Seeing your little baby with red puffy skin and noticeable uncomfortable by the irritation its experiencing is tough for a parent to see. That is why theAsianparent Malaysia is here to answer all your questions about diaper rashes!
Symptoms of diaper rash
Diaper rash is common in babies during the first 15 months of their lives, though 9-12 month olds have been known to be more prone to it.
How can I tell when my baby has a diaper rash? Here are the symptoms associated with diaper rash:
- The skin along the bottom (along the buttocks, genitals and upper thighs) looks tender and puffy.
- Baby becomes easily irritable for inexplicable reasons, particularly when touched in the affected area.
What causes my baby to get a diaper rash?
Diaper rashes occurs when a wet diaper rubs incessantly or for prolonged period against your baby’s tender skin. It’s therefore necessary to check and change your baby’s diapers frequently.
Some other causes are:
- Prolonged exposure to stool/ feces can also cause the problem, particularly if the baby has diarrhea.
- As babies are introduced to newer and solid foods, the composition of stool changes, as does the frequency and this can also become a cause of diaper rash.
- Since the area covered by the diaper is continuously warm and moist, which are the ideal conditions for bacteria and yeast to proliferate, the baby might develop rashes.
- A new brand of diapers or disposable wipes, baby oil, powder or lotion, a change of detergent or bleach used on the baby’s clothes can all trigger off a rash.
- Diaper rash in breast fed babies might be the result of a food eaten by a mother.
- Babies with a highly sensitive skin are more prone to develop a diaper rash.
- Very tight fitting clothes or diapers causes rubbing and chafing of skin and can also cause the problem.
Treating diaper rash at home:
In 80% of the cases, a diaper rash can be handled at home with a little care and diligence.
It’s usually enough to wash your baby’s bottom with warm water and gently dry the area (do not rub your baby’s skin when he has a diaper rash).
You should also apply an anti-diaper rash cream or petroleum jelly afterwards, particularly between the legs. You’re basically sealing the skin in from wetness.
It is also important to frequently change your little one’s diapers and make sure that your baby is always clean and dry!
You can also let the baby play naked in the comfort of your home and when you’re sure the rooms are not too cold (most air-conditioned rooms can be too cold for babies).
Preventing diaper rash
Most moms use talcum powder in the nappy area, thinking that will keep the baby dry. Avoid doing that at all costs. If you must use powder, use cornstarch based ones. They not only help avoid nappy rash but also do not cause problems as the powder dust is inhaled. If you are using talcum, remove the powder that gathers in the folds of the skin after each diaper change.
- Do not use products containing very strong fragrances, however pleasant they smell because the chemicals present in them can give your baby a skin problem.
- Give the baby’s skin some time to breathe by leaving him diaper free for a few hours every day.
- Choose your baby’s wipes, powder, lotion, cream and oil carefully to avoid ingredients which do not suit him/her.
- Avoid plastic lined/ plastic panties with a cloth based nappy.
- Avoid extremely tight fitting clothes and nappies.
I hope that our article helps you mummies and daddies out there to ease some of your baby’s discomfort. Share your tips and advice on how you treat your baby’s diaper rash in the comment section below!
Sources:
Diaper rash
Children’s health: Diaper rash
