Diaper Rash
Diaper rash can range from mild redness to open sores. Most cases are what Pope calls irritant diaper dermatitis, a rash caused by irritation either from the enzymes in urine and feces or from chemicals in detergent or fabric softener, baby wipes, soaps, lotions or the diaper itself.
Prevention & treatment:
A is for air. “Leave the diaper off and the rash will improve,” says Pope. After diaper changes, let your baby lie on a towel or pad for a bit while you play with her.
B is for barrier. The most important thing you can do is prevent contact with poo and pee, says Pope. She recommends very liberal applications of a paste like zinc oxide. “The thicker the better — enough that it hides the skin,” she says. Pope’s not keen on petroleum jelly for kids who are prone to rash since it can melt away in a warm diaper, offering little protection. But try putting the petroleum jelly on top of the paste, so that the diaper won’t stick. Try bee wax its also good.
C is for cleansing. If the rash is mild, clean your baby’s skin carefully with warm water — just rinsing rather than using a washcloth. If your baby’s bottom is really sore and you’re applying a paste, try using mineral oil to remove waste from the skin, bearing in mind that you don’t have to scrub away all of the paste, says Pope. Some wipes, especially if they contain fragrance or alcohol, can irritate a baby’s skin. Remember that keeping the bottom dry is key. Pope recommends using a hair dryer on the low setting. Or you can gently pat dry, taking special care along creases and folds.
D is for diaper. Diapers should be changed as soon as they’re wet or soiled. Pope favours disposable diapers for kids who are prone to diaper rash, citing a significant drop in the number of rashes she’s seen since the use of disposables became widespread. But brands vary, so if your baby is rashy, try switching brands, says Pope. Some parents, however, swear that switching to cloth helped them clear up a rash. You may need to experiment a bit. If your baby’s in cloth, the problem may your laundry routine. Bleach, borax or fragrance in detergents can linger in diapers and cause irritation. Try adding a quarter to half cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle to neutralize any ammonia that might linger in the diapers, causing a rash.
If your baby’s rash is getting worse or isn’t clearing up within a few days despite careful home treatment, see the doctor.
