Worried about diaper rash?

Odds are that your baby will experience some form of diaper rash sometime during infancy or toddlerhood. The term “diaper rash” is used to describe a skin irritation that occurs in the area covered by diapers. The first sign of it usually appears in the form of redness or tiny, red bumps on the buttocks, upper thighs, lower abdomen or genitals.

While in most cases, mild diaper rash will clear up in a few days with simple treatment, and your baby will be back to normal, there are a few key things to know. Being aware of these techniques for prevention and treatment will hopefully help avoid the complications of diaper rash, such as skin infection, and prevent pain and suffering for your baby, too.

CAUSES OF DIAPER RASH

Unfortunately for you and your little one, a whole list of things can cause diaper rash. The main cause is wearing a wet or dirty diaper for too long. Prolonged dampness, friction and ammonia substances released from wee can irritate your baby’s skin.

Plastic pants often make diaper rash worse because they stop air circulating normally and keep the diaper area damp.

Soaps and detergents left on cloth diapers after washing can also contribute to diaper rash.

TIPS TO PREVENT AND TREAT DIAPER RASH

There are a handful of things you can do to prevent diaper rash from occurring.

• Change all dirty diapers as soon as possible (even if they’re just wet). This is probably the very best way to clear or prevent diaper rash.
• Avoid baby wipes with alcohol in them as it can irritate the skin. Instead, try using mild, baby-safe wipes, such as Fabie Baby Skin Soft Cleansing Wipes
• Consider using a soft cloth and water to clean baby during diaper changes.
• Make sure your baby's diapers fit properly. Diapers that are too tight prevent sufficient airflow and can chafe the skin. You'll also want to avoid tight clothing that rubs against the skin.
• Expose baby’s bottom to air whenever possible; plastic pants and diapers restrict air flow and hold in moisture, making diaper rash more likely.
• Apply a thick layer of Fabie Baby Soothing Diaper Cream

Sometimes a skin infection caused by yeast or bacteria may occur alongside diaper rash. If your baby’s rash does not seem to get better within three to four days, if you notice signs of a fever, blisters, pus draining from the rash or severe pain, be sure to contact your pediatrician promptly.