Parents try their hardest to keep their children as comfortable as they can, but every once in a while things happen that are out of our control. That is your job to find a way to make it right or better. Everybody knows that when you have a happy baby it tends to make everybody else happy.
Diaper rash is inflamed skin that may appear bright red on your baby's bottom.
- Diaper rash is marked by red, puffy and tender looking skin in the diaper region.
- Your baby may seem more uncomfortable than usual, especially during diaper changes. A baby will often fuss or cry when being washed or touched.
Diaper rash is usually easily treated and improves within a few days after starting some form of treatment. If your baby's skin doesn't improve after a few days of treatment and more frequent diaper changes, talk to your doctor. Sometimes, diaper rash leads to secondary infections that may require prescription medications.
Have your child examined if:
- The rash is severe
- The rash worsens despite home treatment
- Fever
- Blisters or boils
- A rash that extends beyond the diaper area
- Pus or weeping discharge
- Unusual sleepiness
- Irritation from stool and urine. Prolonged exposure to urine or feces can irritate a baby's sensitive skin. Your baby may be more prone to diaper rash if he or she is experiencing frequent bowel movements because feces are more irritating than urine.
- Introduction of new foods. As babies start to eat solid foods, the content of their stool changes, increasing the likelihood of diaper rash. Changes in your baby's diet can also increase the frequency of stools, which can lead to diaper rash. If your baby is breast-feeding, your baby may develop diaper rash in response to something the mother has eaten.
- Irritation from a new product. Disposable wipes, a new brand of disposable diapers, or a detergent, bleach or fabric softener used to launder cloth diapers can all irritate your baby's delicate bottom. Other substances that can add to the problem include ingredients found in some baby lotions, powders and oils.
- Bacterial or yeast (fungal) infection. What begins as a simple skin infection may spread to the surrounding region. The area covered by a diaper — buttocks, thighs and genitals — is especially vulnerable because it's warm and moist, making a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. These rashes can be found within the creases of the skin, and there may be red dots scattered around the creases.
- Sensitive skin. Babies with skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or eczema, may be more likely to develop diaper rashes. However, the irritated skin of atopic dermatitis and eczema primarily affects areas other than the diaper area.
- Chafing or rubbing. Tight fitting diapers or clothing that rubs against the skin can lead to a rash.
- Use of antibiotics. Antibiotics kill bacteria — the good kinds as well as the bad. When a baby takes antibiotics, bacteria that keep yeast growth in check may be depleted, resulting in diaper rash due to yeast infection. Babies whose breast-feeding mothers are on antibiotics are also vulnerable.
- A + D
- Balmex
- Desitin
- Triple paste
- All Natural Boudreaux's Butt Paste (this was the product of my personal choice until I found Miracle Soap II Products)
Web MD also has a nice list on how to help the rash while also using the Miracle Soap II Products.
Here are a few simple strategies can help decrease the likelihood of diaper rash developing on your baby's skin:
- Let you child go without a diaper for short periods of time, such as during naps.
- Avoid using plastic or tight fitting diaper covers.
- Use larger than usual sized diapers until the rash goes away.
- Change diapers often. Remove dirty diapers promptly. If your child is in child care, ask staff members to do the same.
- Rinse your baby's bottom with water as part of each diaper change. You can use a sink, tub or water bottle for this purpose. Moist washcloths and cotton balls also can aid in cleaning the skin. Don't use wipes that contain alcohol or fragrance.
- Pat your baby dry with a clean towel. Don't scrub your baby's bottom. Scrubbing can further irritate the skin.
- Don't over tighten diapers. Diapers that are too tight prevent airflow into the diaper region, setting up a moist environment favorable to diaper rashes. Tight fitting diapers can also cause chafing at the waist or thighs.
- Give your baby's bottom more time without a diaper. When possible, let your baby go without a diaper. Exposing skin to air is a natural and gentle way to let it dry. To avoid messy accidents, try laying your baby on a large towel and engage in some playtime while he or she is bare-bottomed.
- Wash cloth diapers carefully. In advanced soak heavily soiled cloth diapers and use hot water to wash them. Use a mild detergent and skip the fabric softeners and dryer sheets because they can contain fragrances that may irritate your baby's skin. Double rinse your baby's diapers if your child already has a diaper rash or is prone to developing diaper rash. If you use a diaper service to clean your baby's diapers, make sure the diaper service takes these steps as well.
- After changing diapers, wash your hands well. Hand washing can prevent the spread of bacteria or yeast to other parts of your baby's body, to you or to other children.
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