How to Treat Diaper Rash
Written By: Guest Blogger
It is inevitable that at some point or another your baby or toddler is going to get diaper rash. According to Dr. Sears, getting diaper rash is a perfectly normally part of being a baby. There are a number of ways you can treat diaper rash, as well as ways to help your baby or toddler avoid getting diaper rash in the first place.
Diaper Rashes are Normal
Diaper rashes are very common. However, some children are more susceptible to diaper rash than others. Babies who have sensitive skin or eczema are more likely to develop diaper rash.
Most diaper rashes will respond to treatment within two to three days. Try these helpful tips to help alleviate your baby’s temporary discomfort.
Treatments for Diaper Rash
If you think about it, babies spend a lot of their lives with a diaper on. If your baby develops diaper rash, let the baby lie on a towel without his or her diaper on for a short period of time, several times a day. This will help air circulate and clear up the rash faster.
Make sure you change your baby’s diaper frequently. Often first time parents change their baby’s diaper every time the baby wets it. Parents who have had a child or two will often go longer between diaper changes, which can lead to diaper rash. If your baby is prone to diaper rashes, make sure to change him or her frequently. Frequent diaper changes will also help to clear up an existing rash.
Frequent diaper changes are especially important if you are using cloth diapers for your baby. Cloth diapers keep urine and stool closer to the baby’s skin than disposable diapers do, so it is important to change cloth diapers as soon as possible when they are wet.
Do not use baby wipes on your baby when he or she has a diaper rash. The alcohol in the wipes will burn their skin, causing more pain and irritation in the affected area. Instead, use a wash cloth and warm water (no soap), or if necessary set your baby in a warm bath to rinse them off. Sitting in the warm water will also help treat the rash.
There are a number of creams you can use to treat diaper rash. Make sure to carry some with you in your diaper bag, because rashes can flare up quickly and unexpectedly. It will provide your baby instant relief. Desitin and A&D ointment are popular choices for diaper rash creams.
Preventing Diaper Rash
Pay close attention to what your baby is eating or drinking. Some children, especially toddlers, will get a diaper rash from drinking too much juice. If you find your child has problems with too much juice, then try watering down the juice so that it is half juice and half water. A new food can also cause diaper rash if your baby is not used to it yet. That is one of the reasons why it is important to only introduce one new food to your baby at a time.
If your baby frequently has diaper rashes try changing your brand of diapers. Not all brands fit the same, some may allow more air circulation than others. You should also make sure that disposable diapers fit correctly and are the right size.
Your baby might be sensitive to the chemicals contained in the fragrances present in disposable diapers. If you are using cloth diapers, your baby could be sensitive to the detergent or fabric softener you are using to wash or dry the diapers.
When to Call Your Pediatrician
If the rash lasts longer than a week and is red, raised, and patchy in nature, contact your pediatrician. Your baby may have a yeast infection or other type of infection that requires a doctor’s attention. Babies who have been on a lot of antibiotics are very prone to yeast infections. If you, the mother, are on antibiotics and are breastfeeding your baby, this can also give your baby a yeast infection.
A rash can also be caused by food allergies, so notify your pediatrician if the rash persists. If the rash is accompanied by a fever, you should also contact your pediatrician, because the rash could be a symptom of a more serious medical condition.
Freelance writer Hanna Griesbach is a busy mom who loves to scrapbook. She enjoys hunting the web for great deal and freebie. One of her favorite resources is www.freegifts4kids.com.
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