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Beating Back Diaper Rash

Diaper rash: it’s as synonymous with babies as bottles, speaking gibberish and blowouts. But dealing with diaper rash doesn’t have to be a part of your routine. In fact, the best way to manage diaper rash is to prevent it from happening in the first place.

What Is Diaper Rash?

Diaper rash is very common. One study found that up to 35% of children under the age of 2 experience diaper rash.

It is, quite simply, irritated skin in the diaper area. When babies wear wet or dirty diapers for too long, yeast, bacteria and the acidic nature of waste create a perfect storm of sorts — irritating the skin and causing a painful rash. It can also happen when a child has diarrhea and it’s difficult to keep a dry diaper on.

How Do I Treat Diaper Rash?

If you notice that your child’s skin under the diaper looks red or irritated, he or she probably has diaper rash. A child can develop it on his or her buttocks, genitals, thighs or even the creases between the legs and thighs.

It’s important to treat diaper rash as soon as you see it, before the symptoms worsen and your child becomes uncomfortable. Diaper rash can be treated a few different ways:

  • Use a diaper rash ointment at every diaper change. Ointment helps creates a barrier between the skin and waste to protect inflamed areas, allowing the rash to heal. Popular diaper rash cream options include Desitin, Aquaphor and others. If diaper rash is persistent, your child’s pediatrician may recommend using a hydrocortisone, anti-fungal or zinc oxide cream. Just be sure to talk to your baby’s physician before using.
  • Change the diaper frequently. Wet and dirty diapers make diaper rash worse and can even be painful to a baby with diaper rash. Be sure to change your child’s diaper every one to two hours. Or, if you’re brave, consider letting your little one run or roll around without a diaper at all. This can help the skin dry out thoroughly.

How Can I Prevent Diaper Rash?

Fortunately, parents and caregivers can often keep diaper rash at bay with a few simple preventive steps:

  • Regularly change your child’s diaper. Don’t let him or her sit in a wet or dirty diaper as it can irritate the skin and cause diaper rash.
  • Make sure diapers fit appropriately — not too tight and not too loose. The right fit allows for a little breathing room and can reduce the risk of diaper rash.
  • Keep diaper rash cream on hand. If your child is susceptible to diaper rash, consider using an over-the-counter cream or petroleum jelly product at every diaper change.
  • Use water and a soft towel to clean your little one during a diaper change. Avoid baby wipes with alcohol or fragrances.
  • Never use talcum or baby powder. It can be extremely dangerous for babies if inhaled.

If you have questions about diaper rash or want to schedule an appointment for your child, call Tanner’s free, 24-hour provider referral line at 770-214-CARE (2273) or select “Find a Provider” at tanner.org.

Children's Health Care




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