Harsh rash can cause discomfort and pain to your infant. Diaper rash is a very common condition that can cause soreness, scaly dry skin of your baby.
Aside from some common causes of diaper rash:
Irritation – the problem can be caused by diapers that rub against the skin of your baby or when a baby is unattended with wet and dry diaper for a long time.
Infections – bacterial and fungal infections are usually the widespread causes.
Bacterial infections with straphylococcus and streptococcus are also impetigo, which appear as small and tiny blisters. On the other hand, candida alticam are usually seen as raised with small red dots on the edges of the rash.
Allergy – Though this is uncommon, the culprit may be the fragrances and components of the diaper and wipes.
How to treat the rash:
See to it that you check your baby’s diaper from time to time, and change it as soon as it is wet or soiled. You can use creams that have zinc oxide or petroleum jelly that can soothe the skin and protect from moisture.
Refrain from applying the following:
High-potency steroid creams may cause secondary side effects.
Powders such as talcum powder or cornstarch should be since they can go through your baby’s lungs.
Acid baths.
Neomycin (a very common allergen).
A rash caused by an allergy or an infection would need treatments. If the cause is an infection, the doctor may recommend and antifungal cram, antibiotic cream or a mild steroid cream which can be used for few days until the rash is gone already.
Consult a doctor if the rash persists or keep coming back or when at least one of the following happens:
The diaper rash emerged in the first 6 weeks of life.
Appears like pimples and small ulcers.
The infant develops a fever.
The infant shed some weight, or may have a decreased appetite.
Small rash spreads to the other areas of the body like in the arms, face or scalp.
Tips and pointers to prevent rash
Always keep an eye for your baby’s diaper often and change as soon as it become wet or soiled.
Utilize plain, warm but not hot water to clean your baby’s bottom.
Allow the baby’s skin to dry completely before putting on another diaper.
Refrain from scented baby wipes as fragrances can alleviate the irritation.
Shun away from using plastic diapers because they don’t permit baby’s skin to breathe.
More tips
Use cloth diapers in the morning till afternoon to allow your baby’s bottom to rest and not to rely on diapers. Although this may take some time this is cheaper and comfy.
Washing Diaper Tips
When washing cloth diapers with soap or detergent, rinse many times over to get rid of residues that may arise to irritations. Even a small trace of dirt may cause an allergic reaction.