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.