Diaper Rash. My two babies were so prone to this skin condition that I am unfortunately intimately familiar with the subject. Antibiotics, reactions to new foods, illnesses, and basic skin sensitivity can contribute to a rash. The best way to prevent a rash is to change a diaper frequently and faithfully use diaper creams. A nurse gave me the following tips when I tearfully called my pediatrician’s office regarding a particularly severe rash.
* Keep the diaper area clean and dry. Change the baby’s diaper frequently. Sitting in a wet or soiled diaper can make the rash worse.
* Don’t use wipes, even the sensitive kind. The chemicals in wipes can irritate the skin. To clean the bottom, wash in warm water only. Avoid soaps, too.
* Try baking soda in the bath tub to sooth the bottom.
* After bathing, let the diaper area air dry by going without disposable diapers.
* Use cloth diapers.
* If using disposable diapers, use a diaper that is a size or two bigger than normal. Tight diapers do not let the bottom air dry.
If you are particularly concerned about a diaper rash, always consult with your child’s pediatrician. There are prescription diaper creams that can help in certain cases. (Our family’s miracle cream was called Nystatin Cream.)
Although diaper rashes are common, good ways to prevent them are to change a diaper frequently and faithfully use diaper creams. For more information about diaper rashes, contact your pediatrician’s office and visit the following sites:
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/11/T081400.asp
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diaper-rash/DS00069 |