29 Mar Diaper Rash Treatments That Really Work
Diaper rash. As any parent will tell you, it is an often inevitable part of babyhood, and one that can be quite unpleasant for your little one. If you aren’t already familiar with diaper rash, this type of skin issue develops in warm moist places, which is why they are so common in the diaper region or on your baby’s bottom. Diaper rash can vary from baby to baby, but typically look like red, irritated splotches along their buttock or even red scaly breakouts along their genitals.
What Causes Diaper Rash?
Not all babies develop diaper rash. There are a few conditions that can make your baby more prone to developing this skin issue. This can include:
- Leaving urine or stool in the diaper too long
- Having particularly sensitive skin
- Wearing a diaper that is too tight
- Reactions to new topical products
- Food sensitivities or reactions
The best rule of thumb when it comes to diaper rash is to keep the area as clean and as dry as possible, if that does not work, then you may need to start treating diaper rash when it appears.
How to Treat Diaper Rash At Home
Here’s how to treat diaper rash when it appears:
- Be more diligent about changing diapers, ideally as soon as the diaper is soiled.
- If you are using cloth diapers, rinse them two or three times to remove all of the soap, some babies can be more sensitive to detergents
- Use pastes or barrier creams with zinc to soothe the skin and prevent contact with irritants. This will prevent stool or urine from touching your baby’s skin.
- Vaseline or jellies can provide some relief to irritated areas.
- Put your baby in light and breathable clothes.
- Avoid using products with potent fragrances.
If your baby starts to develop blisters, redness throughout the body, fever, swelling or if you notice pus or discharge, then it is time to contact your pediatrician. In many situations, your baby’s diaper rash won’t irritate them too much and will resolve on its own with a few at-home treatments. If this doesn’t happen, your pediatrician can step in and help. Over time, the rash can even develop into a secondary fungal or yeast infection, which can be problematic for baby.
If you have more questions about diaper rash or are worried that your baby’s diaper rash issues may have developed into something more serious, then give Continuum Pediatrics a call today. You can contact our office directly at 817-617-8600. Our doctors are available to help answer all of your questions and to make sure your baby is as healthy and as comfortable as possible.