Diaper rash is a common ailment of infants and young children. This is not a very dangerous disease, but it causes severe discomfort to the little patient and may prevent him from sleeping well. One way to relieve pain, provide relief and get rid of rash is to use a specific diaper change cream. There are numerous products on the market to treat this problem, and they all work in much the same way: they protect the skin from irritation and soothe it from inflammation and redness. In severe cases or when an infection develops, the pediatrician may prescribe antibiotics, an antifungal or anti-inflammatory cream. Mild to moderate rashes should resolve within three days.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Knowing when to Apply the Cream
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms of diaper rash
Every child suffers from it sooner or later. More than half of newborns show signs of this skin irritation at least once every two months. Learn to recognize the most common signs to start treatment immediately. The symptoms are:
- Bright pink or red skin around the groin, thighs and butt
- Dry and inflamed epidermis in the area covered by the diaper;
- Ulcers or wheals
- The baby is more annoyed than usual when suffering from diaper rash.
Step 2. Avoid the problem by following proper procedures when changing nappies
In some cases the erythema disappears by itself, provided that adequate techniques are followed; you can in fact avoid using the cream by changing the diaper often and leaving the clean skin exposed to the air. The right techniques for changing the diaper are:
- Change it often, approximately every two hours and after each evacuation;
- Gently wash the baby's butt with warm water: don't rely on wet wipes alone to clear the feces from the skin;
- Use a mild soap only for cleaning feces: do not use the detergent every time you wash your baby's butt;
- Use alcohol-free and perfume-free wet wipes;
- Let the baby often remain naked, to allow the skin to breathe and dry;
- Dry the skin by patting instead of rubbing (friction can irritate it);
- Put the new diaper on only when the skin is completely dry and has been exposed to the air for some time;
- Make sure the new nappy is soft and not snug to the skin;
- Wash cloth diapers very carefully to avoid the spread of bacteria, a vinegar rinse can kill the microorganisms responsible for erythema;
- Wash your hands carefully after each diaper change.
Step 3. Apply the cream only if there are signs of skin irritation, if the baby has normal skin
Most babies don't need any products with every nappy change. In many cases, erythema can be avoided by making sure the baby's bottom remains dry, clean, exposed to air, and does not come into contact with stool. However, all babies who wear diapers will sooner or later suffer from this dermatological disorder. If the problem occurs occasionally, use the cream as soon as you notice the first signs of irritation, there is no need to apply it as a method of prevention.
Step 4. Apply the cream at each change if your baby has sensitive skin
Some babies are particularly susceptible to diaper rash. If the baby is constantly plagued by this problem and continues to have a rash, despite all the precautions and correct diaper change procedures, it is worth smearing a product at each change. It is possible that the baby has very sensitive skin, which needs more protection.
Step 5. Use the cream when the baby is suffering from diarrhea
This product is very useful in this case, because with diarrhea it is difficult to change the diaper often enough to avoid erythema. The consistency of the stool also increases the chances of the irritation spreading all over the butt. If the baby is afflicted with this disorder, spread the cream with each diaper change as a preventative method.
If the problem is persistent and severe, call your pediatrician to prevent your baby from becoming dehydrated
Part 2 of 3: Choosing the Best Cream
Step 1. Ask your pediatrician to recommend some good brands of diaper changing creams
Some products are very dense and help prevent irritation. Others, on the other hand, are more liquid and are absorbed ensuring a good exposure of the skin to the air. To choose the correct consistency for the baby's needs, talk to your pediatrician; can give you some wise advice and tell you if the rash is more likely to disappear thanks to a thick or liquid cream.
Step 2. Purchase a diaper area cream that is safe for babies
These products are available in pharmacies and some supermarkets. If you are caring for a newborn, you should always have a tube of cream on hand to avoid rashes. Look for one that contains ingredients such as zinc oxide, calendula or aloe: these substances soothe, protect red and inflamed skin. Petroleum jelly and other mineral oils are additional common and safe ingredients.
- If your little one has some allergies or a sensitive skin, remember to read the ingredient label carefully to make sure the cream doesn't make the situation worse. For example, babies allergic to wool should not be exposed to ointments that contain lanolin.
