Diaper rash usually occurs when a baby's extremely sensitive skin stays moist, comes in contact with chemicals, and rubs against the diaper. There are various treatments, ranging from medications to herbal home remedies, that can bring relief to your child. Depending on the irritation, a different method will be needed. Experiment to learn which one works best for your child.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Treating the Redness
Step 1. Keep everything clean and dry as much as possible
Wash your baby's bottom with warm water. Resist the urge to scrub the area if possible. You can use a pear to spray water on sensitive areas. Gently wipe off any remaining stool with a damp cloth or baby wipe.
- If you are using a baby wipe, choose one that is fragrance- and alcohol-free.
- Diaper rash is a common type of contact dermatitis, in which the skin becomes inflamed due to prolonged contact of urine and fecal matter on the skin. If not taken early it can lead to bacterial and yeast infections.
- The best preventive measures are to avoid irritants and frequent diaper changes.
Step 2. Leave the baby in the air
If you need to dry it, pat it gently. Don't rub! It would further irritate the skin. Consider the following options:
- Put on a new diaper but leave it loose (or use one that is large)
- Keep the baby naked for a few minutes. The longer the bottom can stay in the air, the better.
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Consider making him sleep without a diaper. You can put a waxed sheet on the mattress to avoid nighttime disasters.
For the record, air-drying the irritation is better than with a towel
Step 3. Apply diaper cream
There are several without the need for a prescription. Zinc oxide is the main ingredient in many ointments and can be an effective remedy on its own in cases of moderate rash. Products based on lanolin, petrolatum-free gelatin, petrolatum itself, and petrolatum-based liniment work just as well.
- Zinc oxide paste, like Fissan, provides an effective barrier against skin irritants and decreases the friction of irritated skin. (In other words, it protects against urine and feces.)
- Avoid talc, it is bad for the lungs. Choose starch powder if you have to, but even that is not recommended - it can cause yeast to grow and lead to another irritation.
Part 2 of 2: Being Smart Parents
Step 1. Know why the irritation is coming
Humidity in general was probably the cause, but there are other reasons why your child may have developed irritation:
- Sensitivity to chemicals. Try changing diapers (or if you use cloth ones, change detergent), lotions, or talc. It is possible that your child's skin cannot stand some products well.
- New foods. If you've recently introduced different solids or foods, the change in diet may also have produced a change in stool, triggering irritation. And if you are breastfeeding, it could be something you "eat".
- Infection. If it doesn't go away, it could be a bacterial or yeast infection. Read further.
- Antibiotics. If your baby is on medications (or if you are taking them and breastfeeding them), antibiotics could reduce the number of good bacteria in your baby's immune system, leaving the bad ones free and creating irritation.
Step 2. Know when to go to the doctor
Diaper rash is usually nothing to worry about, but if it doesn't go away after 3-4 days, your baby could have a yeast infection. Regular Fissan-type creams will not solve the problem, so you will need to go to the pharmacy for a mild cortisone ointment or one prescribed by your pediatrician.
The protocol for a yeast rash is the same as for a common irritation (unless you notice symptoms other than the rash). Keep the baby as dry as possible, use an antifungal cream and wait a few days
Step 3. Prevent the onset
If you're following the steps above, diaper rash shouldn't be a problem. Clean the baby's bottom thoroughly, pat it dry and if it seems sensitive to irritation, use an ointment at each change. Avoid talc and leave the diaper soft.
- Introduce new foods one at a time. Since they can cause problems, it's best to know which ones to avoid.
- Breastfeed as long as you can, the natural antibodies contained in breast milk can increase defenses against infections.
- Make sure those who follow it besides you follow the right instructions.
Step 4. If all else fails, try a home remedy
Parents are the champions of home remedies so you are in good company. If for some reason you can't follow the standard steps, consider one of the following ideas:
- Try spreading a light layer of virgin coconut oil and zinc oxide. Use it as a diaper irritation ointment.
- Have your baby sit in the tub to which you have added a spoonful of baking soda. Some mothers believe that oats also have anti-inflammatory functions.
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For total effectiveness, mix a blend of Fissan, Desitin and hydrocortisone.
Always be cautious about home remedies, especially when it comes to your child's health. Talk to your doctor first
Advice
- The instructions here are for "treating contact irritation," which is the most common form of skin rash with diapers. Other types of irritation such as intertrigo, yeast irritation, impetigo and seborrhea require specific treatments which are not understood.
- Avoid making the baby wear the diaper too much. Air reduces skin irritation.
Warnings
- If the condition worsens, call your pediatrician.
- Use steroid ointments only if prescribed by your doctor. They can give other problems.
