Diaper rash or diaper rash is irritation and inflammation baby skin use diaper. Diaper rash is characterized by redness of the baby's skin in the buttocks, fold thigh,and sex. Although many occurs in infants, adults who use diapers can also experiencehis.
Diaper rash can be caused by a variety of things, but most commonly it is the result of exposure to urine and feces that have accumulated in the diaper. Diaper rash can also result from a diaper that is too tight, a bacterial infection, or a skin disease, such as seborrheic dermatitis or atopic dermatitis.
Most babies who wear diapers have experienced diaper rash. This rash is generally harmless. However, diaper rash can be uncomfortable, so babies tend to be fussier. In certain cases, diaper rash requires treatment from a doctor.
Diaper Rash Symptoms
The main symptoms of diaper rash or diaper rash is the baby's skin in the diaper area, namely the buttocks, groin, and around the genitals, looks red. The skin with this red rash will also feel warm and appear swollen.
In addition to the appearance of a red rash, the skin in the area of the use of diapers can also be covered with blisters or bubbles. Babies who have diaper rash will usually become fussy, especially when the area with the rash is cleaned or when the diaper is changed.
When hcurrent to dokter
Diaper rash can be treated independently without the need to see a doctor, by keeping the diaper dry, ensuring good air circulation in the diapering area, and applying a special ointment for diaper rash that is sold over the counter.
However, if the diaper rash doesn't go away after 2 days or it gets worse, you should see your baby's doctor. You should also take your baby to the doctor if other symptoms accompany diaper rash, such as:
- Fever
- Bloody rash
- Discharge
Causes of Diaper Rash
Diaper rash in babies can be caused by the following:
- Prolonged contact with urine and feces in the diaper can irritate the baby's sensitive skin.
- Friction, for example due to diapers that are too tight.
- Irritation to recently used products, such as soap, baby powder, detergent, or fabric softener.
- The influence of new types of food, which results in changes in the composition of feces and the frequency of bowel movements.
- Have sensitive skin type.
- Bacterial or fungal infection, which occurs when the skin is covered with a diaper for too long, causing it to become damp and warm.
Diaper Rash Diagnosis
Diaper rash can be recognized by its appearance, which is a red skin rash in the diaper area. These areas are the buttocks, groin and genitals of the baby. Generally, the mother or babysitter will immediately notice changes in the skin in the diaper area.
Be aware of equipment and care products that come into contact with baby's skin, such as diapers, bath soap, lotion, or detergent to wash baby's clothes. The use of products with types or brands that are not suitable for baby's skin can trigger diaper rash.
Diaper Rash Treatment and Prevention
Diaper rash usually heals without treatment from a doctor. The most important treatment for diaper rash is to keep the baby's skin clean and dry, and to maintain good air circulation in the diaper area.
Some steps that can be taken are:
- Adjust the size of the diaper to the size of the baby's body, do not use a diaper that is too tight.
- Change soiled diapers immediately, and change diapers as often as possible.
- Always wash your hands before and after changing diapers.
- Thoroughly clean the skin that is often covered with diapers, especially when changing diapers.
- After washing, gently wipe the baby's skin dry before putting on a new diaper.
- Avoid using baby powder, because it can trigger skin irritation, as well as irritation to the baby's lungs.
- Avoid using soaps or wet wipes that contain alcohol and fragrance, as the chemicals in them can irritate and make the rash worse.
- If using cloth diapers, wash them thoroughly and avoid using deodorizers.
- Do not always put diapers on the baby, because the baby's skin also needs to 'breathe'. The more often the baby's skin is free from the diaper and exposed to air, the risk of diaper rash will be lower, and the healing of the diaper rash will be faster.
- If you have a diaper rash, use a diaper with a larger size.
You can also apply an over-the-counter diaper rash ointment or cream. Choose a cream that contains zinc oxide or petroleum jelly. However, avoid topical medications containing diphenhydramine or salicylic acid, unless advised by your doctor.
If your baby's diaper rash doesn't improve within 2 days or it gets worse despite the above steps, it's a good idea to have your baby checked by a pediatrician.
In treating diaper rash, your pediatrician may prescribe:
- Cream hydrocortisone, to reduce inflammation caused by rashes.
- Antibiotic cream, if a bacterial infection appears on the rash.
- Antifungal creams, such as nystatin, clotrimazole, and miconazole, to treat the yeast infection that causes diaper rash.
Medicines in the form of creams or ointments can be applied to the baby's skin that has been cleaned, at the time of changing the baby's diaper.
Disposable Diapers or Cloth Diapers?
Disposable diapers or cloth diapers have their advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right type of diaper to prevent diaper rash is a dilemma for mothers, given the various causes of diaper rash.
Although there is no clear evidence regarding which type of diaper is the most appropriate, disposable diapers are considered to be more able to prevent diaper rash, because they can keep the skin of the buttocks dry and reduce contact between the baby's skin with urine and feces.
Regardless of the type of diaper used, both cloth and disposable diapers need to be changed frequently and as soon as possible when soiled, to prevent diaper rash from appearing.