Baby Diaper Rash

Most mothers worry over baby diaper rash, as these rashes really burn and prick the baby. This in turn, makes the babies upset and agitated. Baby diaper rash are usually reddish pink in color and can be seen around the area where the diaper is worn and near the genitals. Sometimes, if these rashes are not treated on time, they may turn into sores, blisters or aberrations. Since moisture is the instigator for most baby diaper rash, these rashes tend to spread to other parts of the baby's lower body, that is, on the buttocks, inner thighs and legs.

Causes of Diaper Rash
Most skin rash disorders in babies occur because the skin is constantly wet and being irritated or the baby is allergic to the diapers material. Some of the other reasons could also be:

• The diaper is too tight and there is no ventilation occurring.
• The diaper is rubbing against the baby's skin and thereby causing bruises.
• Being exposed to moist and soiled diapers for long durations and not changing them at regular intervals.
• Excess heat being stuck in the baby's diaper, will instigate the growth of rashes and bacterial infection.
• Rashes may also occur due to side effects from medications that the baby or the mother is being administered. It may affect the baby through the mother's milk.
• The baby may be allergic to synthetic diapers and baby wipes of certain brands.
• The baby may be allergic to the detergent being used to wash the diapers made of fabric.
• Not giving the baby regular baths and powdering the buttocks. The moist skin will eventually get damp and may cause baby diaper rash blister as well as skin peeling. This occurs due to the fact that babies have extremely soft and sensitive skin.

Ways to Avoid Diaper Rash
Baby diaper rash is preventable. All you need to do is to keep check on the overall hygiene of the baby and the moisture level of the diapers. Also keep in mind the following points:

• Keep a constant check on the baby's diaper, especially after he goes off to sleep.
• Regularly replace the wet diapers with the fresh dry ones.
• Let the baby's skin dry completely before putting on the fresh diaper on the baby.
• Do not let the baby wear a dirty or soiled diaper and change it immediately, dirt and urine make it easier for germs to breed and may cause yeast infection.
• Whenever you replace the diaper, always remember to clean the baby's genitals and other sensitive areas.
• Always use a mild soap or just plain warm water.
• Never scrub your baby's skin to dry it, instead use a soft fabric towel.
• Keep the moisture away by using petroleum jelly or creams made of zinc oxide.
• Get you baby checked for allergies, through an allergy test. This will show as to what the baby is reacting adversely towards, as it could be soaps, ointments or certain brands or materials, which the diapers are made of.
• Consult your pediatrician for further advice on diaper rash treatment, do not administer any anti-allergic ointments or medications to the baby without medical approval.
• Do not use talcum powder on your baby, instead ask your doctor to prescribe you an anti fungal cream or powder, if the need occurs.

Sometimes, the rashes get so severe that they cause rash bleeding, the reasons could be an infection or the side effects of perfumed/chemical soaps. One of the remedies, include the use of hypoallergenic cleansing products and baby diaper rash creams. These could save your baby and you from further recurrences. Using calamine or aloe vera creams after the baby's skin dries up after a wash, will help sooth the area. Diaper Rash Relief Wellness Oil, Dr. Ohhira's Probiotic Skin Care Lotion and Lansinoh Diaper Rash Ointment are some effective creams available in the market. Nonetheless, it is always safer to use the ointments and medication prescribed by your pediatrician.

Baby diaper rash should not be ignored if it occurs within the first 6 weeks since birth, it is dangerous for the baby. Also check that the baby is not suffering from a low to medium grade fever, which should indicate that an infection has set in. Make sure that the rash does not spread to other parts of the body such as the stomach, chest, neck and face. If in case it does get the baby checked as soon as possible.