- Most creams are designed to be used in conjunction with disposable nappies. If you have chosen cloth ones, check that the packaging of the product you purchased explicitly states that it is safe even with this type of diapers.
- Use ointments that are clearly safe for babies. Avoid those with concentrations designed for adults or products that contain boric acid, sodium bicarbonate, camphor, benzocaine, diphenhydramine, or salicylates. These ingredients can be dangerous for babies.
Step 3. Try different types of cream
Some babies are sensitive to certain common ingredients in nappy changing creams. If you feel that a product irritates your skin the most, try another brand with a different formulation. Proceed by trial and error, carefully observing which type of cream is best for the baby.
This advice also applies to other substances that come into contact with the baby, such as laundry detergents, soaps, detergents and fabrics. If you're having trouble finding a cleanser that doesn't irritate your baby's skin, try some hypoallergenic products that don't contain alcohol and fragrances
Step 4. Store the cream in a safe place
Even if you bought a non-toxic product, ingestion is never safe. Remember to store it in a place out of reach of the little one, such as a high shelf or child-resistant drawer. Keep the tube sealed with a safety cap.
Part 3 of 3: Apply the Cream Properly
Step 1. Change your nappy every few hours and after every bowel movement
The best time to apply the cream is during a diaper change. Parents with newborn babies should provide every two hours and after each defecation, while people with slightly older children may reduce the frequency of baby changes, as they don't urinate as often. Especially if your little one has diaper rash or sensitive skin, you should make sure you change the stool soiled diaper as soon as possible - fecal matter is the main cause of irritation and rash.
If your baby is suffering from nappy rash, check the nappy every hour during the day and once during the night to make sure it is not dirty
Step 2. Gather everything you need for the change
If all the material is within reach, the process is easier and safer for the child. That way, you are less likely to leave your little one unattended when changing. Here's what you need:
- A clean diaper;
- A towel or changing mat
- Cream;
- Warm water or alcohol-free wet wipes
- Soft towels and cloths;
- A waterproof bag or trash can for the dirty diaper.
Step 3. Lay a clean towel or mat on the floor or changing table
Do not leave the baby unattended on an elevated surface. If he is suffering from diaper rash, you should change him to a towel on the ground, so it is easier to leave him without clothes for some time.
If you are using an elevated surface, such as a changing table, make sure the baby is securely fastened to the mat or table
Step 4. Undress the baby
Take off his shoes, pants and untie his bodysuit. Lift the shirt up so that it is away from the nappy area; the area must be absolutely free of clothing to avoid dirtying them. The cream that you apply to the diaper change can leave stains, removing clothes can prevent them from staining unnecessarily.
Step 5. Remove the dirty diaper
Unhook the safety pins on the fabric model or peel off the adhesive tabs on the disposable models. Open the dirty diaper and slide it away from the baby's body. Hold the baby's legs to prevent him from accidentally kicking into the used diaper. You need to make sure it doesn't come into contact with bacteria and dirt.
Step 6. Clean the baby
A baby suffering from diaper rash has very inflamed and sensitive skin. However, you need to clean it carefully to get rid of the old or hardened cream from the last application. Do not use scented or alcohol-containing wet wipes; in this case, hot water is better. You can use a mild, fragrance-free soap if your baby's bottom is particularly dirty.
- Use a spray bottle filled with warm water to clean the baby to avoid irritation from friction. You can also soak your butt in the tub of hot water for a few minutes to cleanse it and soothe the discomfort a little at the same time.
- Make sure you have removed all urine, feces, and any remnants of the old cream.
- If you need to use a cloth to remove the last traces of dirt, remember to use a very soft fabric and to be extremely delicate. Rub from the genital area towards the anus and never vice versa.
Step 7. Pat your skin dry
Using a very soft cloth, pat the skin to remove moisture; do not rub or rub because friction worsens the erythema. Moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria that cause rash, so the baby's skin must be as dry as possible.
Step 8. Let the area breathe
Keep the baby's bottom exposed to the air for as long as possible; this is the best way to prevent erythema and promote healing. By doing this, your skin can breathe and dry out, and the circulation of air discourages bacterial and fungal proliferation. If possible, give the baby 10 minutes to be able to run out of diapers at each change.
