A diaper rash is a common occurrence in newborns. However, it is vital to know its causes, and how you can treat it effectively. This Buzzle article acts as a guide for the same.
Every new mom gets worried when she sees a rash on her baby’s sensitive bottom, in spite of taking maximum care. The first thing, that the new moms need to know, is that a diaper rash is not at all a rare or dangerous disease. Every newborn baby gets it some or the other time. The major factor behind this, of course, is the inevitable use of diapers or nappies. This commodity is a necessity for newborns, as the mothers are not acquainted with their kids’ systems and frequency of discharge. However, unchanged diapers may cause skin to get inflamed, red, and rough. Sometimes, there may also be small pimples in and around the affected area.
Learn What Causes a Diaper Rash
- The diaper needs to be changed every few hours. If it is delayed, or changed when it is too wet, it can cause irritation. This is due to the chemicals present in the urine and stools, which irritate the baby’s sensitive skin due to constant friction.
- If a new product containing harmful ingredients is used, it can cause irritation. Hence new mothers should use only those products that are prescribed by the pediatrician.
- Another cause is the introduction of new foods. Some mothers feed semi-solid food to babies around 4-6 months. This causes a change in the content of their stool, increasing the possibility of a rash.
- Bacterial or yeast infection can also be a causal factor. However, this happens only if the initial rash is not immediately treated.
- Newborns are exposed to constant wetness, as they often pass loose stools, and the surrounding area gets wet, even before the parents realize it.
- Extra-sensitive skin due to conditions like diarrhea, atopic dermatitis, and eczema are more prone to develop such rashes.
Know How to Treat a Diaper Rash
- The first important treatment is to let the baby’s skin breathe. Keep the baby without underclothes at least for 15-30 minutes.
- Apply petroleum jelly generously to the baby’s bottom. This will help create a waterproof layer between the material and the skin, avoiding friction.
- Add some oatmeal to the baby’s bathtub, and wash the affected area with the oatmeal water for about 12-15 minutes.
- Smearing vegetable oil on the patches of skin can also prove to be useful.
- Pour the contents of cod liver oil capsules over the affected skin for a couple of days, until the rash is completely gone.
- There are many diaper rash creams available in the market. However, do not use any of these without the doctor’s advise.
These were all tips to cope with a newborn baby’s diaper rash. It is easier to prevent than to cure. Therefore follow simple measures like changing the diaper frequently, avoiding plastic ones or those with plastic edges, patting the baby’s bottom rather than scrubbing it, letting the skin dry completely before clothing the baby, etc. Diaper rash is a common condition which takes a couple of days to get cured completely. However, if it is accompanied by burns, blisters, and crusted areas, you should call the doctor immediately. Do not get worried, simply take the proper precautions.
