How do you cure diaper rash fast? What should you not do with a diaper rash? How long does it take diaper rash to heal? Here's a quick guide for diaper rash treatment in babies.
We cannot avoid using diapers on our babies especially if they are still newborns, and diaper rash might be the result of that if we are not doing it right. While it can be bothersome, it's a common dilemma new parents face. In this article, we listed some tips, treatments, and prevention of diaper rash in babies.
Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is a common skin condition of inflamed skin (dermatitis) that appears as patches on your baby's bottom. Frequently, sensitive skin, infrequent diaper changes, or wet diapers are to blame. Although the disease can affect anyone who often changes their diapers, babies are typically the ones who are harmed.
Symptoms of Diaper Rash
Before doing a diaper rash treatment, check out these symptoms and warning signs of diaper rash first:
- Inflamed genitalia, thighs, buttocks, and anywhere else surrounding the diaper areas
- Tender and itchy skin in the diaper area
- Sores in the diaper area
- Discomfort, fussiness, or crying especially during diaper changes
Photo by Keira Burton
What Causes Diaper Rash
"Newborns and babies are vulnerable to diaper dermatitis. Its primary causes include prolonged exposure to wet diapers, friction, and the constant contact of urine and faeces with the skin. Additionally, the use of certain diapers, wipes, or topical products may contribute to skin sensitivity," said Dr Lee Hwee Chyen, Medical Director and Consultant Dermatologist at Epi Dermatology & Laser Specialist Clinic.
When do diaper rashes occur?
- You keep a filthy or wet diaper on for too long.
- Your child is allergic to a certain material in the diaper.
- The diaper itself chafes or rubs against the skin of your baby.
- Your infant contracts a yeast or bacterial infection.
A baby develops a diaper rash more frequently when:
- They become older, especially between the ages of 9 and 12 months
- Your child sleeps with soiled diapers
- They have diarrhoea
- Baby begins consuming solid foods
- They are taking antibiotics, or if you are nursing and taking antibiotics
All of these causes will surely be addressed by a diaper rash treatment appropriate for your baby’s type of diaper rash.
6 Types of Diaper Rash
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Yeast diaper rash
A fungi family called Candida often lives in the skin and diaper area. However, it could cause a candidiasis-related acute diaper rash or a yeast infection if they overgrow.
The rash may feature blisters filled with white pus, swollen regions coated in a white, scaly surface, redness, and puffiness.
After experiencing a severe diaper rash that breaks out and bleeds, a child may get a yeast diaper rash.
Don’t worry, there is an appropriate diaper rash treatment for this.
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Irritant contact dermatitis
Irritant contact dermatitis is the most frequent type of diaper rash. It begins when something in the diaper or occasionally the diaper itself irritates the skin.
This kind of dermatitis commonly grows worse when a baby is kept in a dirty or damp diaper for an extended period of time.
Contact dermatitis brought on by an irritant might result in red lumps or patches. If the agony is terrible enough, there may also be welts that bleed when they burst open. Due to the ease with which fungus and bacteria can infiltrate the skin, open wounds raise the risk of secondary infection.
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Eczema
Eczema can cause itching spots to develop around the diaper area. Skin patches could be red, scaly, or hard.
Many newborns with eczema also have it on other parts of their bodies. It is rare that it occurs in the diaper area only and not somewhere else in the body.
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Bacterial infection
Bacterial infections in the diaper area can cause red, swollen, and itchy skin. Without treatment, these diseases could also spread to other body parts and become fatal.
Babies who have bacterial infections may feel unwell or spike a fever. However, some people might simply experience diaper rash.
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Psoriatic diaper rash
Diaper rash caused by psoriasis is also included. With psoriasis, a persistent skin condition that causes thick, scaly patches of skin, the body destroys healthy cells.
These scales could irritate and are typically pink or grey in colour. Children are susceptible to developing psoriatic patches on various body parts, particularly the scalp.
However, it can be treated with the appropriate diaper rash treatment as detailed below.
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Intertrigo
The warm, moist body areas most prone to the itchy skin ailment intertrigo are the folds of the thighs or a baby's buttocks.
