Baby Diaper Rash- Symptoms, Prevention & Home Remedies
Post updated on June 24, 2016
Baby Diaper Rash – Babies’ skin is very sensitive and rashes of some form or the other are very common. Out of these, nappy rash or diaper rash is most common and most babies suffer from it a few times during the first year. Here we take a look at Symptoms , Common Types, prevention and treatment of diaper rash in babies.
Baby Diaper rash
Almost one-third of the babies suffer from diaper rashes more than once during the first year and beyond. Nappy region is susceptible to rashes because nappies retain some moisture next to tender skin and wetness causes rashes, as skin is not able to breathe. Diaper rash can remain a problem as long as baby is in diapers, but it usually more common between six and nine months when baby has moved on to solid foods and new intakes cause stools to be more irritating at times.
All that you need to know about baby rashes during first year
Symptoms and Common types of Baby Diaper Rash
Common baby diaper rash involves redness in nappy area. This keeps coming and going throughout the first year and is not too much to worry about. This is also known as Chafing dermatitis.
Candidal dermatitis or yeast diaper rash is more serious and will have bright red spots which later turn to bright red area lined with spots.
Seborrheic dermatitis is deep red rash with yellowish scales. The scales are similar to cradle cap and reason is overactive sebaceous glands.
Eczema is a kind of allergic rash usually caused due to an allergic reaction to something, like a soap. Environment or heredity can be the cause. It usually starts in some other body area and then spreads to diaper region.
Perianal dermatitis is the rash around anal region of the baby, due to irritating bowel movements. It usually starts when baby is introduced to new foods.
Prevention of Baby Diaper rash
Preventing diaper rash isn’t always possible, but some steps can be taken to reduce the chance that your child will develop diaper rash.
- Keeping the diaper area clean and dry. Pat dry baby’s skin after every diaper change and leave it without diaper for some time.
- Changing diapers often and soon as it gets soiled, even in the middle of the night if your child wakes up.
- Check with your paediatrician about soaps or wipes you are using if they seem to be irritating your child’s skin. Do not use wipes with fragrance or alcohol. When cleaning affected area, use a cotton ball and lukewarm water to clean. Never rub the affected skin roughly.
- Do not wash nappy area with soap and it may irritate the already sore skin. Always use gentle soaps meant only for babies and one which do not have any added fragrance.
- If using cloth diapers, ensure they are washed in a gentle detergent and rinsed well, last rinse can be in a disinfectant or vinegar.
Treatment of Baby Diaper Rash
Diaper Free Time
Best treatment and prevention for diaper rash is to have the baby go nappy-less for some time at regular intervals. Air drying soothes the soreness caused by wetness against delicate skin.
Apply diaper rash cream
If your baby gets diaper rash, apply a diaper rash cream liberally over the affected area after it has been washed and pat-dried and air-dried.
Change the brand of diapers
If you feel disposable diapers are causing rash, try changing the brand to see if other brand suits your baby better, or you could switch to cloth.
Home Remedies for Diaper Rash
Other than the commercially available diaper rash creams, there are many home remedies which you may try to soothe baby’s sensitive skin.
Coconut oil is one of the best home remedies for diaper rash. Whenever you change baby’s diaper, wash with warm water, pat dry and happy coconut oil in diaper region after air drying.
Oatmeal bath – Add ground oatmeal to warm bath and bathe baby in this. Then pat dry thoroughly and give air time.
Olive oil too creates a barrier between skin and moisture thus helping skin to heal and prevents rash.
Baking Soda- Add baking soda to your baby’s bath to prevent diaper rash.
Precautions to take in case of diaper rash
- Although it is tempting to use talcum powder on your baby’s bottom and you will hear many advocating the use to keep it dry, experts these days recommend not using talc based powders on young babies.
- Never use any over the counter ointment or antiseptic medicine . These can trigger an allergic reaction and make the condition much worse.
- If rash does not clear in a few days and you notice blisters or pus, consult baby’s doctor.
4 Replies to “Baby Diaper Rash- Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment”