Diaper rash is common in babies and young children. Constant exposure to wetting and drying on sensative skin is sure to cause irritation. There are different types of rashes; some more serious than others. Prevention is the best treatment for diaper rash, but if it can't be prevented there are other treatments available.
Diaper rash is common among infants and toddlers. It is generally caused by the constant wetting and drying of delicate skin and exposure to irritants. Every baby at one point or another is likely to develop some kind of diaper rash; no matter how dry or clean you keep their bottom. Some irritants that may cause diaper rash are things like urine, stool, bacteria from urine and stool, detergents, fragrances, plastics from disposable diapers, pre-moistened baby wipes and soaps. There are different types of diaper rashes.
Here are some of the more common types of rashes and their descriptions:
Diaper Chafing (Chafing Dermatitis)
A baby’s bottom being wet too much or diaper chafing (irritation) may cause this type of rash. It is the most common form of diaper rash and one of the easiest to treat. It generally comes and goes, causing little discomfort. This rash makes the genital area and folds of the thighs and buttocks appear red and puffy. It can be treated with a mild ointment.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
May be caused by several things including allergens, irritants, the environment and hereditary factors. Eczema may develop on other parts of the body first and then spread to the diaper area. It usually affects babies 6-12 months of age. This type of rash shows up as red scaly patches on the legs and groin area. Usually treated with a medicated ointment or prescription.
Yeast Infection (Canididal Dermatitis)
Yeast infections often develop during and after the use of antibiotics. This rash is tender and painful. It appears in the folds of the baby’s genitals, legs and creases between their stomach and thighs. It usually appears more toward the front of the genitals. It will start with small red spots (almost like pimples) that become more numerous while forming together as a raised bright red rash with distinct edges. This type of rash has to be treated with a medicated or prescribed cream in order to kill the yeast bacteria.
Irritation from Stool (Perianal dermatitis):
Bottle fed babies usually suffer from this type of rash earlier than babies who are breast fed because they may have more alkaline in their bodies. But when solids are introduced most young children get his kind of rash at one time or another. It appears as a bright to dark redness around the anus and can most likely be treated by an over-the-counter topical cream.
Strep Bacteria (Impetigo):
Caused by bacteria from streptococci or staphylococci. Impetigo shows up and can cover different parts of the body like the buttocks, lower abdomen, anus, umbilical cord and thighs (it can also spread to other part of the body if not properly treated). It appears as yellow-brown crusty patches, puss filled pimples or blisters accompanied by surrounding redness. Bacterial rashes should be reported to the doctor immediately. They will probably prescribe a topical or oral antibiotic.
Diaper Irritation (Tidemark dermatitis):
A rash caused from the edges or bindings of a diaper rubbing against the skin; looks red and irritated. Appears in creases of legs or upper abdomen and is aggravated by moisture and heat. Can be treated with a medicated powder or an over-the-counter ointment.
Skin Rubbing on Skin (Intertrigo):
When a baby’s skin folds rub against each other the friction from the rubbing can cause a rash on their sensitive skin. It is usually found in the folds between the thighs and abdomen and sometimes in the armpits. The rash will appear as a reddened area and is frequent during humid and hot seasons. It can generally be treated by an over-the-counter ointment or powder. This rash will appear as a reddened area, which occurs as a result of skin rubbing on skin.
Suggested Treatments for Diaper Rash
The number one most effective treatment for diaper rash is “Prevention.” It is impossible to protect your infant from every kind of diaper rash or irritation, but if you take the proper steps to prevent diaper rash and eliminate some of the common factors that cause rashes then you and your baby will be much happier.
Some preventative measures you can take to help stop diaper rash are:
Keep your baby’s diaper area dry and clean
Frequent diaper changes; especially messy diapers should be changed immediately to limit contact with skin.
Use warm wash clothes instead of baby wipes, which may have ingredients that will cause irritation of your baby’s ultra sensitive skin.
Try over-the-counter ointments such as Desitin, Eucerin, zinc oxide or Nivea. These creams can put a protective barrier between urine, stool and the skin. Powders can be used too, but doctors recommend staying away from talcum powder because it is a lung irritant and cornstarch, which can cause yeast infections.
Fresh air is a good treatment method. Allowing your baby’s bottom to dry-out and be uncovered can help the skin heal faster. If you are at home and you can take off their diaper for a while it will help eliminate some of the breeding areas for bacteria.
Try a different type of diaper if the child keeps getting recurring rashes. Disposable diapers sometimes have certain chemicals that can cause allergic reactions. Cloth diapers are a good alternative.
Stay away from soaps and fragrances. Use a mild soap when bathing your baby and make sure you wash clothing in a mild detergent.
Introduce solid foods carefully and one at a time. Some of the ingredients in certain foods can cause specific types of diaper rash. Stay with one kind of food for 3-5 days to make sure your child is not allergic, before you move on to a new food.
Diaper rash can be caused by many factors whether they are physical, environmental or internal they can be treated and sometimes prevented. It is very typical for babies to suffer some type of diaper rash in their childhood. Rashes will usually occur several times throughout infancy and the toddler years. Most types of rashes can be treated and cured at home by following the steps listed above.
If you think your child is suffering from a bacterial rash, there are blisters or you cannot clear up the rash within a couple of days with regular ointments then this is a sign that you need to have them treated by a doctor. Your doctor will be able to tell you what type of rash it is and he/she can advise you with proper ways of treating it. Diaper rash can be extremely uncomfortable for your child, so prevention and treatment are important and necessary.