Causes & types of Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is most commonly caused by the constant wetting and drying of the
skin along with repetitive exposure to a variety of irritating substances.
(reprinted from baby magazine)
The most common irritants are urine, stool, bacteria from urine and stool, ammonia
- which is formed by the baby’s stool breaking down the chemicals in urine,
detergents, perfumes, plastics and dyes from single use disposable diapers,
pre-moistened baby wipes, soaps and reactions to creams. The term “diaper
rash” describes several different kinds of skin conditions in the diaper
area. Below is a list of the different types of diaper rash and what they usually
look like.
Chafing dermatitis (diaper chafing): This is the most common form of diaper
rash, which can make the genital area and folds of the thighs & buttocks
appear red and puffy. Diaper chafing or the baby being in a wet and dirty diaper
for too much time causes this type of rash. This type of rash generally comes
and goes, causing little discomfort as long as it’s not complicated by
a secondary infection. Some Diaper manufacturers
are adding powders and Aloe with Vitamin E to their process. This can help to
lessen the irritations if diapers are not changed as frequent as we recommend.
Soft Velcro attachment tape on diapers
used by many manufacturers including Panda-Kids
is a feature that is also helping to lessen irratations on babies.
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): This type of rash shows up as red scaly patches
on the legs and in the groin area. This rash may turn up in other parts of the
body first while spreading to the diaper area between 6 and 12 months of age.
Most doctors believe that eczema is caused by food allergies, cow’s milk
in particular. Even breast fed babies can react to food their mother’s
have eaten, such as, dairy, wheat, citrus, eggs, and peanuts.
Candidal dermatitis (yeast infection): This type of rash is usually tender and
painful, appearing in the folds of the baby’s genitals, legs and the creases
between the abdomen and thighs. This rash will start as small red spots that
become more numerous and then form together as a raised bright red rash with
distinct edges. The most common cause of this type of rash is a baby that is
taking or has been taking antibiotics.
Perianal dermatitis: This type of rash appears as a bright to dark redness around
the anus. The stools of bottle fed babies being more alkaline than normal usually
cause it. This rash will usually not appear with breast fed babies until after
solids are introduced.
Seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap): This rash will appear as a deep red rash
that is rough, raised and often has yellowish scales. This type of rash usually
starts on the scalp as cradle cap, although it can sometimes begin in the diaper
region and then its spreads upward. This rash is usually caused by overactive
oil glands in the skin.
Impetigo: This type of rash can appear as yellow-brown crusty patches or pus
filled pimples or blisters, which is usually accompanied by a lot of surrounding
redness. This rash can cover the buttocks, lower abdomen, anus, umbilical cord,
and thighs and then spread to other parts of the body. Impetigo is caused by
bacteria (streptococci or staphylococci). If you think your baby’s rash
is a bacterial infection, be sure and notify your doctor immediately. Your doctor
will most likely prescribe a topical or oral antibiotic.
Tidemark dermatitis: This rash is an irritation that occurs from the edges or
bindings of a diaper rubbing against the skin.
Intertrigo: This rash will appear as a reddened area, which occurs as a result
of skin rubbing on skin. It is usually found in the folds between the thighs
and abdomen and sometimes in the armpits.
Treatments for Diaper Rash
The best treatment for diaper rash is prevention. The best prevention is keeping
your baby’s diaper area clean and dry. Even with all the prevention in
the world, your baby may still get diaper rash. Don’t feel to blame, because
it’s very common. The following preventative measures will help you treat
a current case of rash and also help you prevent reoccurrences.
Frequent diaper changes: Change your baby’s diaper as soon as he or she
has wet or had a bowel movement. Wash your baby’s bottom with warm water
using wash clothes or cotton balls instead of “baby wipes”.
Barrier or blocking ointments: Using an ointment such as Desitin, A&D, Eucerin,
zinc oxide or Nivea on your baby’s bottom can put a protective barrier
between urine, stool and your baby’s skin. Most doctors recommend avoiding
the use of talcum powder, which can cause lung problems and cornstarch, which
can cause yeast to form.
Fresh Air: Give your baby’s bottom more time in the open air without diapers
on. When you’re at home, place your baby on a few cloth diapers or blankets
over a waterproof pad. The more fresh air that your baby’s bottom is exposed
to the faster the rash will heal.
Different type of diapers:
If your baby is having a recurring problem with diaper rash try switching the
type of diapers you are using. If you are using disposable diapers, try switching
to cloth. Some of the dyes and perfumes in disposables may be the cause of your
baby’s rash. If you’re using cloth diapers, try putting the diapers
through a second wash cycle in clear water without detergents.
Avoid soaps and other irritants: Limit the use of soap on your baby’s
bottom. Washing with soap 2 or 3 times a week is enough. Even if you’re
using a mild soap for sensitive skin, your baby might be having a reaction to
it. When your baby has had a bowel movement use plain warm water and wash clothes
or cotton balls to clean his or her bottom. Baby wipes can cause more irritation
to an existing rash and some wipes contain alcohol, which is very drying to
your baby’s skin.
Prevention of diaper rash
Prevention is the key to keeping diaper rash from occurring. Below are some
ways of preventing diaper rash.
Fresh air: Give your baby’s bottom fresh air without diapers on as often
as possible. With your baby’s skin being kept dry and clean you may never
have to worry about diaper rash.
Cleanliness: Change your baby’s diapers as soon as they become wet or
soiled. With your baby consistently having dry clean diapers on, the probability
of diaper rash decreases substantially.
Cloth diapers: Studies have shown that the use of single use disposable diapers
increases the likelihood of diaper rash. Consider using cloth diapers while
you’re at home and use disposables when you are on the go and away from
home.
Use mild detergents: Use a very mild detergent, such as Dreft when washing cloth
diapers and wash clothes that are used to clean your baby’s bottom.
Introduce new foods carefully: When introducing new foods to your baby, stay
on one particular food for at least 3 to 5 days. If your baby is allergic to
a particular food, it will show up within this time frame.
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