 Diaper
Rash
What can I do
if my baby gets diaper rash?
If your baby gets a diaper
rash (and to prevent future diaper rashes) it's important to keep the area
as clean and dry as possible. Change wet or soiled diapers right away. This
helps cut down how much moisture is on the skin.
-
Gently
clean the diaper area with water and a soft washcloth. Use soap and water
only if the stool does not come off easily. If the rash is severe, use a
squirt bottle of water so you can clean and rinse without rubbing.
-
Pat dry;
do not rub. Allow the area to air-dry fully.
-
Apply
a thick layer of protective ointment or cream (such as one that contains
zinc oxide or petroleum jelly). These ointments are usually thick and pasty
and do not have to be completely removed at the next diaper change. Remember,
heavy scrubbing or rubbing will only damage the skin more.
-
Avoid
using wipes that can dry out the skin. The alcohol or perfume in many of
these products can further irritate your baby's skin.
-
Do not
put the diaper on too tight, especially overnight. Keep the diaper loose
so that the wet and soiled parts do not rub against the skin as much.
-
Use creams
with steroids only if your pediatrician recommends them. They are rarely
needed and may be harmful.
-
Check
with your pediatrician if the rash
Over the years diaper rash has
been blamed on various causes, such as teething, diet, and ammonia in the
urine. However, we now believe it is caused by any of the following:
-
Too much moisture
-
Chafing or rubbing
-
When
urine, stools, or both touch the skin for long periods of time
-
Yeast infection
-
Bacterial infection
-
Allergic reaction
to diaper material
When skin stays wet for too long,
it starts to break down. When wet skin is rubbed, it also damages more easily.
Moisture from a soiled diaper can harm your baby's skin and make it more prone
to chafing. When this happens, a diaper rash may develop.
More than half of babies between
4 months and 15 months of age develop diaper rash at least once in a 2-month
period. Diaper rash occurs more often when
-
Babies
get older—mostly between 8 to 10 months of age.
-
Babies
are not kept clean and dry.
-
Babies
have frequent stools, especially when the stools stay in their diapers overnight.
-
Babies
begin to eat solid foods.
-
Babies
are taking antibiotics, or in nursing babies whose mothers are taking antibiotics.
-
The rash
does not look like it's going away or gets worse 2 to 3 days after treatment.
-
The rash
includes blisters or pus-filled sores.
-
Your
baby is taking an antibiotic and has a bright red rash with red spots at
its edges. This might be a yeast infection.
-
Your
baby has a fever along with a rash.
-
The rash
is very painful. Your baby might have a skin condition called cellulitis.
Published online: 9/07
Source: Diaper Rash
(Copyright © 2007 American Academy of Pediatrics, Updated 6/07)
Healthcare professionals
may order
this publication in multi-copy packs.
Parents can find more information on this topic in Caring for Your Baby
and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. To order a copy of this book visit the
AAP
Bookstore.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information contained
in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care
and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your
pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
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