Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is an irritation or inflammation of the skin caused in the diaper covered area. It is also called as diaper dermatitis. It is a general perception that diaper rash occurs only to infants and toddlers, but in reality, it may affect any individual wearing a diaper. Rashes may appear even in the baby’s first week but 9 to 12 months of age is when it occurs most frequently.

Symptoms of Diaper Rash

The most prominent symptom of diaper rash is red, tender and puffy looking skin around the thighs, buttocks and genitals.
 Another sign of diaper rash is the signs of the baby being uncomfortable, especially when changing diapers.

Causes of Diaper Rash

There are several causes for diaper rash, but the most common form is called friction rash, occurring due to contact between the diaper and skin.

Prolonged exposure to urine or feces can also cause the sensitive skin of the baby to get irritated, causing rashes.

 Introduction to new food that can cause a change in the content of the baby’s stool.
Irritation due to the introduction of new brands of diapers or wipes, extra-sensitive skin, or a bacterial/fungal infection, or when babies are given antibiotics, or nursing from mothers who are taking antibiotics are other common causes of diaper rash.

Home Remedies for Diaper Rash

 Frequent diaper change accompanied by cleaning with warm water using wash clothes.
Limiting the use soap on the baby’s bottom to just 2 or 3 times a week and employing warm water when changing diapers is ideal.

It is also essential to give fresh air to the baby’s bottom regularly.

 Placing the baby on soft blankets over waterproof pads or under-pads without the diaper helps heal rashes faster.

Ointments such as Destin, Eucerin or Nivea help form a protective layer between the baby’s skin and his/her urine and stool, thereby inhibiting diaper rash.

 For recurring diaper rash problems, switching to a different diaper brand may also help.

Care should also be taken when introducing new food to the baby.

Any newly introduced food should be continued for 3 to 5 days to allow time for any allergy to show up.

While some of the above methods are excellent home remedies for diaper rash, if the rash persists or does not improve in a couple of days, if the baby develops a fever, or if blisters start to appear, it may be wise to call the doctor.

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