Diaper Rash

WHEN SHOULD I SUSPECT THAT MY BABY HAS A DIAPER RASH?
It's not hard to recognize a diaper rash. Inflamed red areas appear on the baby's skin in the region usually covered by a diaper—the lower abdomen, genitals, buttocks and the folds of the thighs. The rash can be either dry or moist and sometimes look pimply. Left untreated, diaper rashes can become infected by a fungus or bacteria and will require the attention of a physician. You should suspect yeast infection if tiny red spots develop and eventually meld into a solid red inflamed area. Be on the alert for yeast infections if the baby is taking antibiotics, which can promote the growth of yeast. A bacterial infection can cause pus-filled pimples or oozing yellow patches and may be accompanied by a fever.

WHAT CAUSES A DIAPER RASH?
The culprit is usually moisture. Infants urinate many times a day and have frequent bowel movements. The moisture can chafe your baby's delicate skin, while chemical substances present in urine and feces cause further irritation. Less frequently, the rash is an allergic response to disposable diapers, detergent used to launder cloth diapers, or a new food in your baby's diet.

IS MEDICAL ATTENTION NECESSARY?
It is usually not necessary to consult a pediatrician for a simple diaper rash. Keeping your baby clean and dry should prevent most diaper rashes. If the signs of infection develop, however, a doctor's attention is in order.

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?
Simple home remedies will clear up most diaper rashes as soon as they appear. The general goal should be to reduce the amount of moisture in the diaper area as much as possible.

COPING WITH DIAPER RASH

• Change the baby's diapers more frequently.

• Do not use over-the-counter lotions or ointments while the baby has a rash without the advice of your doctor.

• If you use cloth diapers, don't use plastic pants until the rash is cleared up.

• Whenever possible, speed healing by leaving the baby's diaper off and exposing the skin to air.

• If you suspect an allergy to disposable diapers or detergents, try switching brands.

• Avoid using talcum powder or cornstarch. Neither is considered particularly helpful, and talcum powder can harm the lungs if inhaled.

PREVENTING DIAPER RASH

• Change the baby's diaper frequently.

• Gently and thoroughly clean the diaper area as soon as possible after bowel movements.

• Make sure disposable diapers or plastic pants are loose enough to allow air to circulate in the diaper.

• Apply a layer of ointment to protect the baby's bottom from accumulated moisture in the diaper. If the baby's skin is dry, use a lubricating lotion like petroleum jelly; if the skin seems moist, use a drying lotion like zinc oxide or calamine lotion.

• When the baby is ready for solid foods, introduce only one new food at a time. It will then be easier to identify and withdraw the food if it causes an allergic reaction like a diaper rash.

GETTING HELP
Call your doctor if:

• Treatment at home does not clear up the rash after three or four days

• The rash worsens or show signs of infection

• The rash begins to spread to other parts of the body

• You suspect the rash could be due to an allergy. The doctor can help you pinpoint the possible allergen.

Excerpt from THE DISNEY ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BABY & CHILD CARE, © 1995 DSH Communications, Inc. This material is based on current medical research and, to the best of the editors' knowledge and understanding, is accurate and valid. However the reader should not use information contained in this material to alter a medically prescribed regimen or as a form of self-treatment, without seeking the advice of a licensed physician.