Diaper dermatitis also known as diaper rash is a term used to describe skin irritation around the diaper area. It is a very common condition. The skin becomes red, tender and sore. Your baby will be irritated and uncomfortable.
What causes diaper rash?
Several categories cause diaper rash. Here is the list of the most important causes:
Skin infection. It is linked directly to continuous wet diaper or infrequent change of diapers. The most absorbent diaper leaves some moisture on your baby’s skin.
New Milk Formula or introducing new kind of foods.
Allergic reaction mainly due to fragrances in diapers and wipes.
If your baby suffers from eczema, he would most likely develop diaper rash.
Antibiotics reduce healthy bacteria and create a good environment for yeast infections to appear. In this case, your child might show signs of skin irritation.
How to treat diaper rash?
Frequent diaper changes.
Wash your baby bottom with water every time you change his diaper. Dry softly.
Avoid soaps and wipes.
Keep your baby without a diaper for short times.
Do not use talc powder. It can irritate your baby’s skin.
Use diaper rash cream. Your doctor can prescribe an ointment that helps to sooth the rash.
If the rash persists try to change the diaper brand as well as the wipes and soap. You might use for a short time cloth diaper. Be sure to wash them very well and boil them for at least 15mn.
If the rash persists more than a week, spreads for a larger area, yellowish pus like appears on your baby’s bottom and signs of fever come out, you should call your doctor immediately. Usually diaper rash disappears in 3 days after good treatment. Also, the appearance of skin irritation will be less probable once your baby starts using the potty.