All parents worry about maintaining their baby’s health. Dealing with toddler issues and worrying about things going wrong can be very stressful. Common issues like diaper rash also known as nappy rash can also seem very disturbing.
Diaper rash is a very common phenomenon among infants below one year of age. It has been seen that infants on diapers are frequented by diaper rash. A lot of new moms become anxious with the sight of rashes on their babies bottoms. Almost every baby gets a diaper rash at least once during the first 3 years of life. Knowing how to recognize it and how to prevent diaper rash from getting worse makes baby’s early months easier for all.
Diaper rash is a very common condition that can cause a baby’s skin to become red, scaly, and tender. Diaper rash is usually red, slightly raised and has small red dots on the affected part. It generally starts at the creases of the skin and can spread to the skin on the front and back of the baby.
Dr Prakash Vaidya well Known Pediatrician from Fortis Hospital explains, “Diaper rash is a type of irritant contact dermatitis. It is often a reaction to friction, prolonged contact with urine and stools, retained soaps and topical preparations. Addressing the causative factors would help to avoid diaper rash. A simple measure like frequent changing of diapers would minimize contact with urine and feces and reduce the frequency of rash. Avoid over washing. Topical applications of a bland protective barrier cream like zinc oxide paste also help in preventing diaper rash.”
The causes of diaper rash can be traced to a number of reasons like:
- The diaper rash is commonly linked to continuously wet or infrequently changed diapers. The plastic that prevents diapers from leaking also prevent air circulation, thus creating a warm and moist environment where rashes can thrive.
- As babies start to eat solid foods, the content of their stool changes which increases the likelihood of diaper rash. Introduction of new food in the baby’s diet also increases the frequency of the stool, which may lead to diaper rash.
- Babies with sensitive skin are more likely to develop diaper rash. The rash may be a reaction to diaper wipes, soaps or elastic in plastic pants.
- Tight fitting diapers that rub against the skin also causes diaper rash.
- Dr. Prakash Vaidya adds, “If the baby develops diarrhea, especially infective diarrhea, the diaper rashes would definitely be triggered and/or aggravated”
Diaper rash can alarm parents and annoy babies but most diaper rash cases can be easily resolved. Proper skin care is one of the most important treatment for diaper rash. The following techniques can help shorten the duration of diaper rash.
- Change diapers frequently, once every two or three hours to prevent urine or feces from coming in contact with the skin.
- Keep the diapers relatively loose as tight diapers hurt the baby and prevent air circulation.
- Before putting on a new diaper, be sure that the skin is dry and clean.
- During every change, skin should be cleaned with warm water or air dried or lightly patted dry.
- Avoid using plastic pants as they do not allow the skin to breathe.
- Whenever possible, let your baby without diapers. Exposing skin to air is the best method to let the skin dry. You can be lay your baby on a large towel while he /she is bare bottomed to avoid messy accidents.
- Maintain good hygiene and wash your hands before changing the diaper to prevent infections of all kinds.
- If your baby gets rashes often apply a barrier ointment during each diaper change to prevent the skin irritation. Dr Prakash Vaidya opines, “Applying a barrier cream with every nappy change is safe and a good policy”
- Wash cloth diapers in hot water with a mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners as they contain fragrances that may irritate your baby’s skin.
- Avoid tape adhering to the skin as this can also lead skin irritation.
- While your baby has diaper rash, avoid washing the area with scented wipes or soaps as alcohol and perfume from these products can irritate your baby’s skin and aggravate the rash.
- Like olden days, talcum powder be also be used to protect the baby’s skin from diaper rash. Dr Prakash Vaidya explains, “Talcum powder would help as it would reduce the dampness in that area, but a bland protective barrier agent like zinc oxide paste is better.”
Diaper rash usually goes away in a few days. In addition, a child will stop having episodes of this rash once he stops wearing a diaper. However, it is advised that you should visit the doctor if the rash is severe or if the rash worsens despite home treatment. There could be a secondary infection that needs medical attention
