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All babies at one time or another get diaper rash. There are a variety of causes for red, irritated skin in the diaper area, but with treatment it should heal up in about a week. Then the key becomes prevention so it won't happen again.
The diaper area is soft, sensitive skin. When that skin is exposed to the chemicals found in stool and urine and rubbed with a diaper, it is likely to break out in a rash. There are also specific causes, such as diarrhea or sensitivity to a new food. Your baby may react to a particular brand of diapers or wipes. Antibiotics may cause diaper rash because they kill all bacteria, including the good bacteria in your baby's diaper area. If you can link a breakout to an exact cause, it is easier to treat and prevent. However, sometimes it just happens, even with the most diligent parents.
To quickly heal diaper rash, focus on keeping the skin clean and dry. Change diapers frequently to avoid irritating the skin further. Avoid using wipes and instead use warm water to clean your baby's bottom. To do this, you can use a bulb syringe, a spray bottle, a clean sink, or the tub. Gently pat the skin dry. Don't rub it, as rubbing can break the skin open and cause more problems. Then let baby go without a diaper for a few minutes on a large towel or an easy-to-clean floor. Exposure to the air can help heal the tender skin. Consider using a diaper rash cream such as A & D ointment or Triple Paste. I have used both with quick healing results in my own daughters.
There are times when home treatment isn't enough. If the rash develops into an infection, it needs to be seen by your doctor. Signs of an infection include fever, pus, blisters, or a rash that spreads beyond the diaper area. These are symptoms that will not go away with home treatment and require a doctor's advice. He or she may prescribe a steroid cream or an antibiotic.
Like the old saying goes, though, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," and that is definitely true with diaper rash. Preventing diaper rash includes many of the same steps as treating it. Again, the key is to keep the skin clean and dry. Wipes are fine, but try to use ones that are soft and unscented. Fragrances and rough cloth can aggravate baby's skin. Choose diapers that fit loosely without areas of friction. Change diapers as soon as they are soiled. If your child is prone to diaper rash, choose a preventative cream that will provide protection.
Diaper rash is a completely normal part of babyhood, but no one wants it to stick around! Treated quickly and effectively, it should pose no major problems for your baby. Of course, preventing the yucky red rash is best, so remember to keep that little one clean and dry!
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