Babies have naturally sensitive skin that makes them prone to rashes, a medical term that broadly refers to skin irritation. This condition can cause itchiness or even wounds in severe cases. There are different types of rashes and various causes, but one type your baby is particularly susceptible to is diaper rash. This is generally due to irritation or even infection and allergy in other cases. It causes the baby’s skin to be sore with scaly red spots.
Diaper rash is mostly nothing to be concerned about, but it can cause your baby extreme discomfort. Fortunately, there are simple remedies you can try to treat it. Here are some of them:
Change diapers regularly.
One of the most common causes of diaper rash is not changing nappies for long periods, especially when there is poop that rubs against your baby’s butt. The pee on the diaper can also irritate your baby’s skin and cause a rash. With that in mind, make sure you change your baby’s
diaper routinely. First, regularly check if the diaper is wet or soiled with poop. Once it is, change the diaper as soon as possible.
Clean thoroughly after every diaper change.
It is not enough that you change diapers often. It is just as important to clean your baby’s diaper area well before putting on a new diaper. After taking the diaper off, wet the diaper area and then wash it with mild soap. Gently clean the area and then rinse with water, making sure not to leave any residue behind. Pat dry afterward.
Apply creams or ointment.
After washing, liberally apply ointment or mild cream with zinc oxide on the diaper area. These can soothe the skin and prevent moisture, which can be an irritant later on. As an alternative, you can apply petroleum jelly as it functions in a similar way.
Give the diaper area a warm soak.
It is also a good idea to soak the diaper area in warm water every now and then. Alternatively, you can scoop warm water onto the diaper area, particularly in the butt and groin. The warm water soothes the skin and can ease soreness as well. You can do this during a diaper change but only do so occasionally.
Let it breathe.
When your baby has a diaper rash, make sure you give them a few minutes without their diaper on. Just make sure that you let your baby wear loose-fitting bottoms that are 100% cotton, as this material is best for allowing skin to breathe. Avoid dressing them up with tight-fitting bottoms made of synthetic material or rubber. Do this once in a while to let the diaper area heal.
Switch diapers.
It is also possible that your baby’s skin is irritated itself, so consider changing diaper brands to see if the rashes ease. Keep switching brands until you find one that suits your baby’s skin just right. In addition, consider using diapers one size larger to give your baby’s diaper area more breathing room. You can do this permanently so that the rash won’t come back or temporarily only until such time that the rashes are gone.
Ditch the baby wipes.
Baby wipes can sometimes contain chemicals that might irritate your baby’s diaper area and cause rashes. This is why it is best to avoid using baby wipes to clean this area. Instead, use mild soap and water and a clean towel for drying. But just in case, stock up on natural, scent-free
baby wipes and use them only when absolutely necessary, like when you are traveling. These types of wipes are available online or in your nearest pharmacy.
In case your baby’s diaper rash persists, it is best to check with your pediatrician or a dermatologist. That’s because the rash can be caused by something serious, like the Candida Albicans, a type of yeast that manifests in much the same way as diaper rash: itchy and with small, red, scaly spots. A persistent rash can also be due to an infection caused by bacteria and fungi, both of which thrive in the warm and moist environment that diapers create. It can also be due to allergies. Your pediatrician or dermatologist will be able to diagnose the cause of the rash and then prescribe a course of treatment.
Whatever the cause may be, you must be observant and vigilant at all times. Keep track of symptoms from the first time they appear up until they are treated. In addition, make a list of anything and everything that touches your baby’s skin and indicate any adverse reactions. Observe also the food they eat and if these affect your baby adversely in any way. In doing so, you will be able to provide your doctor with relevant information if the rash is something a little more serious.
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