Diaper Rash
Facts
Types Of Diaper Rashes
How To Avoid Getting Diaper Rashes
Remedies
Facts
- Diaper rash is an irritation on the skin when exposed to urine and stools.
- Moisture trapped within the diaper can also prompt an infection.
- Friction caused by rubbing the skin against rough diapers can lead to a rash.
- Babies with diaper rash are susceptible to thrush, an infection caused by the fungus candida albicans. This infection shows off as a harsh red rash with well-defined edges.
- It is advisable to let the skin go without diaper whenever possible to allow the skin to air.
- Talcum powder is produced from talc, a magnesium trisilicate mineral, which in its natural form may contain asbestos, a known human carcinogen. Talc is found in baby, body and makeup powders. Talc use on the genital area has been linked to ovarian cancer.
- An unexplained rash should be seen by a doctor to rule out serious conditions like meningococcal infection.
- Unscented wipes that contain no alcohol are less irritating to the skin.
How To Avoid Getting Diaper Rashes
- Change diaper regularly.
- Change a soiled diaper immediately.
- Wipe bottom clean during each diaper change to remove bacteria and to keep the skin clean and fresh.
- For baby girls and women, always wipe from front to back. This to prevent fecal matter from getting near to the genitals. For baby girls, take extra care to clean the skin folds around the genitals which can hide urine and fecal matter.
- Make sure the diaper fits well.
Types Of Diaper Rashes
| Name | Description |
| Contact diaper rash | A regular rash that appears flat and red. When severe, skin will peel or blister and slough off. |
| Intertrigo | A rash that occurs within the skin folds and creases around the diaper area where the skin rubs together. The rash has a red, burn-like appearance. |
| Yeast rash | The skin rash can occur with antibiotic use or as a result of a prolonged rash. The rash is a red, raised patch with sharp borders, mostly over the genitalia but with dispersed spots around the diaper area. |
| Impetigo | Occurs when bacteria invade the damaged skin. Coin-sized blisters or red raised patches that ooze a honey-colored crust. |
| Seborrhea | An inflammatory condition that can affect different parts of the body, but can be especially severe in the diaper area. Appears as a big, red, sharply demarcated patch over the groin, genitalia, and lower abdomen. May be more raised, thick and greasy compared to other rashes.
| | Allergy ring | Foods can irritate a baby's bottom, especially acidic foods such as citrus and tomato-based sauces. It appears as a red ring around baby's anus. Breastfeeding moms may need to eliminate foods from their diet. |
Remedies
- There are many effective skin healing substances that are either used on their own or added to diaper creams or lotions. These subtances reduce the inflammation and promote faster healing.
- Such substances with powerful skin healing properties include calendula (Calendula officinalis), noni (Morinda citrifolia), aloe vera, witch hazel and vitamin E.
- When buying products with calendula, look for those that contain with at least 10% extract of Calendula officinalis. For a gentle wash for babies and adults, apply onto skin with a diluted solution of tincture. Calendula can be used to relief sore nipples.
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