Top Powerful Solutions For Your Baby's Diaper Rash
As a mother who is concerned about the smallest details (and I'm sure there are many like me), I frequently searched for books and articles about this unpleasant condition, and after a couple of times, I adapted to it, and I now feel capable of overcoming it. As a result, I decided to create this post to share my experience and understanding of the issue in order to shorten the path and spare many moms the time and effort of research (and worrying).
What is irritant contact dermatitis?
To begin with, you need to be aware that there are two types of the diaper rash condition to be careful of. The first, which I have experienced several times and will cover in this post, is known as Irritant contact dermatitis, and it is quite common and may affect any mother in the world.
The second form is fungal diaper infection. This form of illness is caused by the Candida fungus, which is normally present in a child's mouth and intestines. This type of inflammation appears as redness and peeling of the diaper area skin, with a greater infection in the deep sunken areas between the layers of skin and the presence of pus pustules in the diaper area for more than 4 days, and it is best to consult a doctor for this type because it requires the intervention of certain treatments.
According to many medical sources, the following are some exceptional, less common situations:
+ If your child has eczema or sensitive skin, he or she is more susceptible to infections.
+ When antibiotics are employed, both helpful and dangerous bacteria are killed. As a result, if a newborn is given antibiotics, the bacteria that inhibit fungal development may become depleted, resulting in diaper rash caused by a fungal infection. The use of antibiotics raises the risk of diarrhea. Babies who are breastfed and whose moms are on antibiotics are at a higher risk of diaper rash. Infections and extreme redness in the buttocks and between the thighs are symptoms.
What exactly causes irritant contact dermatitis?
Children's skin is considered delicate and softer than our skin, and its acidity level is high, so it is impacted by irritants represented in:
1. A wet nappy Prolonged contact with urine or stool can irritate a baby's sensitive skin; in my daughter's situation, this means that just a few minutes is enough to irritate her skin quickly.
2. Because stool is the first irritant after urine, it may be more prone to inflammation in cases of frequent bowel movements or diarrhea. This can occur if the baby consumes particular meals or if the breastfeeding mother consumes specific foods, such as a lot of dairy products and others, as well as in children aged 9 to 12 months, when the frequency of defecation is at its peak.
3. Some wipes that contain alcohol or fragrances,
4. Other substances that can exacerbate the problem are some of the ingredients included in babies' lotions, powders, or oils.
5. Certain types of diapers
6. Friction and rubbing with diapers or tight, non-cotton clothes
Other reasons you may consider as well:
1- The usage of cloth diapers: irritation might happen as a result of cleaning these diapers with a specific type of detergent or fabric softener. They may irritate the skin in the diaper area.
2- Inefficiency in cleaning and drying the child's skin after stool. On the other hand, excessive washing can be a reason too, because soap removes the fats in the skin's outer layer, leaving it more susceptible to dryness and irritation resulting from exposure to irritants.
WHAT IS THE SOLUTION ?
Although diaper rash is not a pleasant experience for either the mother or the baby, it is fairly common, so don't be discouraged or think you've done something wrong. It happens to everyone, and it is very easy to control and avoid with adequate care and continual attention to your baby's delicate skin.
The best way to prevent diaper rash is to simply keep the nappy area as clean and dry as possible. Here are some simple strategies that have helped me reduce the possibility of diaper rash on my daughter's skin and at the same time treat the irritation:
1- Change diapers on a regular basis and remove wet or dirty diapers as soon as they get wet or filthy. I know it's a difficult task, but keep an eye on your child every moment and pay attention to any changes in his mood or indications of discomfort. It has been simpler for me after my daughter reached the tenth month, because she usually tries to touch the area of the diaper as soon as she defecates. By the age of one, she started communicating with her signs requesting that her diaper be changed right away.
2- Because everyone's skin is different, try several brands of diapers until you discover the one that works best for your kid.
3- As much as possible, use warm water as part of each diaper change. Use wet towels, cotton squares, and alcohol-free or fragrance-free baby wipes to assist clean the skin, but do so gently and not at each change. You may also make your own wipes. If you want to use soap, go for a gentle, fragrance-free type.
4- Without rubbing, wipe and dry gently with a clean cloth. Because it has the potential to aggravate skin irritation.
5- Avoid tight-fitting diapers or closing them tightly. Tight nappies keep air from moving in the diaper region, creating a humid environment conducive to diaper rash. Tight diapers can also cause chapped skin in the thigh area.
6- Allow the baby to stay without a diaper whenever feasible. Allowing the skin to dry naturally by exposing it to air is a gentle way to enable it to dry. Place the baby on a large towel or hoodie for some time while he is doing an activity to avoid poop accidents.
7- Use a quality diaper cream on a regular basis (after good drying). Especially if your baby has this condition frequently, the cream provides a barrier between the skin and the feces or pee (or both) when changing the nappy to prevent skin irritation. Many diaper creams contain Vaseline and zinc oxide, which have been shown to be helpful over time
8- When using cloth diapers, select washing products carefully, avoiding the use of bleaches or fabric softeners, and rinse thoroughly to eliminate any soap residues (the same goes for clothes).
Finally, remember to properly wash your hands after every diaper change to prevent the spread of bacteria in your child's or your own body.
BONUS NATURAL SOLUTIONS:
Because many millennial moms are attempting to be environmentally conscious, I thought I'd share some natural solutions that would be useful to them:
o Add sodium bicarbonate to the washing water
o Diluted vinegar also helps to adjust the acidity of the diaper area (1/8), helps to get rid of the ammonia contained in the urine, gets rid of any accumulation of soap, and gets rid of diaper odors.
o Starch also helps dry the area
o Vegetable oils (such as olive oil) are a good moisturizer and a barrier between the baby's skin and urine or stool.
In any case, if the methods mentioned in this article did not work and the diaper rash lasted more than 5 days, with the child having a high temperature and being unable to sleep or stay without pain, and the degree of the condition had progressed to a late stage, consult your doctor immediately.
I hope you find the content of this blog beneficial. I know it's a little long, but I wanted it to be informative and include all of the key facts that will assist you on your parenting journey. If you find it useful, please share it on your favorite social media platform to help other parents.
You’re doing so good mamas, till next time, stay happy and wonderful, ZAKIA xoxo.
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