Diaper Rash in Newborns

Every new mom gets worried when she sees a diaper rash on her baby's sensitive bottom, in spite of taking maximum care. The first and foremost thing the new moms need to know, is that a diaper rash is not at all a rare, or a dangerous disease. Every newborn baby gets a diaper rash some or the other time. The major reason for this to happen, is of course the inevitable use of diapers. Almost six to eight diapers are needed for a newborn baby; this figure is self-sufficient to prove the necessity of a diaper! No doubt, diapers are very helpful. However, if they are not changed frequently, they lead to development of a diaper rash. When the area that is usually covered by the diaper, gets inflamed, red and rough, you can conclude that your baby has a diaper rash. Sometimes, there may also be small pimples in and around the rash.

Learn What Causes a Diaper Rash

• The diaper needs to be changed every few hours. If it is delayed, or if the diaper is changed when it is too wet, it can cause irritation. This is due to the chemicals present in the urine and stools which irritate the sensitive skin of the baby due to the to and fro movement of the diaper.
• As we all know, a baby's skin is very sensitive. If a new product is used which contains harmful ingredients, it can irritate the baby's sensitive bottom. That is new mothers should always used only products prescribed by the pediatrician.
• Another cause of diaper rash which is seen a little older children is the introduction of new foods. Some mothers feed semi-solid food when the baby is around 4-6 months. This causes a change in the content of the baby's stool, increasing the possibility of diaper rash.
• Bacterial or yeast infection can also be a cause of diaper rash in some babies. However, this happens if the initial rash is not immediately treated.
• Newborns are exposed to constant wetness as they often pass loose stools, and the surrounding area gets wet even before the parents come to know that the diaper has become wet.
• Extra sensitive skin due to conditions like diarrhea, atopic dermatitis, eczema are more prone to develop a diaper rash.

Know How to Treat a Diaper Rash

• The first important treatment is to let the baby's bottom get air. Keep the baby without a diaper at least for 15-30 minutes.
• Apply petroleum jelly generously to the diaper area. This will help to create a waterproof layer between the diaper and the baby's sensitive skin, avoiding the rash.
• Add some oatmeal to the baby's bathtub and wash the affected area with the oatmeal water for about 12-15 minutes.
• Smearing vegetable oil on the affected area is also said to be useful.
• Pour the contents of cod liver oil capsules over the affected area for a couple of days, until the rash is completely gone.
• There are many diaper rash creams available in the market, however do not use any of these without the doctor's advise.

This was all about newborn baby rash. It is easier to prevent diaper rash in newborns than to cure it. Follow simple measures like changing the diaper frequently, avoiding plastic diapers or diapers with plastic edges, patting the diaper area rather than scrubbing it, letting the skin dry completely before putting a new diaper, etc. As stated earlier, newborn diaper rash is a common condition which takes a couple of days to get cured completely. However, if the rash is accompanied by burns, blisters, crusted areas you should call the doctor immediately. So now that you know all about diaper rash newborns, do not get worried, simply take the proper precautions.