When I say diaper rash is evil... I mean it. Recently my baby had a severe bout of diarrhea and subsequently developed a diaper rash. Loads of tears and refusal to let me clean that area making all those pleading requests made my heart break into bits. However when evil diaper rash strikes, you have no option but to deal with it. You goal should be how to treat diaper rash - that is it!
That is the core of parenting. You are in charge. There is no running away. Seeing your baby struggle in pain anyways gives you enough courage to move mountains. Diaper rash? Big deal! However to be well informed beforehand is a good idea. Those who have already dealt with it, read to know more. Those who might deal with it in future- here's everything you ever wanted to know about diaper rash.
What does a diaper rash looks like?
If the diaper area of your baby looks red, is swollen and is warm to touch, it might be a diaper rash. Diaper rashes can be extremely painful and your baby might refuse to let you touch that area for cleaning etc.
What causes a diaper rash?
There can be many reasons for a diaper rash mainly
- Excessive wetness- if a baby remains in a full or soiled diaper for too long, it can cause diaper rash
- Frequent bowel movement- Diarrhea can be another reason. The skin gets sore and hurts due to constant cleaning of the same area
- Infection
- Change in diet- like starting a solid diet
- Reaction to certain antibiotics
- Allergic reaction to the diaper itself
How to prevent diaper rash?
You need to first find what is it that is causing the diaper rash. If it's an infection, get it treated. If it is being caused by a change in diet, try including more liquids or easy to digest first foods so the baby gets used to solids. The basic thumb rule is to keep your child as dry as possible in the diaper area. Frequent diaper changes go a long way in preventing diaper rashes.
How to treat diaper rash?
In spite of all the good care, babies might face the evil diaper rash at least 2-3 time in the first 3 years of their life. Here is what can be done to sooth and treat a diaper rash-
- Keep the child clean and dry as much as possible. Frequent diaper changes even during the night times will help in quick healing
- Switching to cloth nappies for small babies with diaper rash works wonders. Cloth nappies help in better circulation of air thereby keeping the area dry.
- For cleaning, use a soft cloth and water instead of wet wipes. Some chemicals in wet wipes might aggravate the rash.
- Pat dry the diaper area. Do not rub.
- Apply a diaper rash cream on the rash. Many brands are available as OTC medicine. Desitin, Mothercare, Himalaya, Rashfree etc. are some of the creams trusted by mothers worldwide.
- Consult your pediatrician if the rash is severe, shows signs of pus formation and does not heal after constant home care.
These are the basics of dealing with a diaper rash. Has your baby ever suffered from diaper rash? How severe was it? How do you deal with the evil diaper rash? Any home remedy that works wonders? Which rash cream do you swear by? Do let us know in the comments section.
