Do’s and Don’ts of Diaper Rash

            Red, irritated bumps on your baby’s bottom can definitely be alarming, especially if they’re accompanied by bellowing cries of discomfort. Diaper rash is common, but it can be extremely painful and uncomfortable for your little one. Parents can face frustration trying to figure out how to soothe and heal the pesky rash. Many remedies are out there, but what is the correct thing to do for Baby when diaper rash rears its painful bumps?

            First of all, knowing what causes diaper rash can often help you figure out the right way to treat it. The rash on baby’s booty is actually caused by the skin’s reactions to irritants such as excessive moisture (i.e., not changing her diaper often enough), lotions, wipes and the type of diapers worn. The number one cause of rash is baby’s loose stool, and babies who are breastfed may be more prone to diaper rash because they often produce looser stool and have bowel movements more frequently.

            One thing to know as a parent is that not all diaper rash is the same. Diaper rash healing can be challenging when you consider the many types of rashes out there. Figuring out which one may be trespassing on your baby’s bottom isn’t always easy and may even require a visit to the doctor. Here are a few types of rashes to watch for:

• Chafing. Redness accompanied by small spots or bumps in high-friction areas.
• Yeast infections. A bright red and tender rash that usually starts in the creases between baby’s abdomen and thighs and spreads from there.
• Cradle cap. A deep red rash with yellow scales that can start on baby’s head but can also start out or make its way down to the diaper area.
• Eczema. Red patches that are dry, scaly and itchy. They may also begin to weep.
• Impetigo. A secondary bacterial infection that’s marked by large blisters or crusts that weep.

For parents, battling the painful bumps can be frustrating and tiresome, but here are some great tips for diaper changes that will help you turn Baby’s painful cries back into giggles.

• Expose the affected area to as much air as possible. Let Baby nap on a towel or burp rag, or allow her to toddle around without a diaper for a short bit. Then reapply diaper cream to moisturize before putting on a fresh diaper.
• Change diapers often and in a clean, designated space. Not having a designated spot for diaper changes means you don’t know the cleanliness or hygiene of the space. Baby can easily catch infections during a diaper change. So, be sure to have a clean space in your home where you always change your little one. If you’re out and about, be sure to find the cleanest changing area possible and use a clean changing mat to put under Baby.
• Soak. Consider giving your little one an oatmeal bath or soak to help ease the pain of the raw skin. Just remember to dry him thoroughly afterwards and reapply the diaper cream before putting on a fresh diaper.
• Avoid all wipes. That’s right. Even those marketed for use on sensitive skin, because they can irritate fragile skin. Instead, use a small water bottle with warm water and pat dry with a soft, clean washcloth.
• Switch diaper types or brands. If you’ve been using disposables (which can often trigger more rashes because they’re so absorbent), perhaps give cloth diapers a try to see whether that helps prevent diaper rash. If you switch to cloth, be sure to use a fragrance- and dye-free detergent to clean them.
• Consider pain relief medication. If your child is older than 2 months, talk with your pediatrician about what medication may help take the edge off for your little one.

Thankfully, diaper rashes aren’t an emergency and often go away within a few days of treatment. However, if the rash doesn’t get better after three days with treatment, you may want to consider having your pediatrician take a look.

Kansas City mom and author Gina Klein is happily finished with the diaper phase with her two daughters and admits that every phase she has gone through with them thus far has been a learning experience filled with both giggles and frustrations.

            As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.