What does diaper rash look like?
- Author Jackie Patterson
- Published October 25, 2010
- Word count 539
If your infant has diaper rash you will spot the signs. Some of the skin which has been covered by the diaper, probably the genital area, the buttocks and, folds of skin where legs and buttocks meet will be reddish in color and inflamed. The area can be either dry or moist and sometimes will appear to be pimply.
If you spot these symptoms you should deal with them straight away as, untreated it could develop into something worse such as a yeast or bacterial infection. Yeast infections (candida or thrush) are much more common in babies that are taking antibiotics. The drugs will have killed the "good" bacteria which would usually keep the yeast under control, as well as the infection they were intended to treat. Yeast infections normally begin as small red spots, which multiply and grow into solid red blotches. Bacterial infections, which are often accompanied by a fever, can cause oozing yellow patches or pus-filled pimples.
Why has my infant got diaper rash?
A major cause of diaper rash is dampness. New-borns urinate often and will have several loose bowel movements throughout any 24-hour period. Diarrhoea can also lead to diaper rash. It is almost impossible for you to keep your infant dry at all times. You may notice bowel movements quite quickly but you won’t spot notice every time your infant urinates. Even the best diaper will leave some moisture in contact with the skin. You must make every effort to change your baby’s diaper regularly to minimise the risk of diaper rash. However, if your infant has particularly sensitive skin they may be likely to develop diaper rash even if you do change it regularly.
How can I treat diaper rash?
Prevention is always better than cure so make every effort to keep your infant clean and dry. If your infant is not yet mobile let them have time without wearing a diaper to allow the air to dry of the infected area. This will speed up the healing process. Make sure the room is warm and dry and let the infant lay on a towel, which you can wash as required. If your infant is mobile you may not want to try this unless you have an area which can be easily cleaned.
If your infant’s rash is allergy based you should use clean warm water and cotton wool to wipe the infected area. Try switching to a super absorbent diaper to minimise moisture on the skin.
A normal diaper rash should clear up after three or four days of treatment at home. If the rash persists, spreads, or gets worse whilst you are home treating you should make an appointment to see your doctor. He may prescribe a hydrocortisone or anti-bacterial cream.
How can I prevent diaper rash?
-
Change your infant’s diaper as soon as possible if notice it has become wet or soiled.
-
Clean the area thoroughly every time you change a diaper. Allow the skin to dry before you put a clean diaper back onto your infant.
-
Coat the diaper area with a protective cream during each change.
-
Don’t fasten diapers too tightly and make sure that there is room for air to circulate.
Jackie is a mother of two boys and a shoe designer for The Baby Shoe Company.
She writes for
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- The Wonder of Bedtime Stories: Why Reading Picture Books to Young Children Is So Important
- How Online Play Therapy Can Help Your Child Thrive
- Why Online Play Therapy is Important for Your Child?
- Anything But a Backpack Day Ideas: A 2024 Guide
- Best Age for Children and Teenagers to Start Using Social Media
- 7 Must-Know Tips for Helping Your Child During Their First Week with Braces
- CHILD PROTECTION SYSTEMS AND CHILD BEGGING IN WA MUNICIPALITY OF THE UPPER WEST REGION OF GHANA
- Raising Children with Emotional Needs
- Why Do Autistic People Wear Headphones?
- Journey Through Grief: A Son's Tale of Loss, Denial, and Healing
- Am I neurodivergent?
- 11 Tips for Helping Dyslexic Students Succeed in the Classroom
- Unlocking the Future: Why Kids Need to Code with 'Kids Coding'.
- The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Kids Bike
- The Key to Establishing a Healthy Sleep Routine for Babies, Toddlers, and Children
- Backpack Considerations for parents
- 4 Reasons Why You Should Purchase Computer Chess For Your Children
- 17 useful musical Instruments for 5 years old that improve Toddlers' Creativity
- Best blinds for schools
- Pediatric Heart Murmurs
- 5 Common Myths About Ear Infections in Toddlers- Debunked!
- Teen with Epilepsy Gives Back Through Toys
- How to choose best baby stroller for travel system
- How to Make Oral Care Fun for the Whole Family
- The Journey to Ezido Lake: A Story about Empathy
- Teddy Bear Ball And Gala 2021, a noble fundraising event helping countless lonely, children across USA
- Young People Problems
- Some Things my Friends Should Know About Covid 19
- Dressing your kids in cost effective designer clothes
- Some Things my Friends Should Know About Covid 19