When your baby is suffering from a diaper rash, it can be tempting to layer on the diaper rash ointment in hopes of helping the rash to heal faster. But excess amounts of ointment could cause further irritation. Removing diaper rash ointment the wrong way could hurt your baby and make a rash worse. Be gentle and use natural materials to clean off the ointment.
Step 1
Lay your baby on a flat surface. If the surface is raised, make sure that it has rails and that you keep one hand on your baby at all times to prevent falling. Remove the diaper and assess the situation. If the ointment seems to be doing a good job of preventing excess moisture from touching your baby's skin, reapply and wash the ointment off when you bathe your child. If it doesn't seem to be helping, remove the ointment.
Step 2
Wet a washcloth with warm water. Avoid using scented wipes, if possible, notes Dr. William Sears, Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine. They could irritate your baby's skin. Using warm, plain water is best. Avoid any types of soaps, which can make your baby's rash worse.
Step 3
Wipe your baby's bottom gently from front to back, notes Drugs.com. Wiping from back to front could spread infectious germs and this is particularly an issue for female babies who are prone to urinary tract infections. Never scrub off the ointment; make gentle passes over the skin. This will be the most comfortable for your baby. Zinc oxide-based ointments may be stubborn. Use a peri-bottle to wet the area thoroughly before rubbing.
Step 4
Allow your baby's bottom to air dry before applying a thin layer of ointment and diapering again. Air drying is the best way to combat diaper rash. Remember that the ointment's purpose is to create a barrier between the moisture in the diaper and your baby's skin. An even coating is all that you need. Change your baby's diaper frequently to avoid further problems.
Step 5
Schedule an appointment with your pediatrician if your baby's rash persists, even after treatment with ointment and fresh air. It could be a sign of another problem involving diet and allergies, notes The New Parents Guide.
Things You'll Need
- Water
- Wash cloth
- Towel
- Ointment
- Peri bottle (optional)
