducing one solid food at a time to monitor any type of skin reaction and possibly remove the foods that cause it from the diet.
It is not necessary to avoid that specific food for life, the baby may become less sensitive as he grows
Step 3. Breastfeed the baby if possible
Breast milk strengthens the baby's immune defenses against infections, which means they will need less antibiotics. This is a very important detail to combat diaper rash, as sometimes the rash is triggered by these drugs.
Step 4. Give Probiotics a Try
They favor the development of the intestinal bacterial flora; if the child often suffers from diaper rash, probiotics may reduce the frequency of the episodes.
