Diaper Rash

What exactly is Diaper rash?

This is the common name for an inflammation of the skin known as dermatitis which develops as a mix of red which is bright on the skin of the baby’s bottom.

This rash is normally associated with constantly being wet or diapers which are changed only occasionally, the use of plastic pants over the diapers as well as diarrhea. Rash with diaper can as well develop when solid foods have been added to the baby’s diet, when mother who are breast-feeding eat definite foods or when the baby is on antibiotics.

This rash often alarm the parents as well as being very annoying for the babies, but cases of diaper rash normally can be resolute with at-home simple treatments.

Diaper Rash Symptoms

Rash caused by diaper is distinguished by the below:

Signs on skin

Diaper rash is characterized by puffy, red and skin which is tender-looking in the region of the diaper – thighs, genitals, as well as buttocks.

Disposition of baby changes

You might notice the baby seems more fussy than normal, especially during changes of the diaper. A baby in the midst of a rash in the diaper area usually cries or fusses when this area is touched or washed.

Diaper rashes may occur intermittently, especially when the child is in diapers, but these rashes are most frequently in those babies during the first fifteen months – particularly between the ages of 8 to 10 months.

The diaper rash is normally very easy to treat and should show improvements in a few days after beginning home treatments. But if this rash does not get better after a few days of home management with OTC cream or ointment as well as more frequent changing of the diapers, the mother should talk to the baby’s doctor. Often, diaper rashes can lead to infections which are secondary and may need prescription medications for treatment.

The child needs to be seen by the doctor if:

• Rash worsens despite home treatment
• Rash is severe

In addition, see the baby’s physician if the diaper rash develops along with the following:

• Boils or blisters
• Fever
• Rash which expands outside the area of the diaper
• Weeping discharge or pus

Diaper Rash Causes

The reasons for diaper rash development can be caused by numerous factors, including:

Stool and urine irritation

Exposure to urine or feces will irritate a baby’s skin which is sensitive. A baby is much more susceptible to rashes if he/she is having numerous bowel movements since feces are much more annoying than urine

New food introductions

When babies begin eating solid foods, usually 4 to 12 months, and the substance of the stools will change, increasing the chances of diaper rashes. Modification in the diet will also boost the number of stools, which will also cause diaper rashes. If the mother is breast-feeding, the baby can develop rashes because of something the mother has eaten, for example foods which are tomato based.

Yeast or bacteria infection

What often begins as an uncomplicated infection of the skin can extend to the surrounding region. The thighs, genitals, and buttocks are especially susceptible since that area is moist as well as warm, making a great reproduction ground for yeast as well as bacteria.

Skin which is sensitive

Those babies with conditions of the skin, such as eczema or atopic dermatitis, are more apt to develop diaper rashes. But, the skin which is irritated by eczema or atopic dermatitis is in areas beyond the area of the diaper.

Rubbing and chafing

Clothing or diapers which are tight fitting and that rub against the skin may lead to rashes.

Antibiotics

Since antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria, the right balance of good bacteria can be disrupted causing yeast infections to occur. This can happen not only when the babies take antibiotics but when breast feeding, also the mother.

Diaper Rash Treatment

The best treatment for diaper rash is to keep the baby’s skin clean and dry. If your baby’s rash persists during home treatment, you physician can prescribe:

• An antifungal cream
• A mild hydrocortisone cream

Only use ointment or creams containing steroids if your baby’s pediatrician or dermatologist advocates them – steroids which are strong or used frequently can lead to additional problems.

Diaper rashes normally require several days to start improving and they can continue for weeks. If this rash continues in spite of treatment with prescription medications, the doctor may refer your baby to a dermatologist.