Diaper rash is a common condition which causes a baby’s skin to become sore, inflamed, and at times, scaly. It can seem alarming at first, and babies tend to get more fussy, but it is treatable. Read on to learn about the best diaper rash treatment.
The best diaper rash treatment often includes frequent diaper changes or using ointments. You’ll notice the rash going away on its own almost immediately.
Treat diaper rash as soon as possible to avoid it getting infected by bacteria or yeast.
Causes of diaper rash
Irritation from enzymes
Usually, diaper rash is a result of irritation, especially when the diaper has been left on the baby for too long. The enzymes in your baby’s poop and pee can irritate his or her sensitive skin. Diaper friction and chaffing can also cause rashes to form.
Yeast and bacteria
Yeast and bacterial infection is another culprit. These thrive in warm, moist environments such as the inside of the diaper. One of the best diaper rash treatments is changing the baby’s diaper once it gets soaked and feels heavier.
Detergents
In other cases, irritants found in detergent, soap, wipes, and diapers, can trigger a rash due to the baby’s sensitive skin.
Changes in diet
Lastly, changes in your baby’s diet can change his or her stool’s consistency and frequency, leading to diaper rash.
Signs and symptoms
The most telltale sign of diaper rash is the red, inflamed rash on your baby’s bottom, thighs, and around the genitals. In extreme cases, it can spread beyond the diaper region, and even form painful blisters and sores.
You’ll also notice that your baby is fussier than usual, and may cry, especially when the area is washed and cleaned.
Best diaper rash treatment and remedies
The best diaper rash treatment is to change your baby’s diaper often, as soon as it gets soiled or soaked. Make sure to give him or her a fresh one every two hours.
Don’t forget to wash your hands before and after a diaper change to prevent any bacterial build-up or spread.
Wash the area with soap and water, then pat dry. Afterwards, apply creams and ointments to soothe the irritated skin and lessen the redness. Opt for those containing petroleum and zinc oxide.
When should I go to the doctor?
Diaper rashes usually go away on their own with home care alone. But if the rash remains after several days, or develops into sores, seek a doctor’s help immediately.
Other signs you should be wary of include blisters opening up with pus, fever, and if your baby won’t calm down after bathing and changing his or her diapers.
Your doctor may recommend anti-fungal or antibiotic creams to treat the rash. If the cause is an allergic reaction, they might prescribe steroids as well.
Prevention
Now that you know the best diaper rash treatments, it’s important to arm yourself with strategies to avoid rashes from forming again. These include:
- Change diapers regularly. Ideally, it should be every two hours.
- Clean the area thoroughly with warm water. As much as possible, avoid using soaps with alcohol and fragrances, as these will irritate the skin.
- Always pat dry before putting on the fresh diaper. Bacteria love moist environments, so make sure to pat the skin with a towel or let it remain bare for a while to air dry.
- Don’t put on the diaper too tight. This will cause diaper friction and chaffing. Opt to size up to allow more breathing space until the rash clears up.
- Apply ointments in between diaper changes to soothe the skin and bring back moisture. Petroleum jelly is one ingredient you should definitely look out for.
- If you use cloth diapers, avoid cleaning them with fabric softeners and other fragrant soaps. Choose one that is suitable for sensitive skin.
Key takeaway
While most diaper rashes clear up on their own after a few days and with proper home care, always look out for signs that the rash can indicate a more serious infection. The best diaper rash treatment is changing your baby’s diaper frequently. Remember to observe proper hygiene when changing your baby’s diaper, and clean up the diaper area properly
Learn more about Skin Diseases in Children here.
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