Diaper Rash
When caring for the diaper area, certain principles must be kept in mind:
1. Wet skin is the major cause of diaper rash.
2. Heat and humidity occur as a result of plastic or plastic covered diapers.
3. Irritation is caused by urine and by soiling from an infant's bowel movement.
4. Yeast infections thrive in moist areas and frequently start after the use of antibiotics, such as
for ear infections or other respiratory infections. A diaper rash that has been present for more than two or three days may also become infected with yeast.
Treatment: Keep the Skin Dry and Clean
1. When using diapers, do not use plastic or other waterproof pants. Don't use any diapers if possible (such as when your baby is asleep). If you are using disposable diapers, choose ones with a soft, breathable cloth-like cover.
2. If using cloth diapers, change your laundry detergent, preferably to one of the low-sudsing detergents such as Dreft, Ivory or Cheer Free. Do not use harsh detergents such as Tide, Bold, or Gain.
3. If you are using cloth diapers, use a large plastic pail with one ounce of vinegar per gallon of water to collect the used ones until they are washed.
4. Always rinse cloth diapers twice during the wash cycle.
5. Change diapers as soon as possible after they are wet or soiled.
6. Wash your child's diaper area with a gentle soap such as Dove, Aveeno or Johnson Ultra Sensitive with each diaper change. Gently pat dry.
7. When convenient, allow your child to go without diapers as much as possible.
Although preparations such as Aloe Vera, Desitin, A & D Ointment and Vaseline often help, they retain wetness and sometimes cause the rash to get worse. Because no one method always works, these preparations may be worth a try if the rash gets worse instead of better. If this regimen does not improve the rash in about three days, you should call for an appointment.
