Diaper rash is an irritation of the baby's skin in the area covered by the diaper. The causes can be various, butgenerally due to the use of diapers that are too long and tight, or because of infection. But you don't need to panic, because there ismethod easy to overcome it.
Diaper rash is a common condition in babies. This condition is usually characterized by red patches, dry and blistered skin, and blisters on the buttocks, thighs, or genitals.
Another sign is that the baby looks in pain and his skin feels warm to the touch. This condition certainly makes the baby uncomfortable and fussy.
Causes of Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is quite common in newborns and toddlers who are still using diapers. There are several things that can cause a baby to develop a basic rash, namely:
1. Damp diapers
Diapers that are rarely changed can increase your baby's risk of developing diaper rash. You need to know, urine mixed with feces in diapers can cause bacterial infections and irritation to baby's skin. This is why babies whose diapers are already damp but are rarely changed are prone to diaper rash.
2. Diapers too tight
Diapers that are too tight can rub against the baby's skin. This can cause irritation, rashes or blisters on the skin which is still soft and thin.
3. New food
At the age of 4-6 months, babies have started to receive complementary foods in the form of solid food intake. now, some types of food, such as acidic fruits, can affect the baby's stool so that it is easy to irritate the skin in the buttocks area and cause a rash.
If before that age the baby develops diaper rash, even though he is only consuming breast milk or formula, the possible cause is the food consumed by the mother.
4. Infection bacteria and fungi
Areas of the buttocks, thighs, and genitals that are often in contact with diapers, have moist and warm conditions. This makes it easier for the skin in that area to be susceptible to bacterial or fungal infections.
5. Product irritationbaby hygiene
Using skin care products, such as soap, powder, wet wipes, or oil, on the diaper area may also irritate your baby's skin.
6. Sensitive skin
Babies with skin problems, such as eczema or atopic dermatitis, are more prone to diaper rash.
7. Kconsumption antibiotics
It doesn't matter whether the bacteria are bad or good, both can be eradicated by antibiotics. now, when the baby is given this drug, the good bacteria on the skin that can prevent the growth of fungi can also die. As a result, babies can develop diaper rash due to yeast infection.
Breastfeeding mothers who take antibiotics also make their breastfed babies more at risk for diaper rash.
How to overcome Diaper Rash
The most important treatment for diaper rash is to keep the baby's skin clean and dry. Here are some care steps you can take at home if your little one has diaper rash:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before changing your baby's diaper.
- Change the baby's diaper immediately when it is wet or exposed to feces.
- Clean the diaper-covered area with clean water. If necessary, also use baby soap to help clean your little one's skin after he defecates. If you want to use wet wipes, choose one that is free of alcohol and fragrance.
- Dry the area covered by the diaper with a soft cloth.
- Apply a moisturizing cream or ointment containing zinc oxide on the area affected by diaper rash. These creams or ointments can be purchased without a prescription.
- Wait for the cream or ointment to dry, then put your baby in a clean diaper.
If after the above treatment the diaper rash has not healed within 2-3 days or is getting worse, you need to take your little one to the doctor. Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroid creams, antifungal ointments, or antibiotics, depending on the cause.
To speed up the healing of diaper rash, you can do the following treatments for your little one:
- Do not rub the skin that is being chafed.
- Stop wearing diapers for a while. This can dry out the diaper rash area and speed up healing.
- Choose a diaper with a larger size than usual.
Generally, diaper rash takes a few days to heal. If the diaper rash has not improved even though it has been smeared with medicine from the doctor, you need to take your little one to a dermatologist so that it can be treated further.