Diaper rash

"Smooth as a baby's bottom," unless that bottom has diaper rash. Diapers, because they are warm and often wet, are a good place for bacteria to grow. Bouts of diarrhea can cause diaper rashes. Diaper rashes occur equally with cloth and disposable diapers.

Here are some ways to prevent it:

• Change the baby's diaper when you know it is wet or soiled. Exposure to stools causes most of the skin damage. Make sure your baby's bottom is completely dry before closing the fresh diaper.
• Give baby's bottom some "air time" each day. Leave a diaper off entirely for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. This could be done before a bath, during a nap, or after a bowel movement. Put a towel or diaper under your baby. Fasten the diaper loosely so that air can circulate between it and the skin. Avoid plastic pants for a few days.
• Rinse the baby's bottom with clear water. Use mild soap (like Dove) after bowel movements. Rinse well after using soap.
• If you are using cloth diapers, try to find diaper covers that allow air circulation such as wool or waterproofed cotton. Avoid plastic pants at night.
• If you wash your own cloth diapers, use a mild soap or detergent and double rinse them to get out any soap residue. * At night, use the new disposable diapers that lock wetness away from the skin.
• Babies older than 6 months, who eat solid foods, may develop allergies to new foods. Food allergies can cause a diaper rash. Try only one new food a week.

If your baby does get a diaper rash, increase daily "air time," and use a diaper rash cream that contains zinc oxide (such as Desitin or Balmex) to protect the skin from further irritation. Sometimes a more serious skin infection can develop that will need further treatment. Contact your baby's pediatrician, if the rash:

• develops into sores or does not get better in 3 days or
• becomes bright red, covers a large area, and is surrounded by red dots

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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