Diaper rash is a skin irritation that affects the diaper area of infants and toddlers. Most infants often develop diaper rash before toileting is mastered.
- CAUSES OF DIAPER RASH
This irritation is usually caused by unabsorbed moisture from your baby's urine or stool in the nappy or by the nappy rubbing against the skin. This is called irritant diaper dermatitis. This is usually caused by the infant having diarrhea. It usually affects the hips and legs. Snuff fittings, plastic pants, or diapers that prevent the baby from wetting can make it worse.
Sometimes the nappy rash can be caused by bacteria, yeast infections, harsh soaps or chemical-based wipes can also be the cause of rashes. This fungal infection develops in a warm and moist place such as an attic. Yeast diaper dermatitis looks red and usually has red spots around it. It is usually not painful.
Other factors that can make a common nappy rash worse include eczema, psoriasis, and infections such as thrush or impetigo.
Certain medications can cause rashes in some children. And the rash can be a side effect or an allergic reaction. Also, some medications, including some antibiotics, also cause photosensitivity – they make the rash more sensitive to sunlight. A photosensitivity reaction causes sunburn۔
Other common rashes are in babies' skin folds ... If your baby is very healthy and chubby, he may have a rash due to sweating on his sensitive skin. Heat rash or sunburn is due to direct sunlight.
- Treatment
Stop using diapers. Keep your baby's skin exposed to warm, dry air as much as possible.
When changing diapers, clean and dry your baby's bottom thoroughly with mild soap and lukewarm water. If you wash your baby with lukewarm water, it will be less painful for him. Avoid alcohol wipes as they can be more painful for your baby.
Use an unscented ointment such as petroleum gel or zinc oxide to protect your baby's diaper area after each diaper change. Do not share your baby's cream with other babies. Avoid contaminating the cream. Wash your hands thoroughly before pouring the cream into the bottle.
Skin blisters caused by diaper rash can be treated with topical antifungal cream. whose name is Mycostatin or Clotrimazole [mycostatin or clotrimazole.
HOME REMEDIES FOR RASHES
- COCONUT OIL
Coconut oil is best for fungal infections and it's very handy for moms. It is usually present in every home.
Wash the baby's skin with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a soft towel. Now apply 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to the affected area. Put on a clean diaper. If you wear loose trousers, it is better.
- OLIVE OIL
It acts as excellent moisture. It has natural anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that aid in faster healing of diaper rashes caused by allergic reactions.
Wash your baby with lukewarm water and apply 1 teaspoon on the affected area with a cotton ball or with your fingertips softly.
- BREAST MILK
It helps to heal or soothe babies' skin. It has natural anti-infection properties that help to heal babies' skin faster.
Express a few milliliters (ml) of milk from the breast. Apply a thin layer on the affected area and allow it to air dry. Wear a fresh diaper for the baby.
- MUSTARD OIL
It has strong soothing and healing power. Helps to cool down sunburned skin.
Take 2 tablespoons of mustard oil in a clean glass bowl and put 2 ice cubes in it. Mix it well until it turns foamy and creamy. Apply it twice or thrice a day to the affected area.
- ALOE VERA
Use aloe vera if you notice inflammation due to rashes. You can use fresh aloe vera as well as bottled aloe vera gel.
Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to the affected area allowing it to air dry.
- HOW TO PREVENT DIAPER RASH?
The best way to prevent diaper rash is to change the baby's diapers frequently. If your baby has diarrhea, change your baby's diaper more often. A layer of unscented barrier cream on the baby's skin also helps protect against rashes. Instead of any perfumed cream or powder, you can also use plain cornflour (My personal experience and experimental). It has not yet been determined whether diapers or cloth diapers are better at preventing rash.
- WHEN MAY MEDICAL HELP BE NEEDED?
- The rash does not clear up in a week.
- The rash consists of blisters, crusts, or pimples
- Your child has a fever with a rash.
- The rash has started to spread
- Your child is very anxious and restless
- If you have a son, the tip of his penis is red and swollen or itchy.
Your doctor or pharmacist may need to give you a medicated cream to treat common nappy rash. But if it's due to eczema or a skin infection, your child will need to get proper treatment.