Common Diaper Rash Problems And How To Manage Them

A diaper rash affects an estimated 50% of all children at some stage. In fact, among the most likely causes parents seek medical help from their paediatrician is reddish, irritable flesh in the genital area. You’re not the only one who feels this way!

 

Diaper dermatitis can be treated with a combination of treatments, but keeping your baby clean and dry is essential for preventing diaper rash. It’s no surprise that diaper rash is caused by dampness, but when you add in delicate skin and stinging from your baby’s frequent wiggling, discomfort is inevitable! Diaper rashes can take many different shapes, so don’t be frightened if your baby’s bottom becomes sensitive. To successfully treat your child’s diaper rash, you must first determine the type of rash he or she has.

 

Irritable Diaper Rashes

Irritating dermatitis is the most frequent form of diaper rash. Urine and stool are two highly irritating fluids that come into touch with the diaper area throughout the day. If your child experiences diarrhoea or is teething, which means more saliva is eaten and goes through the gut, the chances of a diaper rash are significantly higher. Irritant diaper rash appears as pink or red areas on the diapered skin. Because the skin in the groyne folds is more shielded from faecal material, it seems normal.

 

Bacterial Infection

 

A bacterial infection might cause diaper rash in rare cases. Impetigo is another name for this condition. Bacteria (such as staph and strep) can induce diaper rash or aggravate an existing one. A strep infection might be indicated by bright red skin around the anus. A staphylococcus or “staph” infection can be identified by yellow crusting, weeping, or pimples. Your child’s doctor should confirm and treat any infection in the diaper area.

 

Yeast Infection

 

Yeast infection, which is caused by an excess of a type of fungal infection naturally occurring phenomena in the digestive tract, is another prevalent trigger of diaper rash. Vibrant, vivid bright red areas with sharp edges are signs that the rash is caused by a yeast infection. Little pink lumps or pimples may appear on this rash. There may be blisters or cracked skin that oozes or bleeds in extreme cases. A yeast diaper rash, unlike an irritant diaper rash, is usually worst in the groyne creases.

 

Allergic Reaction

 

A specific chemical in diapers, wiping tissues, and/or creams may trigger an allergic reaction in babies with sensitive skin. Dyes or elastics in diapers, as well as scents or additives in diaper wipes or creams, are common allergies. A rash that appears after every interaction with the substance and dermatitis that appears everywhere the product is administered are both signs of an allergy. Changing brands or range of materials for two weeks might sometimes help you figure it out.

 

Ways to Treat Diaper Rashes.

 

Change Your Baby’s Diaper on a Regular Basis:

If your kid has developed a diaper rash, it’s critical to change dirty diapers as soon as they’re soiled and keep the area clean and dry. The question of whether cloth diapers are better for your infant than disposable diapers is frequently debated. However, there is no significant difference in terms of health and comfort. Any diaper must be changed as soon as it becomes full. Warm water and a soft cloth should be used to clean the affected regions, and alcohol-based wipes or products should be avoided. Instead of rubbing the affected skin, try patting it dry to avoid aggravating it further.

 

Time without diapers:

 

Allowing your baby some diaper-free time several times a day, every day, is beneficial in allowing the skin to breathe, drying out current rashes, and preventing future irritation. If you’re worried about spills, lay a towel down or put your baby on a dry-wipe mat beforehand. You can even take your baby’s diaper off while he or she is asleep. The more time you don’t have to change diapers, the better!

 

Desitin Diaper Rash Cream and other over-the-counter ointments:

 

Zinc oxide lotions, which are available over the counter, can be highly successful in clearing up your baby’s diaper rash and can be used all day. They are simple to purchase and do not require a doctor’s prescription. They primarily serve as a protective layer over the skin, as well as a soothing agent for any soreness or irritation. Desitin Daily Defence Cream, for example, can give relief for your baby while also reducing redness and irritation. In one trial, Desitin Daily Defence Cream provided obvious relief to 90% of newborns with diaper rash within 12 hours of application. You should bathe your infant every day, using fragrance-free products, then apply the ointment when your baby is clean and dry until the rash has disappeared completely.

