Diaper Rash

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Diaper Rash 〰️

Care Plan

What to expect

There are many different types of diaper rash, including:

  • Chafing (the most common type): redness often accompanied by small spots or bumps in areas of high friction.

  • Yeast infections (aka candidal dermatitis): a bright red, tender rash that usually starts in the creases between the abdomen and thighs and spreads from there.

  • Cradle cap (aka seborrheic dermatitis): a deep red rash with yellow scales that appears on babies’ heads — but can also start in (or make its way down to) the diaper area.

  • Eczema (aka atopic dermatitis): dry, itchy, red patches, which tend to occur more on the face and scalp than the diaper area.

  • Impetigo: a secondary bacterial infection marked by large, puss-filled sores that break open and ooze yellowish fluid, then crust over.

  • Intertrigo: a raw rash that can pop up in skin folds and can itch or ooze white or yellowish fluid.There are many different types of diaper rash, including:

How to prevent?

Changing the diaper immediately when it’s soiled and thoroughly cleaning your baby are the best things you can do. Diaper rash occurs equally with cloth and disposable diapers. Some children will get a rash from certain brands of disposable diapers or from sensitivity to some soaps used to clean cloth diapers. If you use cloth diapers, you can add bleach to the wash. Be sure to rinse the diaper thoroughly..

How to care for diaper rash?

Change diapers frequently. It’s important to keep the area dry and clean. Check your baby’s diaper often, every hour if he or she has a rash, and change them as needed. Check at least once during the night.

  • Clean gently. Frequent and vigorous washing with soap can strip your baby's skin of its natural protective barrier. Wash your baby’s diaper area gently but thoroughly, including inside folds of skin. Do not use diaper wipes if your child has a rash, as they can burn and increase the irritation. You can sit your baby in a basin or tub of lukewarm water for several minutes with each diaper change. This helps cleanse and may also be comforting. Do not use any soap unless there is very sticky stool, then a very mild soap is okay; wash gently and rinse well.

  • Leave the diaper off for a while. Let your baby’s skin air dry, or pat baby dry with a very soft cloth or paper towel. Leave the skin open to the air as much as possible. Fasten diapers loosely and do not use airtight rubber diaper covers. If you use disposable diapers, it can help to punch holes in them to let air in.

  • Protect your baby’s skin. It is best to apply a thick layer of protective ointment or cream containing petroleum jelly or zinc oxide, even on sore, reddened skin. It does not have to be removed completely as rubbing will damage the skin more. Be very careful with powders; be sure the baby does not breathe them in. Do not use talcum powder because of the risk of pneumonia..