Don't panic, MayoClinic.com reassures; although diaper rashes can cause mild pain and irritation, they usually pose no serious harm. Because babies of both genders wear diapers, this common babyhood rash afflicts girls and boys similarly, found a study in the journal of "Pediatric Dermatology." The only gender-related difference regards cleaning the genitals appropriately, which helps prevent and cure diaper rash.
Causes
Infrequent changing or incomplete cleaning can cause diaper rash, explains KidsHealth from Nemours; urine and feces can irritate the baby's skin, fostering bacterial growth. Skin sensitivities can also cause the rash, KidsHealth adds. Your baby's skin might react to baby wipes, a certain diaper brand or even the soap you use to wash the diapers, if you use cloth. Disposable diapers contain chemicals that can cause rashes, according to Sutter Health; on the other hand, if you use cloth diapers, rashes can result from irritating soaps or insufficient cleaning.
Causes
KidsHealth describes a diaper rash, located on the area of skin covered by as "sore, red, scaly, and tender." A common type of diaper rash includes red, raised bumps, KidsHealth adds. Or the skin may simply appear red and puffy, MayoClinic.com notes. In addition, if your baby cries when his diaper becomes wet or when you change his diaper, he may have a diaper rash, according to MayoClinic.com.
Dangers
Normally, MayoClinic.com comforts, a diaper rash provides no cause for concern; it's a normal affliction that seldom threatens the baby's health. However, keep a look out for worrisome factors or changes. Call the doctor if the rash becomes severe, worsens even once you begin treating it, contains blisters, covers more of the body than the diaper area or emits a discharge, MayoClinic.com recommends. Lastly, call the doctor if your baby develops a fever in addition to the rash.
Prevention
To prevent diaper rash, change your baby's diaper frequently so that the urine and poop have no opportunity to create irritation. Clean the diaper area thoroughly, the Cleveland Clinic urges, including every crevice: Wipe the grooves between the legs and the diaper area, gently clean inside the labia and wash between the cheeks of the bum. After cleaning your baby's diaper area, MayoClinic.com suggests, pat the skin dry before putting on a new diaper.
Solution/Treatment
To avoid further irritation, change the baby's diaper frequently. Clean the area thoroughly, including between the labia and between the bottom cheeks. In case your baby is sensitive to wipes, the Cleveland Clinic suggests cleaning the area with plain water. After cleaning and patting dry, apply a thick layer of diaper cream, recommends KidsHealth. If the rash looks worse where the diaper rubs the skin--around the leg openings and at the waist--then try using a different brand of diapers. The Cleveland Clinic advocates letting your baby spend time without wearing a diaper; the contact with air and lack of chafing helps the skin heal.
Time Frame
A diaper rash takes at least a few days to heal, and sometimes, it can even take weeks, according to MayoClinic.com. If the rash lasts much longer, or if it worsens even though you're treating it, then call the doctor, advises KidsHealth.