 

Diaper Rash and Cornstarch:

 

Cornstarch, or any other sort of baby powder, has been a go-to cure for diaper rash for a long time due to its drying properties. Cornstarch or similar items have been recommended for rashes caused by excessive moisture as a way to absorb the moisture and reduce skin-on-skin friction. However, this is only useful if you know what’s causing your baby’s rash, and it’s been known to cause harm in some cases of diaper rash. Cornstarch, according to many sources, can aggravate a yeast infection.

 

Diaper Rash and Baking Soda:

 

Baking soda, which contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, is said to have healing properties, and many parents swear by it. Soaking clean washcloths in baking soda mixed with warm water or washing the baby’s rash with baking soda mixed in the bathwater can help soothe the raw and relieve symptoms. This should be done with caution, and only a small amount of baking soda should be used to avoid absorption through the baby’s skin. In most circumstances, soaking for 10 minutes at a time is sufficient.

 

Coconut Oil for Diaper Rash:

In recent years, coconut oil has grown in popularity. Cooking, teeth whitening, moisturizing, hair conditioning, and a variety of other uses are all possible. Because coconut oil is a natural product, it is frequently recommended as a diaper rash treatment. Coconut oil is known for reducing skin redness and irritation. This may not be the case in all circumstances, and there is no specific research to back this up. Despite this, experts have discovered that coconut oil can aid wound healing, hydrate the skin, and act as a protective barrier, as well as providing respite for your baby.

Change the diaper and laundry detergent often: 

An infant’s skin may be susceptible to a certain product if they have diaper rash frequently. A certain brand of diaper or baby wipe, for example, could cause the rash. The type of laundry detergent used by folks who use cloth diapers could also be causing the rashes. Harsh chemicals and smells should be avoided if you have persistent or recurring rashes.

Avoid using baby wipes:

If a newborn has diaper rash regularly, their skin may be vulnerable to a particular product. The rash could be caused by a certain brand of diaper or baby wipe, for example. It’s also possible that the type of laundry detergent used by cloth diaper users is causing the rashes. If you have persistent or recurring rashes, stay away from harsh chemicals and scents.

Consider removing new foods from your babies’ diet: 

Baby wipes, while necessary for keeping the infant’s diaper area clean, can exacerbate an existing diaper rash. If your baby has a diaper rash, gently wipe the diaper area with scent-free soap and water before patting it dry. If this is not possible, scent-free, natural wipes, which are available in pharmacies or online, should be used instead.

 

Do not scrub the gentle area: 

It is critical to keep the infant’s diaper area clean and dry, especially if they have a rash, but gentle cleaning is preferred. Scrubbing or rubbing this part of the body dry might aggravate the rash and harm the delicate skin.

Oatmeal Bath for babies:

According to studies, colloidal oatmeal can help with atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory skin disorders by reducing inflammation and irritation. Diaper rash pain and itching may be alleviated by using colloidal oatmeal. Oatmeal bath treatments are available at a variety of drug stores and online. People should follow the package’s instructions and then pat the baby’s skin dry.

Use fragrance-free soaps and laundry detergents:

Many occurrences of diaper rash are caused by skin irritants, such as the smells in soaps and detergents. Even though the producers often pitch them as child-friendly, scented laundry detergents, some infant soaps and lotions, and certain bubble baths are common culprits.

 

 

Make sure the diaper fits properly: 

Excessively tight diapers might exacerbate a diaper rash. Parents and caregivers should make sure that all diapers fit properly and that larger sizes are purchased as the infant grows.

Spend Quality Time With Your Baby

Staying close to your baby generates a sense of security in them. Develop a connection that makes them come to you whenever they are in trouble in future. Observe their noise patterns and listen to them carefully. They’re trying to communicate. 

They can’t speak, but they try to communicate through sounds and changes of body gestures. Hold them close to give them the sense of the warmth of your loving and caring touch. Make them touch surfaces of different temperatures and describe how they feel and react to a specific contact. 

Engage Them in Playful & Fun Activities

When your baby enters the first stage of moving, toys play an essential part. Especially the toys that are circular and roll away from them. This urges them to move to grasp them. Engaged in such activities keeps your child active and moving. It is imperative to develop a sense of creativity in them. 

Make them sit and play with other kids of the same age group, give them some toys and teach them to share. Put colourful toys of different shapes, colours and sizes and train them slowly in your love language. Also, make them play with “pop-it” toys; this stimulates a sense of excitement and getting surprised.