Diaper Rash
 Definition: A diaper rash is any rash on the skin covered by a diaper.
Reasons that diaper rash occurs: Most diaper rashes
are due to prolonged contact with moisture, bacteria, and ammonia.
These skin irritants are made by the reaction of the bacteria from
bowel movements to certain chemicals in the urine. Most children get
diaper rashes during episodes of diarrhea.
What to expect: Most diaper rashes improve in three
days. If the rash becomes bright red or raw, and surrounded by red
dots, it may be a yeast infection and will require anti-fungal cream
for treatment.
Call our office urgently if: (1) The rash has blisters, pimples, sores, pus, or looks infected; (2) Your child starts to act very sick.
Call our office during routine office Hours if: (1) The rash is not improving after three days; (2) rash becomes red or raw; or (3) you have other questions or concerns.
Home Care:
- Change diapers often (the skin needs to be clean and dry in order to heal itself);
- Check diapers frequently and change them immediately if wet or
soiled. Exposure to bowel movements causes the most skin irritation.
Make sure the skin is dry before the diaper is closed.
- Let your child's skin be exposed to air.
- Let your baby go without a diaper (good times are during naps and after bowel movements). Put a towel or diaper under
your baby. When the diaper goes back on, fasten it loosely to allow air
to circulate around the skin. Do not use air-tight plastic pants for
several days. If using disposable diapers, try to allow air to
circulate by punching holes in the diaper.
- Avoid "diaper wipes" and soap.
- Rinse skin with warm water. (After bowel movements, use a mild
soap like Dove to remove any bacteria left of the skin). Then rinse
well.
- If the skin is raw, warm water soaks may help (use for 15 minutes, three times a day).
At Night:
- Use disposable diapers.
- Avoid plastic pants.
- Until the rash is gone, change your baby's diaper if he wakes.
Creams and Powders:
- Most babies don't need any diaper cream, but it may be helpful to
use a barrier cream (Balmex, Dyprotex or Desitin) to protect your baby's skin
from diarrhea.
- If skin is dry and cracked, A+D Ointment or Vaseline can be used.
- Do not use talcum powder since this can irritate your baby's lungs if inhaled by accident.
Prevention:
- Change diapers immediately after your child has a bowel movement and rinse the skin with warm water.
- If you use cloth diapers and wash them yourself, bleach must be used to sterilize them.
- Avoid using commercially available diaper wipes before eight weeks of age.
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