When a baby has diaper rash, it typically appears as pink or red blotches on their legs, genitalia, or rear. More severe diaper rashes can be very uncomfortable, although milder instances rarely cause much difficulty.
Why does diaper rash occur? All kinds of things can easily irritate a baby's skin because it is so delicate. The key to prevention is to be on the lookout for diaper rash at the first sign so you can treat it before it becomes worse. It will be easier for you to avoid and cure diaper rash if you are aware of some of the typical causes.
Chafing: One of the most frequent causes of diaper rash is chafing. Wet diapers rub against a baby's delicate skin, causing inflammation and redness.
Acidity of the baby's urine and feces: The infant may get diaper rash as a reaction to the meals and beverages that the mother is ingesting (via breastfeeding). Acidic stools or pee are the result of a diet high in processed foods, flavorings, preservatives, additives, and coloring. This diet also creates an acidic environment in the baby's digestive system. If you are breastfeeding, try to reduce your caffeine intake, energy drinks, soft drinks, and excessive red meat intake as this can lead to a very acidic body for the mum and transfer to the baby via breast milk.
Tight diapers: might cause additional friction and/or wetness to be trapped against your baby's skin.
Antibiotics: can result in a yeast rash when given to a baby or transferred to them through breast milk. Diaper rashes caused by yeast are more difficult to treat and may necessitate a trip to the paediatrician. A yeast rash is most likely present if the diaper rash has pimples, blisters, pus, or scaly skin.
Advice on how to avoid and manage diaper rash
Hand wash: Washing your hands before and after every diaper change is a good practice, especially if your child has an active rash. If you can't get to a sink, keep hand sanitizer close to the baby's crib so you can clean your hands.
Frequently changing diapers: The skin under and surrounding the diaper will stay dry and clean if you check the baby's diaper frequently and change it when it gets dirty or moist.
Dry the area: When wiping your baby's bottom, use gentleness. With a soft rag or tissue, pat their infant's buttocks to dry. Close up the clean diaper after it has totally dried.
Select wipes carefully: Wipes with alcohol in them should not be used since they might irritate and dry out the skin. Use wipes that have simply been wet with water.
A baby's naked bottom: Give your infant a little bit of freedom from the diaper if you can. Allow the baby to go without diapers for a while; air exposure will aid in the healing and drying of diaper rash.
Sizing up the infant's diaper: Keep an eye out for when it's time to size up your diapers. Red marks left by the elastic around the legs or a sudden increase in leaks and blowouts are warning indicators. Put your kid in the next size up diaper even if they aren't quite ready for it for a few days to help the rash go away.
Change diapers overnight: If the infant has a diaper rash, you must change the diaper one or two more times overnight to hasten healing and ensure the infant's comfort.
Keep it tidy: Use a gentle, natural cleanser to gently wash the region during baths. Avoid using any artificial substances or fragrances that could hurt their delicate skin.
Medical cream: Adult-formulated medicated creams should be avoided. They are too abrasive for a baby's skin. Consult a paediatrician about the best cream to use if necessary.
Use only clean laundry detergent: If you use cloth diapers, avoid laundry soaps and softeners that contain artificial fragrances and other irritants.
When to Consult a Pediatrician Most diaper rashes heal within a few days if you keep the area clean and dry and apply diaper rash cream. However, if you notice any of the following, consult your pediatrician:
Blisters
Pus or discharge
Swelling
Fever
A rash that lasts more than three days
A rash that worsens after treatment