Perhaps nothing will make you feel like you’re having a mom fail like when you discover your baby has a diaper rash! The appearance of bright red irritated skin on your baby’s bottom can bring out the nurturer in you. And if your happy baby is suddenly distressed, especially during a diaper change, this could signal a diaper rash, says the Mayo Clinic. All you want to do is make it better and make sure the diaper rash treatment you choose works quickly, so your sweet pea is not in pain.
The fact is, despite how careful you are, chances are you will encounter it at one point or another, as most babies do experience it. Although it can cause alarm and irritate baby, most times it can be taken care of with simple, easy-to-follow home treatments. The best defense is a strong offense, so you can learn about it, and then should it occur, you’re armed with knowing how to soothe it and prevent reoccurrences. You’ll feel much better, and probably more important to you, so will your baby’s beautiful bottom!
Here are some possible causes of a diaper rash, according to WebMD:
- Leaving a diaper on too long that is either wet or dirty. Perhaps you unintentionally left the diaper on too long, or were unaware that your child had soiled herself. It happens to the best of us.
- When the baby’s skin rubs or chafes against the diaper. Look for any notable irritating rub marks, and double-check when putting on the diaper that there aren’t any areas that could possibly be irritating your baby. Babies can’t tell you (except with cries) so it’s important to do a once over and make sure everything looks good.
- A yeast or bacterial infection. This would require a doctor’s attention. Should you suspect an infection, call your pediatrician.
- An allergic reaction to the diaper. Some babies don’t respond well to disposable diapers, and not all disposable diapers are made the same way. If you’re using disposable diapers and suspect an allergic reaction, try switching to a brand that is hypoallergenic, and is free of chlorine and fragrances which may not be kind to your baby’s skin.
As your child gets older they may be more susceptible to diaper rash if they sleep in a poopy diaper, have diarrhea, start eating solid foods or are taking antibiotics (or you are, and they’re breast feeding). Also, Just Mommies notes that formula fed babies are more prone to diaper rash, so this may be one reason to consider breast feeding.
In spite of how conscientious you are, some babies will get diaper rash. For diaper rash treatment, try to sooth the area. The Parents site recommends starting with an oatmeal bath which will give your baby’s bottom some instant relief. Do not use baby wipes, as they can sting and cause more uncomfortableness on the sensitive area.
Overall, your goal is to prevent your child’s bottom from being wet over an extended period of time. So after the bath, dry your baby’s bottom well by patting it dry, and if possible, give it some air time. If you can allow your baby to stay in the fresh air without a diaper for a few moments, that will help. Once you’re ready to put a fresh diaper on your baby, slather the area with an anti-diaper rash cream and get all of the areas. Be gentle in your application knowing that this is a tender area, but be thorough.
Diaper rash cream like the one made by The Honest Company helps to create a barrier between the skin and any irritating wetness that might occur in the future, giving the rash an opportunity to heal and not get exacerbated. Don’t use any powder which can cause yeast to grow and cause the rash to persist.
Also, while the rash is healing, avoid using baby wipes (they can really sting!) or any perfumed soap or bubble bath. The diaper rash should heal within five days—it’s amazing how quickly babies recover! If it does persist or begins to blister, give your pediatrician a call. On those cases, a hydrocortisone cream, anti-fungal or antibiotic may be necessary to clear the rash. Rather than trying to treat from home and buying an over the counter hydrocortisone cream, it’s best to consult your pediatrician.
If your baby is prone to diaper rashes (and some just are) or you notice the onset of diaper rash frequently, you might consider changing the baby wipes you’re using, and selecting a brand that is hypoallergenic and fragrance free, perfect for sensitive skin. Consider avoiding aloe, alcohol or any fragrance. And if the disposable diapers you’re using contain harsh chemicals, if may be time to switch to a brand that is chlorine-free, fragrance-free, latex-free and hypoallergenic. If you’re using cloth diapers, consider setting the extra rinse cycle to ensure that they’re free of any detergent which can irritate your baby’s skin.
Toni Patton
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