Diaper rash is one of the common problems infants suffer from. The common age for diaper rash is usually Newborn – 18 months. In this article, I will be sharing the common causes, treatment and precautions to avoid such a situation for your child.
What is Diaper Rash?
It is a form of inflammation in skin, mostly generic. The baby’s bottom and thighs have a bright red patch causing itching and pain to the child.
Causes
There are various reasons:
- Wet diaper – if your baby’s diaper has been sogged with too much urine / poop, then the baby is very prone to get diaper rash
- Prolonged use of a single diaper – Do not keep your baby for long hours in a single diaper. Frequent change of diaper is must to avoid any sort of skin problem.
- Sensitive skin – Consult your paediatrician to check if your baby has any skin problems or if the skin is sensitive. In case of sensitive skin, use the doctor’s recommended products for your baby’s wellness
- Urine / stomach Infection – If the baby has urine or stomach infection, this may also rash to baby’s bottoms. The excreted urine and poop would have the infectious bacteria causing rash to baby
- Diarrhea – Too much urine during diarrhea causes skin irritation and wet diapers. It is advisable to change diapers immediately once you feel they are wet and heavy.
- Chafing – Sometimes we tend to tighten the diapers too much that it gets scratched with skin causing rashes.
- New food introduced causing allergic reaction – If you have introduced new foods to the baby, check for any allergic signs. Sometimes, food allergies may lead to diaper rash also.
- Intake of antibiotics – If the baby / breastfeeding mother is on antibiotics, it may lead to excessive heat in the body resulting to diaper rash
Treatment
- Use of Diaper Rash Cream
- Avoid using baby powders or cornstarch
- Wet clean your baby bottom during every diaper change
Prevention is better than cure
- Change diapers frequently even at nights
- Use barrier cream before every change
- More hours for without diapers
- Wash baby bottoms thoroughly after every diaper change