Step 9. Place the clean one under the baby's butt
Place it under your baby's bottom and legs so you can fasten it easily. Lift the baby's legs and let the diaper slide under his body, the locking tabs must be on the side of the back, at the same level as the belly.
If you have severe erythema, you should use one-size-fits-all diapers for a few days to promote air circulation, healing, and prevent moisture build-up
Step 10. Apply a generous amount of cream to your finger
You can decide to use a clean glove or handkerchief if you wish. Spread the product on all inflamed areas and surrounding skin. Pay particular attention to the anal, genital area and the folds of the skin around the thighs. Feel free to apply as much cream as you think necessary to cover any surface that comes into contact with the diaper. You should create an even layer that protects the inflamed skin from moisture. Just like for cleaning, spread the cream with movements from the genital area to the anal area, to avoid infections of the urogenital tract.
- Avoid touching the inflamed or red area too often: apply the ointment by tapping it and make sure you do not rub it or touch it further.
- Some tubes are equipped with a nozzle that allows you to squeeze the cream directly onto the epidermis. This accessory is very useful if the baby's skin is very inflamed or painful, because it avoids direct contact and therefore further irritation.
- If your pediatrician has prescribed a medical product, follow their instructions. There are specific ointments to be applied together with the over-the-counter ones. Ask your pediatrician how to use them together and how they work.
Step 11. Add a layer of petroleum jelly if needed
Some diaper creams are particularly thick and cause the diaper to stick to the baby's skin. All this aggravates the erythema; To keep this from happening and to encourage airflow, consider adding a thin layer of petroleum jelly on top of the cream. By doing so, the diaper fits loosely and softly, encouraging healing.
In some cases, you can also choose to use petroleum jelly as a diaper change cream
Step 12. Close the clean diaper
Pull the front up, so it lines up with the back. Attach the adhesive tabs to make the nappy adhere comfortably, but securely. It is recommended to leave it slightly wider than normal to facilitate the healing process and prevent the skin from cracking.
Step 13. Put the clothes and shoes back on the baby
Once the baby is clean, put on a new diaper and a fresh layer of cream, you can dress him in whatever clothes you like. However, you should allow him to remain without clothes for as long as possible, try to give him 30 minutes a day of "break" from the diaper.
If your clothes have become soiled, immediately change them to clean ones. You need to prevent bacteria from spreading and aggravating the erythema
Step 14. Clean up
Since nappy rash is caused in part by bacteria, you need to be sure that all of the material is clean after a change. The baby's changing table, clothes, hands and feet, as well as your hands, should be washed thoroughly in case they come into contact with urine or feces. Use warm, soapy water to wash your hands (even the baby's if necessary). Throw away all dirty items properly and take your clothes to the laundry room to be washed.
Step 15. Call your pediatrician if symptoms don't subside within three days
Normal diaper rash should go away after three days of treatment. However, some dermatological infections, mycoses or allergies may show erythema-like symptoms. These conditions need to be treated with different medications and take longer to heal. If the cream does not relieve the discomfort and does not resolve the situation, talk to your pediatrician. You may need to change the ointment, do an allergy test, or use prescription medications.
If you notice any abnormal symptoms - such as fever, purulent discharge or ulcers - call your pediatrician immediately
Advice
- Undressing the baby from the waist down prevents the cream from staining clothes. Use a towel to cover the changing table to prevent the product from coming into contact with hard-to-clean surfaces.
- Remember that diaper rash is completely normal and all babies suffer from it. Do not overdo it and do not panic: remember that cleanliness, the absence of humidity and good air circulation are the key factors in making your baby heal. Diaper creams help speed up healing.
Warnings
- See your pediatrician if your baby is suffering from stubborn diaper rash that doesn't heal after taking antibiotics, as it could be a fungal infection that requires medical cream.
- Never leave a baby unattended on the changing table or on an elevated surface. Always keep one hand on his body to keep him from rolling off the table.
- Do not use talcum powder for the purpose of avoiding diaper rash, as it can irritate the baby's lungs.
