Diaper rash is a common problem babies and toddlers face, especially at 0 to 3 years of age. The discomfort from a diaper rash can affect your baby’s sleep and diet, becoming more irritable, clingy, and restless. Understanding the causes, common symptoms, possible treatments, and available preventive measures can prepare you to ward off and manage diaper rashes effectively. Let’s read more about this infection below.
Diaper Rash Causes
Diaper Rash is a form of dermatitis that causes redness and inflammation in the buttocks, genitals, and thighs. Its various causes include –
Friction: Tight-fitting diapers cause chafing between the baby’s skin and the diaper. This frequent rubbing can cause redness and irritation.
Moisture: Wet or soiled diapers, if worn for long periods, can cause a rash. Urine or stool breaks down the natural protective barrier of the baby’s skin, leading to a painful rash.
Chemicals: Some chemicals in wet wipes, laundry detergents, or diapers can cause an allergic reaction, leading to rashes in the exposed areas.
Bacterial or Fungal Infection: Soiled diapers are a breeding ground for bacterial and fungal growth. If your baby has moist diapers on for a long time, bacterial and fungal infections can worsen diaper rash.
Sensitive Skin: If your baby has existing skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, they are more likely to have diaper rashes.
Introducing New Food: Modifications or introducing new food items in your baby’s diet can lead to changes in stool frequency and consistency and a higher probability of rashes.
Diaper Rash Symptoms
Bumps and Blisters: Sometimes, rashes look like bumps and blisters on the affected area, indicating a more severe rash.
Redness: The affected area seems red and irritated, often a sign of inflammation. This area is also warm to the touch.
Increased Crankiness: Due to sensitivity, pain, and discomfort, your little one may cry and fuss more, especially during diaper changes.
Diaper Rash Types
Contact Dermatitis: This dermatitis happens when the skin comes in contact with irritants in wet wipes, certain creams, detergents, and clothing material.
Candida Dermatitis: Candida fungus or a yeast infection looks like reddish patches with sharp edges. It can also be present as bumps or small pimples in the folds of a baby’s legs, groins, and genitals.
Seborrheic Dermatitis: This dermatitis happens due to overactive oil glands that cause red and scaly patches in the diaper area.
Impetigo: Impetigo is a bacterial rash that is highly infectious and causes sores with a yellow crust that is painful and itchy.
Diaper Rash Treatment
Diaper-free Time: Give your baby some diaper-free time, probably before bathing them. Keep a waterproof sheet below them to avoid messing on your sheet or floor.
Keep The Buttocks Clean: Before changing your child’s diaper, clean their buttock and things with a clean washcloth or mild wipe and let the area air-dry.
Barrier Creams: To reduce friction and moisture, apply a thick layer of barrier cream with zinc before putting on a fresh diaper. Apply barrier creams with steroids only if your paediatrician advises it.
Diaper Rash Home Remedies
Coconut Oil: Applying a thin layer of coconut oil to the affected area moistures the skin and reduces infection through its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Oatmeal Bath: Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated skin. You can add colloidal oatmeal to your baby’s bath and apply an oatmeal cream or lotion after their bath.
Arrowroot Powder: Arrowroot is effective in soaking up sweat and preventing chafing and rashes. You can dust a little arrowroot powder on your child’s bottoms before putting a diaper on.
Diaper Rash Prevention
Keep Your Hands Clean: Wash your hands before and after handling your baby to prevent any bacterial or fungal infection from spreading.
Change Diapers Frequently: If your baby’s diapers are soiled, change them immediately. Also, make it a practice to change your baby’s diapers every 5-6 hours.
Rinse Baby’s Bottoms Before Diaper Change: Before putting a new diaper on, consider rinsing your baby’s bottoms with water and a mild baby soap. Pat dry their bottom with a clean cloth or let it air dry.
Choose The Right Diaper: Choose sustainable diapers that are natural, hypoallergenic, and without any fragrances or chemicals.
Avoid Harsh Wipes, Soaps, and Detergents: Pick out soaps and detergents that are mild and safe for your baby’s skin. To prevent skin irritation, choose wipes that are fragrance and chemical-free.
Conclusion
Diaper rash frequently worries parents caring for infants and toddlers, but effective management and prevention are possible with proper attention. Understanding the root causes, identifying symptoms, exploring treatment options, and adopting preventive measures are all essential steps to ensure the overall happiness, well-being, and comfort of your little one. If severe diaper rash persists for a long time, consult a healthcare professional immediately. It will help rule out any underlying infections, ensuring that appropriate guidance and treatment are available for the optimal care of your child.