Parents of infants and toddlers are familiar with the red irritation that occasionally occurs on the bottom of a child who wears diapers. This is commonly and appropriately known as diaper rash. Diaper rash can be uncomfortable for children and should be treated as soon as a parent notices the presence of a rash. There are some preventative measures parents can take to avoid diaper rash as well as tips to help treat diaper rash once it occurs.
What is Diaper Rash?
Diaper rash is a reddish, blotchy rash that can appear on a diapered child's bottom. According to the Mayo Clinic, diaper rash is an inflammation of the skin that sometimes occurs for no reason, but often occurs if wet or dirty diapers are kept on a child too long, a child has diarrhea, or a child is on antibiotics. Diaper rash can occur as long as a child is wearing diapers but can be seen in its worst severity between eight and ten months of age.
How to Prevent Diaper Rash
- Change diapers frequently
- Use gentle detergents to wash a baby's clothing an unscented baby wipes that are less likely than scented t irritate skin
- Make sure baby's diaper and clothing are not too tight. Tight clothes can rub against the skin and cause a rash
- Let baby go without a diaper once in a while so that the bottom will be exposed to air
- If a baby is prone to diaper rash apply an over-the-counter diaper rash ointment after each diaper change to keep moisture away from skin
- Always dry bottom after bath and diaper change
How to Treat a Diaper Rash
A parent can take every precaution to help prevent diaper rash but sometimes a baby will get a rash on his bottom in spite of this. When diaper rash occurs there are measures a parent can take to help heal the irritation and relieve the discomfort.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has several treatment recommendations for parents with a child who has a diaper rash:
- Cleanse a bottom with a diaper rash with plain water and a soft cloth. Baby wipes may make irritation worse but may be used again once the rash has disappeared
- Make sure a baby has a dry bottom after diaper changes and baths
- Keep a baby's diaper loose
- Use diaper rash creams with zinc or petroleum jelly
Occasionally a diaper rash will not respond to home remedies. If a child still has a rash after a few days of treatment then a parent should make an appointment for a pediatrician to look at the rash. In some cases a diaper rash will require an prescription steroid cream or other type of ointment to heal.
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