Diaper Rash - Care and Treatment for Babies Bottom

Diaper rash [cutaneous eruption], can appear at any time [every mother's nightmare] even though the parents are doing all they can to prevent the poor infant from suffering with this painful and irritating skin condition.

This rash is a form of skin inflammation [also a sort of dermatitis] that generally appears in or around the groin area and on the buttocks, a severe case can even go down the thighs [loves hiding in the folds of a chubby baby]. This rash only affects babies, toddlers and any young child still in diapers.

The symptoms are obviously an inflamed rash on or around the babies nappy area, the baby lets you know there is a problem by crying due to discomfort and itchiness [urine also burns the open rash].

Causes

Urine - we cannot avoid this natural function of the body, but we can ensure that we keep the baby as dry as possible by changing the diaper when wet

Feces - change the diaper as soon as you possibly can to avoid infection of the open rash

Moisture - dampness due to perspiration and the ammonia in the urine can aggravate and cause the condition

Bacteria - thrive in the feces, if there is a slight rash this will cause more of a problem

Friction - the rubbing on the dry diaper can also compound this problem

Allergy - could cause an acid reaction in the urine which will burn the skin and the rash will appear

Medication - may cause a acid reaction in the urine

Breast fed babies are less prone to this rash than formula fed babies.

The treatment needed varies, coconut oil is quite effective in eliminating the rash, while shark or cod liver oil also has the ability to combat the problem.

A very bad rash can be 'sealed' - whip up 2 egg whites, apply to the affected area and allow to dry [preferably in the sun] before putting on a clean diaper, this forms a barrier between the skin and any waste products the baby expels. Remember the area is very sensitive at this time so do not rub dry after cleansing, rather air-dry or pat dry.

As mom's we need to keep the diaper area as clean and as dry as we possibly can. Using over the counter creams is necessary to prevent further irritation to the baby's tender nether regions. Many moms believe that powder is also a good form of keeping the area dry, though this can aggravate the condition because it forms little balls when damp and these can scratch the skin.

As always if the rash does not respond to any treatment, take the little one to the doctor for medical advice and medication.