Diaper Rash
It is very common in babies and is not a sign of parental neglect. It is a kind of contact dermatitis. It is a skin irritation that develops in the diaper-covered region.
Diaper rash can be caused by anything from your child’s own urine to a new food. Wetness is the serious cause of diaper rash. Even the most absorbent diaper leaves some moisture on child’s skin. When child’s urine mixes with bacteria from his stool, it breaks down into ammonia, which can be very harsh on the skin.
Causes
- If a child is sensitive to chemicals, like the fragrances in a disposable diaper or the laundry detergent used to wash a cloth diaper than he can get rashes.
- The child also suffers from rashes when he starts eating solid foods or tries a new food. Any new food changes the composition of the stool, but the acids in certain foods can be troublesome for some kids.
- The diaper area is warm and moist just the way bacteria and yeast like it. So it is easy for a bacteria to flourish and cause a rash.
- Children taking antibiotics sometimes get yeast infections because these drugs kill the healthy bacteria that keep yeast in check.
Symptoms
Rashes will get clear in 3 to 4 days without a visit to the doctor. If the rash gets infected then concern doctor immediately. Signs of infection include:
- Blisters
- Pus-filled pimples
- Oozing yellow patches
- Open sores
Treatment
- Keep a child clean and dry by changing diaper frequently.
- Rinse his diaper area well at each diaper change. Do not use wipes that contain alcohol or fragrance.
- Do not rub the skin of child instead pat dry it.
- Use zinc based ointment that’s forms a barrier on the skin to protect child irritated skin from stool and urine.
- Consider letting a child sleep with a bare bottom whenever he has a rash.
- Clean child’s genital area thoroughly with each diaper change.
- Try the squirt bottle to wash the area well, without rubbing sore skin.
- Let baby go diaper free as much as possible.
- Let your baby bath in warm water for extra 10-15 minutes daily.
Rashes will get clear in 3 to 4 days without a visit to the doctor. If the rash gets infected then concern doctor immediately. Signs of infection include: