When you discover tiny red bumps on your baby’s behind while changing his diaper, you’re bound to be a little freaked. Don’t worry mommy - skin irritation is in fact a pretty common sight, that almost all babies will get one at some point.
The problem can be easily solved and avoided with proper care and prevention. We have created a guide for new moms and dads to understand their child’s skin even better! But before we begin, you need to know what causes diaper rash and the common symptoms.
What Is Skin Irritation in Babies?
Skin irritation or more commonly known as the nappy rash is a rash of the skin in the nappy area. It is caused by a breakdown of the skin surface in contact with pee or poop for a long time. Because of this, it causes redness and irritation and often makes your baby feel uncomfortable and itchy all day.1
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there is an estimation as many as 25 per cent of infants and toddlers have a diaper rash at any given time.2
There are several symptoms of nappy rash that all parents must be aware of. Those include:
- Mild rashes just have areas of pink and dry skin
- Severe rashes have areas of red skin, wherein some areas the skin may become raw or even bleed
- Pink rashes that are not painful, but raw ones are which eventually lead to crying and poor sleep3
- Pimple, spots or blisters
- Hot, sore-looking skin
- A very fussy baby
Common Causes of Skin Irritation
Before looking ways into managing nappy rash, it is important for parents to understand the cause of this problem. This is because different causes may require different treatments.
1# Dirty diapers
This is a no-brainer, but many new parents are unaware that it is normal to change a newborn baby’s diaper up to 8 times per day. The leading cause of diaper rash is dirty diapers, so when a diaper is soiled, the urine and faeces rub against the baby’s skin. This leads to irritation and eventually bacteria infections if not treated properly.
2# Allergy & sensitivities
Parents must remember that a baby's skin can be extremely sensitive to certain ingredients found in soaps, lotions and wipes. When their bum is not properly cleaned, it can cause contact dermatitis and rashes. Rashes that are caused by allergy can also appear on different parts of the body.
3# Yeast infection
It is a bright and tender rash that usually starts in the creases between the abdomen and thighs. In some cases, a strain of yeast called candida lives on the surface of your baby’s skin and overgrown around your baby’s diaper area. This overgrowth often happens in warm, moist and soften places with higher skin pH.4
4# Change in diet
Most mothers try to take proper care of their diet by eating healthily. However, a breastfed baby’s stool can change in consistency based on what their mom eats. Acidic food, for example, can trigger skin irritation because it can change the pH level of the urine. Once the baby starts to eat solids and is exposed to more foods, you may also notice the same happening to them.
5# Chafing
Another mistake parents often make is to purchase the wrong diaper size. Diapers are meant to fit snugly into the baby’s body. It is vital to ensure that the diapers stay on to prevent unwanted leaking. When a diaper is too tight, it can chafe your baby’s skin and causes skin irritation. When parents face this problem, the best solution is to purchase diapers in a bigger size.
How Long Does It Take for Skin Irritation to Heal?
Depends - some nappy rashes get better after a couple of days, but some might take up to a longer time (as long as seven days!).
Do call your doctor for further inspection if the rash does not get better, worsen, is infected with pus or spread beyond the diaper area. Some rashes can also be associated with diarrhoea and hide other illnesses.
How to Prevent Recurrent Nappy Rash in the Future
To keep your baby healthy and happy (for the sake of your mental health too!), it is best to take preventative measures in approaching diaper rash. For new parents, don’t fret - follow these easy steps and you can see an immediate improvement in no time!
- Change diapers more often - the main focus here is to prevent skin contact with stool, as little as possible.
- Avoid using diaper wipes alone to cleanse the skin, instead rinse your baby with warm water especially when cleaning their stool.
- Be sure to clean everything off the skin folds. For baby boys, cleaning the scrotum might be a challenge, however, it is advisable to not pull the skin to avoid injury.
- Let your baby diaper-free for a few minutes before putting on a new one. Best to do this practice AFTER the baby peed, or use a protective mat.
- Once you’ve cleaned your baby, be sure to keep their tush dry by using a towel or let it air-dry. Use ointment only when necessary.
- If your baby is too prone to diaper rash, use a barrier cream as a form of prevention.
- Use unscented baby soaps and detergents. Over-scented ingredients in these products (although promoted as child friendly) are one of the causes of irritation.
- Wash your hands before and after changing the diapers in order to prevent rashes from spreading in different parts of their body.
- Make sure the diaper fits properly. Caregivers should always check the correct size of your child’s diaper.
- Experiment with different diapers. Some diapers sometimes are so efficient at trapping moisture, they accidentally trigger more rashes. It is advisable to choose a diaper designed specifically for sensitive skin.
Diaper for One, Diaper for All
Understanding the needs for the baby has always been a priority to Drypers especially with their specially designed diaper, Skinature by Drypers.
The super-premium diaper designed with Derma-Care Technology™ is a combination of soft and breathable material with special care technology keeping the baby's skin dry. That means, it is gentle for ALL skin types, even sensitive ones that are prone to EU26 Allergens.
EU26 Allergens are the 26 most-known allergenic substances in Europe and commonly defined as substances that induce an allergy including redness, skin irritation or rash!
The best part about Skinature by Drypers is that it is also hypoallergenic, chlorine-free and fragrance-free, making it safe and gentle on baby’s sensitive skin. No allergens, only pure goodness!
The Skinature By Drypers has 100% more airspace that allows more breathability and less stuffiness as well as speedy absorption to keep babies clean and dry. These factors alone would help to reduce skin irritation on your baby, and keep them comfortable all day.
New parents will love this feature the most - it has a wetness indicator that turns from yellow to green, so you will know when to change the diaper without opening it to check! That way, not only you get to keep your baby dry and clean all the time, you won’t have to worry much on when would be the perfect time to change them.
This premium diaper range comes in different sizes, from Newborn to XL. With its premium softness and 6x more stretchable waistband, this allows your baby to grow physically unhindered with ultimate comfort assured!
Sign up with Drypers Baby Club today to get helpful parenting tips and other exciting benefits too. Have a rewarding parenthood journey with Drypers Baby Club now!
Reference:
- https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/nappy-rash
- pediatriccare.solutions.aap.org/chapter.aspx?sectionid=135768798&bookid=1626
- https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/diaper-rash/
- www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=90&ContentID=P01888
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