Who knew that one of the most important tasks in your daily routine as a parent is taking care of your newborn’s bottom! Do you have the supplies on hand to treat diaper rash?
Diaper rash appears as swollen and irritated skin (dermatitis), and nearly all babies will experience it at some point. It’s a common condition that causes redness and discomfort in baby’s genital area.
Causes of Diaper Rash
Diaper rash can be caused by:
- Urine and stool on baby’s skin through wet or soiled diapers that have been on too long
- Diarrhea or frequent bowel movements that aggravate baby’s skin
- Side effect from antibiotics
- Allergies to the materials found in some diapers, wipes, detergents, or baby lotions
- Diapers or clothes that fit too tight and rub against baby’s skin
- Yeast infections in baby’s diaper area
- New foods that change baby’s stool and how often they soil their diaper
Symptoms of Diaper Rash
Symptoms of diaper rash on your baby’s genital area, lower abdomen, or upper thighs can include:
- Redness
- Peeling skin
- Sores
- Raised areas on the skin that may be painful to touch
- Crying or fussiness during diaper changes
Prevent Diaper Rash
To help prevent diaper rash:
- Always wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after each diaper change
- Check baby’s diaper before or after every nursing session or feeding
- Choose highly absorbent diapers that move moisture away from your baby’s skin
- Use wipes that are alcohol- and fragrance-free to avoid irritating baby’s skin
- Wash baby with warm water and mild soap for quick clean-ups
- Wash baby’s genital area, then gently pat dry the skin dry. Avoid rubbing as it causes friction and can make the rash worse
- Apply diaper creams, like petroleum jelly, lanoline-based ointments, or zinc oxide, with each diaper change. These creams create a protective layer between your baby’s skin and any irritants. Only remove the barrier cream containing stool or urine. Add another layer of ointment on top of the current layer. Use a cotton ball with minerals or fragrance-free baby oil to remove all the barrier cream
- Give baby some diaper-free time every day. Let their skin air dry for a few hours to reduce the chances of irritation
- Avoid powder because your baby may inhale the powder which can irritate their lungs. Creams and ointments prevent diaper rash better than baby powder
When to Get Expert Help
If your baby’s diaper rash doesn’t improve after 2-3 days, or it gets worse, call your baby’s pediatric care provider. They can check for a yeast infection or other underlying causes and prescribe ointments that can help resolve the problem.
Want a happy baby? Follow these simple steps to keep your baby’s skin healthy and reduce their chances of experiencing diaper rash.
