Diaper rash is a condition that is characterized by redness
of the baby’s bottom. It is often linked to diaper wetness if you delay in
changing a baby or if the baby’s skin is sensitive to certain types of diapers.
The symptoms range from red bottom to unusually tender-looking skin on the baby’s genitals or buttocks. Besides, the baby tends cry a
lot and convey discomfort during diaper changing or when you touch the diaper
area.
What Causes Diaper Rash?
Sensitive skin: if the baby’s skin is characterized by
eczema or atopic dermatitis, the baby may get irritated around the diaper area.
Delayed diaper changing: prolonged delay in diaper changing
may cause irritation of the baby’s skin. If the baby is experiencing constant
bowel movements without diaper changing, the waste is likely to irritate the
sensitive skin.
Diaper components: if you are using disposable diapers, then
there are high chances that your baby will be vulnerable to diaper rash unless
you invest in diapers that are squarely designed for sensitive skins. That’s
because these diapers contain compositions of fragrances and dyes that cause
irritation.
Your baby may also be susceptible to diaper rash if you’re
utilizing powders, lotions or dies that are unfriendly to gentle skins.
Consumption of solid foods: the composition of your baby’s
wastes changes with the introduction of new or solid foods increasing the
likely hood of diaper rashes. Frequent bowel movements as a result of the
consumption of solid food may also lead to diaper rash.
Consequently,
breast-fed babies who are allergic to what a mom is consuming may respond with
diaper rash as symptoms.
Infection by bacteria or fungi
Delay in diaper changing allows the diaper moisture to
create a conducive environment for the growth of fungi or bacteria. The
warm-moist area may start developing some red spots or patches around regions
usually covered by diapers and within the creases of the sensitive skin.
Tight diapers
If the diapers are tight, they rub against the sensitive
skin leading to a rash.
How to Prevent Diaper Rash
Use the right diaper size: do not use a too tight diaper as
this prevents the circulation of air on the baby’s genitals. Constant airflow
dries the moisture around reducing the possibility of a diaper rash. Besides, a
comfortable diaper will not rub against the sensitive skin.
Change the diapers every often: most disposable diapers are
made with a wetness indicator to signal to you when the baby is wet. Do not
wait too long to change the diaper.
Use warm water to wipe the baby’s bottom: a moisturized
cotton wool, wash-cloth or baby wipes will do well in cleaning the sensitive
skin. Be gentle and avoid fragrance or alcohol. If necessary, use a mild soap
that is free from fragrance.
Occasionally, let your baby stay without a diaper: keeping
your baby without diaper is a great way to dry moisture that build-up on skin
to counter the probability of diaper rash formation.
Apply ointment after diaper change: the ointments act as a
barrier protecting the skin from irritation. For diaper ointments, you can
choose between zinc oxide and petroleum jelly.
Home Remedies for Diaper Rash
Only see a doctor if:
The skin bleeds or oozes
The rash gets severe and does not heal with home remedies
The rash is painful and burning when urinating or during
bowel movement
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