Infant Diaper Rash,
Useful Tips On How To Prevent A Diaper Rash

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Infant diaper rash remedies and how to treat diaper rash. A baby skin rash in the diaper area we call a diaper rash or irritant diaper dermatitis.

Fortunately most cases of diaper rash clear away after a few days of home treatment.



What is an infant diaper rash?

 

Diaper rash is a an irritation of baby's skin caused by irritants. allergies, infection or other diseases. Where the diaper touches the skin you can see redness and scaling.

If not treated the rash can become severe with pimples, blisters and other sores. Sometimes the rash gets infected an you can see push filled sores.

Causes of an infant diaper rash.

  • Skin irritation caused by the diaper that rubs against the skin.

  • When your baby wears a wet or soiled diaper for too long.The increased skin pH caused by urine and feces damage baby's delicate skin. Heat and moisture make it also easier for germs to grow.

  • When babies diet changes from breast milk to solid foods they are more likely to get a diaper rash.

  • An allergic reaction to the diaper material itself or the fragrance in certain baby wipes.

  • Babies can get a yeast infection if nursing mothers take antibiotics.

  • When your baby has diarrhea you need to change more often to keep them dry and clean.

If you know what causes infant diaper rash it becomes more obvious how to treat diaper rash or how to prevent it.

 

How to treat an infant diaper rash.

How to treat diaper rash.Infant diaper rash.

The best infant diaper rash cure is to leave your baby without nappies as long and as often as possible to air out the skin.

Keep the skin clean. Gently wash the diaper area with water and a soft washcloth or wet cotton ball.

Don't rub the inflamed skin but carefully pat the diaper area dry. Rubbing may only cause more damage to the irritated skin. You can also use a hairdryer set to cool to dry the skin folds.

Before you put on a clean diaper apply a thick layer of barrier cream like a zinc oxide based ointment. Do not put the new diaper on too tight.

Avoid to use baby powder for infant diaper rash. Lung damage can be the result if baby inhales tiny particles released during application.

 

When to call your doctor.


  • The rash is not going away or getting worse after 3 days of treatment at home.

  • The baby skin rash includes push filled sores.

  • The rash has spread to other areas of the body.

  • The diaper rash occurs in the first 6 weeks after birth.

  • Your baby is not eating well and has a fever.

 

A severe diaper rash that doesn't respond to any therapy can be caused by rare diseases like congenital syphilis, hystiocystosis X or zinc deficiency. Contact your pediatrician if your baby's rash doesn't respond to any therapy for a prolonged time.

 

What is a yeast diaper rash?


This baby skin rash is caused by Candida Albicans. In this case the rash is red and raw with fluid filled pustules and covers large areas.

Yeast infections can be found in the skin folds between the thigh and body. How to treat diaper rash caused by candida Albicans? An anti fungal treatment may be prescribed by your pediatrician if your baby is diagnosed with a yeast diaper rash.

Seborrhea.
This causes patches of redness and greasy yellow scaly skin in infants. It can also be found in other areas like the armpit and on the scalp. On the scalp it is called Cradle Cap.



How to prevent infant diaper rash.

  • Frequently change diapers. At least every two or three hours.

  • Clean baby's bottom with water and if necessary with a very mild soap.

  • Always allow the diaper area to dry completely before you put on a clean diaper.

  • Protect baby's skin with barrier creams.

  • If you are breast feeding and need to take antibiotics ad a little extra yoghurt to your diet. This may prevent your baby from getting a yeast diaper rash.

  • Using cloth diapers are a good way to prevent infant diaper rash.  

FuzziBunz cloth diapers

 

The best baby diaper cream

Most diaper creams contain zinc oxide or petrolatum which form a barrier against wetness. Try to avoid creams with:


BHA : This causes skin depigmentation.
Boric acid : Is unsafe for infants.
Fragrance : May contain neurotoxic or hormone disrupting chemicals.
Camphor, Phenol,Methyl salicylate and Benzoϊn tincture are also bad for your baby.

Read these reviews of what other parents have to say about their favorite diaper rash creme.

 

Nowadays many people are looking for home remedies for diaper rash. Often natural remedies have a better result than ointments from your local store. Look for the following herbs in over the counter or homemade creams:

 


Tea-tree oil :antibacterial, anti inflammatory, wound healing properties.
Calendula : antiseptic and soothing.
Echinacea : antibacterial.
Chamomile : Soothing.
Beeswax and olive oil :barriers against wetness.

 

Mountain Rose Herbs. A herbs, health and harmony c

 

How to treat infant diaper rash
with home made diaper rash cream.


You can try some of the following natural cures for diaper rash.

1. Mix a few drops of grapefruit extract with a table spoon of olive oil. Apply to the inflamed area.

2. Mix 1 cup of boiling water with 1 tablespoon of chamomile and 2 table spoons of cod-liver oil.Apply to baby's irritated skin.

3. Wisk the egg white of 1 or 2 eggs and apply to baby's sore bottom.

4. Apply Maalox (which is used for stomach acid) on baby's bottom. This is not suitable for fungus (yeast infection).

5. Mix ½ a table spoon of baking soda with 16 ounces of water. Spray on baby's bottom, leave for a while and than clean it.

 

Back to baby skin rash page.

 

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