Diaper Rash

A diaper rash, known as Dermatitis, is an inflamed, red and patchy area of skin on a baby’s bottom. The common causes are:  

§  Prolonged urine and fecal matter against the skin

§  Inadequate drying of the skin after a bath

§  Seborrheic Dermatitis

§  Thrush and Candidiasis

o   Babies on antibiotics are extremely susceptible to candida-related rashes

§  Food sensitivities, most commonly dairy

When a rash does occur, and most babies will have a mild one even with the most vigilant of moms, early treatment of is the best solution to the problem.  Zara got her first small rash after having a poopy diaper in the middle of the night and not waking for us to change it.  Here are the best prevention and treatment options:

§  Frequent diaper changes, at least every 3 hours while awake

§  Drying off completely after bath time

§  Using non-alcohol diaper wipes as the alcohol can be more irritating to the skin and spread the bacteria. Kaiser sells some wipes that you just add warm water to.

§  Giving the baby more fluids. If on solids offer water in a sippy cup.

§  Add 2 Tbsp. of baking soda to a warm bath to help dry and heal the skin.

§  Use creams like Burt’s Bee’s diaper rash to protect healthy skin.  Desitin can be used in more extreme cases to keep skin dry. 

§  Don’t use baby powder as it can cause skin moisture to get trapped in the creases.