Yeast diaper rash: Intertrigo can occasionally develop secondary bacterial or yeast infections, requiring further care. Intertrigo diaper rashes in babies increase their risk of developing other inflammatory rashes later.
Home Remedies for Diaper Rash
The best treatment for diaper rash? According to research from 2012 that was published in the Scientific World Journal through Healthline, calendula and aloe lotions can help treat diaper rash. Calendula specifically combats bacteria and inflammation, two of the main causes of diaper rash.
To treat diaper rash, people frequently use ointment for diaper rash or topical lotions. They consist of:
- Hydrocortisone to lessen oedema
- Creams with antibiotics or antifungals to treat infections
- Oxidized zinc
- Steroid-containing lotions and ointment for diaper rash
However, these best treatments for diaper rash should only be used on a doctor's advice.
Diaper Rash Treatment
"To prevent and manage diaper dermatitis in Singapore's climate, it's essential to maintain good diaper-changing practices," said Dr Lee.
"Frequently changing diapers and using mild, fragrance-free baby wipes to clean the diaper area will help alleviate the condition. Parents should also avoid diapers that are too tight, as these can cause friction and trap moisture.
Instead, consider breathable diapers and use diaper rash creams to strengthen protective barriers on the skin and reduce discomfort," she added.
Fortunately, most cases of mild diaper rash can be treated without medical assistance. For assistance with your child's diaper rash, try the following tips.
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Keep the diaper clean and dry.
The most important thing to prevent and treat a rash on your baby is to keep her in a dry, clean diaper. When changing the diaper, lightly spray the area with water or wipe it clean with a soft cloth.
However, exercise caution when using wipes. Avoid using wipes that contain alcohol, and don't rub your skin too much.
While your child has a rash, letting them go without a diaper for a while could also be helpful. You can lay out towels or reusable waterproof pads to let your youngster go without diapers for a while.
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Change their diapers often
Your child needs to have their diaper changed as soon as you can. Even a small amount of moisture trapped on the skin can result in diaper rash.
So, if your child's diaper gets even a bit moist, you should change it once, especially if the diaper rash is still present.
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Consider disposable diapers
Even though cloth diapers have many benefits, you shouldn't use them if your infant gets a diaper rash. While the rash heals, switch to highly absorbent disposable diapers. With their help, your child will remain dry, and they might expedite the healing process.
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Make sure your child is wearing the right size of diaper
When the wrong size diaper is used, diaper rash can develop more frequently and heal more slowly. An excessively tight diaper may cause more moisture and speedier rash development. A too-large diaper may irritate and cause friction, which aggravates rashes.
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Use alternative soothing remedies
Some people believe that employing complementary or natural remedies would hasten the healing of their child's diaper rash.
The majority of these methods, however, haven't been researched and aren't backed by data. Use caution when using any of these, and stop using them if you see that the rash is growing worse or not getting better.
- Breast milk
- Aloe vera lotion
- Calendula lotion
- Lotion made of witch hazel
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Avoid some products
Avoid using products with strong scents, such as dryer sheets and fabric softeners. Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products are much less unpleasant for many neonates.
Additionally, refrain from giving your child baby powder. Babies shouldn't breathe it in since it might harm their lungs.
Cornstarch is another remedy that shouldn't be administered to youngsters because the powder may irritate their lungs, and they may also breathe it in. Cornstarch may also exacerbate diaper rashes brought on by candida.
The good news is, most diaper rashes start to feel better in about 2 to 3 days with the right care. Keep things cool and dry, change diapers often, and use a gentle diaper cream. If it's hanging around for more than a week, or getting worse, give your paediatrician a shout.
When To See Your Doctor for Diaper Rash
An infected diaper rash should be treated by your baby’s paediatrician. You should make an appointment if you think your child's diaper rash is worse or contagious.
Symptoms and warnings of diaper rash include:
- Blisters
- Fever
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pus or discharge, dripping from the diaper area
- Rash that persists even after treatment
This article was written by Margaux Dolores and republished with permission from theAsianparent Philippines.
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it's important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn't serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.