1. Pain in the Butt
Diaper rash is an all too common problem that most babies (and their parents) have to deal with. It's a red, sore rash on a child's buttocks caused by the warm, moist environment inside a diaper. Babies usually cry during diaper changes when they have a diaper rash to let you know it hurts. With a little special treatment, you can often clear up the rash within a few days. Left untreated, it can become infected, so it's important to start treatment as soon as you notice the rash.
2. Warm Spot to Grow In
Diapers that are too tight or soiled diapers that stay on too long often cause diaper rash. But some babies simply have more sensitive skin than others. Sometimes it's an allergic reaction to a particular brand of diapers or wipes. If you're using cloth diapers, the culprit might be the laundry detergent you use to wash the diapers, or plastic pants that create a warmer environment that allows diaper rash to form. Disposable diapers draw the wetness away from baby's skin more efficiently than cloth diapers. But some babies seem to have a reaction to disposables, so cloth works better for them. Do what works best for your family.
3. The Great Barrier
The key to clearing up diaper rash is to keep the skin protected from urine and feces as much as possible. Treatment takes the form of using a diaper rash cream containing zinc oxide, designed to create a protective barrier between the baby's skin and the diaper. You can use petroleum jelly occasionally for the same purpose. A day or so of treatment usually clears it up.
4. Fungus Among Us
If you don't see improvement in a few days, it's possible that the rash isn't a traditional diaper rash, but instead is the result of a yeast-like fungal infection. Often this stems from the child taking antibiotics--or the mother if she's breastfeeding. If you see small pimples, particularly around the genitals and not just on the buttocks, call your child's doctor. A prescription for an anti-fungal cream will cure baby's yeast infection.
5. A Change Can Do You Good
Diaper rash prevention is rarely a total success, but the first step is changing the baby's diaper frequently. If your baby seems to be particularly prone to diaper rash, you might try using a protective barrier with each diaper change such as petroleum jelly to protect the skin. A good soak in the tub can sometimes help in the healing of diaper rash. Pat his skin dry gently and allow the skin to air-dry for a few minutes before diapering him.
