HOW TO PREVENT BABY DIAPER RASH

Prevention of baby diaper rashes

Baby diaper rashes are common, but they can lead to serious complications and require treatment. Before that situation comes, one should take preventive measures to avoid it.  Keeping the diaper area clean is one of the best prevention measures any parent can take for their baby. Here is a quick guide on diaper rashes and how to treat them.

What is diaper rash?

A type of irritated skin known as diaper rash manifests as regions of skin inflammation (dermatitis) on the baby's bottom. It can be caused by skin sensitivity, infrequently changed diapers, or wet diapers. Although anyone who often uses a diaper can get the illness, babies are typically the ones who are affected.

The sensitive skin near the baby's diaper area might become infected with diaper rash if it comes into prolonged contact with feces or urine. The baby's skin may become red, incredibly sensitive, and flaky from diaper rash. With the proper care, it often goes away in three to four days. Frequently changing the baby's diapers is the best way to prevent diaper rash.

Types of diaper rash

Diaper rashes can happen many times. Some rashes that a parent needs to know about are:

• Chafing: The most common diaper rash is irritant contact dermatitis. It starts when the skin becomes irritated by some matter in the diaper or occasionally by the diaper itself. 

• Atopic dermatitis: Around the diaper area, itchy areas can form as a result of eczema. The skin appears extremely dry and inflamed.

• Candidal dermatitis: The rash may appear red and puffy, and it may also have blisters filled with white pus or swollen patches covered in a white, scaly covering.

• Eczema: Itchy areas can form due to eczema. The skin appears extremely dry and inflamed. 

• Intertrigo: An inflammatory skin ailment called intertrigo is worst in warm, moist areas of the body, like the creases of the thighs or a baby's buttocks.

• Impetigo: A second bacterial infection known as impetigo is characterized by big, pus-filled sores that erupt, exude yellowish fluid, and eventually crust over

What causes diaper rash?

A variety of factors that lead to diaper rash. Some of them can be:

• Dirty nappies: Most rashes are brought on by extended exposure to soiled diapers. The baby's delicate skin may become irritated by the enzymes in their excrement. Additionally, moisture can increase the risk of diaper rash on those fat cheeks.

• Yeast: As yeast enjoys warm, humid surroundings, it is also frequently blamed for recurrent rashes. Additionally, taking antibiotics while breastfeeding or having a kid who needs them increases the risk of developing a yeast infection (and diarrhea), resulting in diaper rash.

• Irritants: Disposable diapers, baby lotions, wipes, bath products, and laundry detergents all include substances that might irritate a baby's tender skin and result in diaper rash.

• Diaper rubbing: A rash may develop when the baby's delicate skin folds brush or chafe against each other or against the harsh diaper itself.

• Alterations to diet: The consistency and frequency of a breastfed baby's stools can vary based on what the mom eats. One might see the same thing happening when the infant starts eating solids and is introduced to more foods.

• Sensitivity of the skin: Baby diaper rash may more likely appear in infants with certain skin diseases, such as eczema or seborrheic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis typically affects skin regions that are not covered by diapers.

• Use of antibiotics: Because antibiotics eradicate the microorganisms that control yeast growth, they might cause rashes. The use of antibiotics also increases the risk of diarrhea. Breastfed babies whose mothers use antibiotics are also more likely to develop diaper rash.

How to treat diaper rashes

Check the baby's diaper frequently, and change it as soon as it becomes wet or dirty to help reduce diaper rash. Use soap and water to wash the diaper area gently, then pat it dry. Skin can be calmed and shielded against moisture with the use of baby diaper rash cream containing petroleum. 

Proper baby diaper rash treatment should keep the baby happy and healthy for the long run. One should use appropriate hair and baby care products and provide proper medicine to the child.

How to prevent diaper rash in babies

Here are some tips:

• Change the baby's dirty or wet diapers and thoroughly clean the area as quickly as possible.

• Warm water should occasionally be used to clean the baby's bottom in between diaper changes. Water from a plastic container or a hand scoop can be gently applied to the baby's bottom.

• Before changing the infant into another diaper, let the skin dry completely.

• When drying the skin, pat it lightly rather than rubbing it because that can irritate the skin.

• To avoid chafing, put the diaper on loosely.

• Ideally, diapers should be changed every 2.5 hours or so and after each poop.

• Some babies with sensitive skin may benefit from applying baby diaper rash cream and, when required, baby diaper rash treatment.

When should one consult a doctor about baby diaper rash?

Consult a doctor if the baby develops sores on the skin and the rash doesn't go away or if it gets worse. Additionally, get medical attention from Wellness Forever anytime if the infant is more fussy than usual, has a fever, or pus is leaking from the rash.

The doctor may decide to use baby diaper rash cream or other baby care products or suggest other changes to the diapering practice depending on the baby's rash. Wellness Forever delivers hair care, baby care, or even sexual wellness products within an hour or two, either through our website or app.