Diaper Rash
The term "diaper rash" refers to any form of skin irritation that occurs in the area covered by an infant's diaper. In most cases, the red bumps and blotches of this common condition are harmless and will disappear within three or four days, without treatment. Occasionally, however, an infant will develop a more severe case of diaper rash, resulting in open sores that may require treatment by a physician.
The most common indicator of diaper rash -- skin inflammation -- usually appears on the infant's lower abdomen, buttocks or genitalia, or in the skin folds of the thighs and buttocks. Parents should not become alarmed over diaper rash, because most infants experience mild attacks of the condition now and then. Recent health research shows that more than 50 percent of infants between the age of four months and 15 months will develop this condition at least once in a two-month period. Diaper rash tends to occur more frequently among older babies (8-10 months), in babies who are not kept dry and in those who have begun to eat solid foods. The condition is also more frequent when the infant is taking antibiotics.
Diaper rash can be caused by one or more of the following factors: prolonged contact with urine or feces in diaper; friction against skin caused by chafing or rubbing; infection by yeast or bacterial organisms; or allergic reactions to fabric in diapers or substances (powders, lubricants) applied to infant's skin.
What to Do
To avoid diaper rash, change the infant's diapers frequently -- and always change them as soon as you discover that they've become wet or soiled with feces. Bathe and cleanse the entire skin area affected by the diaper each time you change it, using clear water or mild soap and water and a soft cotton cloth (or cotton balls). On rare occasions, severe attacks of diaper rash can trigger more threatening skin disorders, such as invasive bacterial infections or skin ulcers. You should inform your health care provider immediately of the following diaper rash-related conditions:
If the skin affected by the diaper rash begins to develop blisters or crusty areas.
If pus-filled sores begin to appear in the area of the rash.
If the inflammation from the rash has not begun to recede after 72 hours.
Self-care Steps for Diaper Rash
To avoid chafing painful areas while cleaning the skin, use a squirt bottle instead of rubbing with a cloth.
Avoid disposable "baby wipes" that contain alcohol, which can irritate sensitive tissues.
Pat dry (do not rub the skin), and then allow the air to fully dry the area covered by the diaper. Use a hair dryer set on very low heat to thoroughly dry the diaper area quickly.
To protect against irritation and new cases of diaper rash, apply a thick layer of protective ointment to the baby's dry skin. These ointments -- usually containing zinc oxide or petrolatum -- are designed to provide a protective coating on the baby's skin, and they do not need to be fully removed at each new diaper change.
Use disposable diapers, if possible, because rash occurs less frequently with them. If you do use cloth diapers, wash them in mild detergent. Be sure to double rinse the diapers, if the infant already displays a rash.
Avoid fastening diapers too snugly; give the baby's skin a chance to "breathe." Use "breathable" diaper coverings whenever possible, rather than plastic or rubber pants.
Give your baby an hour or more of "diaper-free" time each day. Fresh air dries up skin-irritating moisture and also speeds the healing of existing diaper rash.
Over-the-counter anti-fungal creams are available for diaper rashes caused by yeast. The most common yeast infections are Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. This type of diaper rash responds quickly to medication.
Decision Guide for Diaper RashSymptoms/Signs | Action |
|---|
Red bumps, blotches on skin covered by diaper rash | Use self-care |
Blisters develop in areas of inflammation | Call provider's office |
Crusty areas develop along inflamed skin | Call provider's office |
Inflammation, bumps do not begin receding within 72 hours | Call provider's office |
Pus-filled sores appear among bumps, blotches | See provider |
