What is true about diaper rash?
Diaper rash is redness and rash on a baby’s bottom or genital area. It is a very common rash. Most babies will get it from time to time. Normally, diaper rash can be treated easily at home. Show
The most common symptom of diaper rash is red, tender-looking skin in the diaper area (buttocks, thighs, and genitals). It could be a few spots, or the rash could cover much of the diaper area. Babies with diaper rash often fuss or cry when the area is touched or cleaned. In bad cases, the rash can cause pimples, blisters, or other sores on your baby’s diaper area. If the rash gets infected, it may become bright red and the skin may get swollen. Small red patches or spots may spread beyond the main part of the rash, even outside the diaper area. Call your doctor if:
Diaper rash can be caused by a number of factors, including:
Your doctor will examine the rash to diagnose it. Tests are not usually necessary. Many times you can start treatment at home without seeing your doctor.
In many cases, diaper rash can be avoided or prevented. Make these steps part of your daily routine.
The key to treating diaper rash is to keep your baby’s diaper area as clean, cool, and dry as possible. Change your baby’s diaper often. Avoid baby wipes, which often contain alcohol or fragrance that can be irritating. Clean the skin with warm (not hot) water or very mild soap. Let him or her go without a diaper when possible to let the air dry the skin. Try placing your baby on an open cloth diaper during naptime. (Check the diaper shortly after your baby falls asleep and replace it if it’s wet. Babies often urinate right after falling asleep.) You can apply diaper rash ointment or cream to the affected area before putting on a new diaper. Don’t use creams that contain boric acid, camphor, phenol, methyl salicylate, or compound of benzoin tincture. These chemicals can be harmful. If the rash appears to be caused by a candida infection, call your doctor. It may need to be treated with antifungal cream or medicine.
Diaper rash is very common in babies, especially those between 4 and 15 months old. Do the best you can to prevent it. But sometimes it can’t be avoided. Home treatment often clears up diaper rash in a few days. If that does not work, call your family doctor. What can I expect from a diaper rash?The telltale sign is a red, inflamed rash on your baby's genitals, bottom or thighs. It may be mild, or it can cover a large portion of the diaper area. Sometimes, it can spread beyond the diaper region. In worse cases, it can lead to pimples, blisters or sores that may open up and start to ooze fluid or puss.
What does a normal diaper rash look like?Common signs of diaper rash include: Red bumps along with larger reddened areas of the skin around the diaper area or in the folds of your baby's upper thighs. Peeling, flaking, or scaly skin. The affected area may look puffy and tender, and feel warm to the touch.
Is diaper rash caused by pooping or peeing?Diaper rash is usually caused by skin being exposed to moisture from urine and bowel movements (stool or poop) for too long. The moisture irritates the skin and then the skin starts to break down.
How can you tell if a diaper rash is serious?Symptoms of severe diaper rash. Your baby's skin is red, raw, broken or bleeding.. Your baby has a rash with blisters, pimples (which may drain pus), sores, boils or other red bumps.. The rash covers a large area. ... . The rash is painful to the touch.. Your baby seems sick, unhappy or unable to sleep.. |