Home Treatment for Diaper Rash

An infant’s skin is particularly sensitive and likely to develop diaper rash. Diaper rash is basically an irritation caused by dampness and the interaction of urine, feces, and skin. An additional factor is though to be the ammonia produced from urine, and often its odor is unmistakably present. Factors that tend to keep the baby’s skin wet and exposed to the irritant promote diaper rash. These are:

• Constantly wet or infrequently changed diapers
• Using plastic pants

The irritation of simple diaper rash may become complicated by an infection due to yeast (candida) or bacteria. When yeast is the culprit, small red spots may be seen. Also, small patches of the rash may appear outside the area covered by the diaper, as far away as the chest. Infection with bacteria leads to development of large fluid-filled blisters. If the rash is worse in the skin creases (a condition called intertrigo), a mild underlying skin problem known as seborrhea may be present.

Occasionally parents may notice blood or what appears to be blood spots when boys have diaper rash. This is due to rash at the urinary opening at the end of the penis. This problem will clear up with the diaper rash.

Home Treatment for Diaper Rash

• Treatment of diaper rash is aimed at keeping the skin dry and exposed to air.
• As implied above, the first things to do are change diapers frequently and stop using plastic pants.
• Leaving diapers off altogether for as long as possible will also help.
• Cloth diapers should be washed in a mild soap and rinsed thoroughly. Occasionally the soap residues left in diapers will act as an irritant. Adding a half cup (120 ml) of vinegar to the last rinse cycle may help counter the irritating ammonia.
• While the rash will take at least several days to completely clear, you should see definite improvement within the first 48 to 72 hours.
• If the rash does not start clearing up by that time or if it is extraordinarily severe, consult your doctor.

How to prevent Diaper Rash

• To prevent diaper rash, some parents use zinc oxide ointments, petroleum jelly, or other protective ointments.
• Others use baby powders. (Caution: Talc dust can injure babies’ lungs if they breathe it in.) Always place powder in your hand first and then pat on the baby’s bottom.
• Caldesene powder is helpful in preventing seborrhea and monilial rashes. Not all babies need powders and creams. If a rash has begun, avoid ointments and creams because they may delay healing.

Related posts: