Getting To The Bottom Of A Diaper Rash

September 20, 1999

Discovering that your baby is suffering from a diaper rash may be irritating for both you and your baby. Fortunately, a diaper rash can be easily prevented by taking a few precautions and treated quite easily with proper and timely care. A baby diaper rash is one of the most common conditions seen in young babies today. Almost all babies, at one time or another, will experience it. If you and your baby are new and unfamiliar with the diaper rash experience, BabyAnt.com has a few tips on prevention and treatment for you and your baby.

Signs
A diaper rash is an irritation of the skin around the diaper-covered area, which manifests itself in the form of red, swollen bumps or patches. If you find your baby constantly pulling, tugging, and scratching on and around the diaper, there�s a very good chance that there�s irritation and discomfort as a result of the diaper. Whether it is the early stages of a diaper rash or simply a wet diaper that requires changing, be sure to check and take a look. Of course, the majority of the time, the signs will not be as obvious or prominent, especially with younger newborns. The best prevention and treatment for a diaper rash is periodic diaper checking and frequent diaper changing.

Causes
A diaper rash occurs when urine or stool is left in contact with the baby�s skin for an extended period of time. The prolonged contact with moisture, along with poor ventilation contributed from the wet diaper, causes skin irritation and inflammation. In addition, a diaper rash can occur as the result of a "poor fit". A diaper that is too big or poorly designed can expose your baby to extended rubbing and cause chaffing. A diaper that is too small can cause red rings around the waist and thighs and result in discomfort. Finally, the makeup of your baby�s stool is also a contributor to the occurrence of diaper rash. A case of the diarrhea, the common cold, or the introduction to solid foods can all alter the makeup of your baby�s stool, making your baby more prone to a diaper rash.

prevention & treatment
Periodic diaper checking and frequent diaper changing is the key. Be sure to check your baby�s diaper at least once every hour. When changing your baby�s diaper, be thorough. Wipe and clean your baby�s bottom thoroughly and make sure that there is no moisture remaining around the crevices, which can contribute to the occurrence of a diaper rash. On warmer days, when perspiration is an issue, you may elect to apply some baby powder to absorb the moisture before putting a diaper on your baby. For babies already suffering from a diaper rash, depending on the severity, you may want to apply a layer of diaper rash ointment on your baby to soothe and protect the skin from further irritation. You may also want to let you baby go diaperless for a while to provide ventilation, which accelerates the healing process. Words of caution! If you choose to let your baby go a couple of hours without wearing a diaper, be ready to do some cleaning up after your baby when necessary.

The health and safety related information offered by BabyAnt.com is intended for general knowledge and educational purposes only. This information is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical care. Always consult qualified health-care professionals if you have concerns about the condition of your baby.