Diaper rash or nappy rash is a common skin condition affecting babies and toddlers who are not, yet toilet trained and require multiple nappy changes throughout the day. It is especially common between 9 and 12 months of age. In this article, we will discuss in detail “How to treat Diaper Rash”
Note that not all rashes in the diaper area are diaper rashes. Sometimes the diaper area may have other rashes, such as seborrheic dermatitis. But usually, those rashes are not limited to only the diaper area. That means, even if such rashes first appear in the diaper area, they will soon appear on other areas of the body. Diaper rash is typically localized to the area covered by the diaper.
Diaper Rash Causes
A simple diaper rash happens when the skin becomes irritated and inflamed from being in contact with a wet or soiled diaper for a long time. The irritation is caused by moisture, friction, and the chemicals in urine, stools, or diapers. The inflamed skin loses its “protective barrier” function, allowing secondary infections by bacteria or yeasts (like candida) to invade the body.
Infrequent changing of diapers (especially at night) and frequent stools (because of gastrointestinal infection or antibiotic use) are the common factors leading to diaper rash.
Both cotton nappies and ready-made diapers can cause nappy rash. Neither is found to be superior. The key is to change nappies frequently and avoid leaving wet or soiled nappies on the baby for a long time.
Cotton is well-tolerated clothing. But the baby’s skin may react to the detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners used for washing these reusable nappies.
Among ready-made, disposable diapers, even the so-called super-re-absorbent types cannot avoid moisture or nappy rash. Sometimes, the baby may show sensitivity to the plastic covering or the gel used in such diapers.
Appearance
The simple diaper rash is typically seen in the area covered by the nappy. It is a red, raised, scaly rash on the genitals, groins, buttocks, and the skin coming in contact with the outer edges of the diaper.
When the rash is infected with a fungus (yeast) like candida, it becomes bright red and itchy. It produces a burning sensation. Such a rash shows small red spots (satellite lesions) near but outside the main rash area. This type is especially common when the baby is on antibiotics.
When diaper rash is infected with bacteria, it becomes bright red, warm, swollen, and tender.
how to get rid of diaper rash
- Keep the affected area open as much as possible. The exposure of skin to air will keep it dry and help it heal faster.
- Change diapers frequently, that is, every 2-3 hours.
- Clean the soiled diaper area with cotton dipped in lukewarm water. Use mild baby soap if necessary. Avoid using marketed ready-made baby wipes as their frequent use often irritates the skin further.
- After cleaning, pat dry the affected area; don’t rub it. Apply a light layer of a specifically formulated diaper rash cream to the diaper area at every change.
- Depending on the severity and type of diaper rash, the doctor may prescribe a plain barrier cream (with zinc oxide or petroleum jelly), an antibiotic cream, an anti-fungal cream, or an anti-inflammatory steroid cream..
How to treat diaper rash fast
- Don’t use too tight diapers, too much barrier cream, or any talcum powder. All these factors reduce aeration of the skin and facilitate diaper rash formation.
- If you use cotton nappies, make sure that they are washed with mild detergents and rinsed well so that no trace of cleaning material remains in them. Void using bleach or fabric softeners.
- Frequent changing of diapers; good cleaning of the soiled nappy area with cotton, lukewarm water, and mild baby soap; avoiding regular use of ready-made baby wipes, patting the wet skin dry and applying simple barrier cream (zinc-based protective cream) are as effective measures in prevention as they are in the treatment of diaper rash.