Diaper rash is a common problem among babies. Your baby’s diaper creates a warm, moist environment which irritates delicate skin and can cause infection. The red, splotchy irritation on your baby’s bottom and genital area is usually just an easilyhealed nuisance, but sometimes requires medical intervention.
What Causes Diaper Rash?
Diaper rash can occur for a variety of reasons. Some include:
Tight-fitting diapers
Irritation by urine and stool
Antibiotics taken by baby or a nursing mother
Sensitive skin
Foods or products that irritate skin
How Can I Treat Diaper Rash?
With diaper rash, less is often more. The best way to treat and prevent diaper rash is to keep baby’s skin clean and dry. Allow baby to have some time without a diaper every day. When baby is wearing a diaper, use an over-the-counter diaper cream to provide a barrier for the skin. Here are some other tips to help control diaper rash:
Don’t use alcohol-based baby wipes.
Swipe gently with baby wipes or use a squirt bottle filled with warm water to clean baby’s skin.
Only use mild soaps at bath time.
Don’t use rubber pants.
Don’t use powders or corn starch as these products can irritate baby’s lungs.
Should I Take My Baby to a Doctor?
If you notice swelling and redness, blisters, pus or drainage from the diaper area and your baby has a fever, consult a doctor. Babies can develop secondary fungal or yeast infections that need to be treated with prescription medications.
