How Do I Treat Baby Diapers Rashes At Home?
Diaper rashes are quite commonly seen in infants and toddlers. These diaper rashes cause red splotches or scales on the skin around your little one’s genital areas and sometimes are seen spreading to their stomach and legs. Although quite common, diaper rashes grow in a moist, wet atmosphere. Stuffy diapers are one of the leading causes of diaper rashes. They can be quite uncomfortable for your child. If your baby has a diaper rash, be extra gentle when you are cleaning your baby’s bottom. If home treatment does not seem to work, seek medical help early.
At-Home Remedies For Diaper Rashes
Here is how you can treat milder diaper rashes at home.
Use The Right Diaper
Prevention is always better than cure. So, the easiest way to avoid diaper rash is to avoid what causes it; moist, and wet diapers. That is why you should use baby diapers with well-organized micro airy channels to maintain steady airflow as Merries diapers do. Similarly, if you’re using a baby diaper that is chafing your baby’s sensitive skin or is too tight then that can also lead to diaper rashes. Hence, choose an ultra-soft diaper that fits softly against your baby’s skin and use the right size of the diaper so it is neither too tight to irritate the skin nor too loose that will cause leakage. Merries ultra-soft materials are the perfect gentle diaper choice.
Change the Diaper frequently
Diapers stay in direct contact with your baby’s skin for long hours, rubbing against them and sitting snugly. This is why wet diapers can increase the chances of your baby getting diaper rash. Use good absorbent diapers such as Merries that absorb 5 times pee and quickly. This way the diapers will keep your baby’s skin dry and comfortable. Likely, keep a tight eye on the switch. Check your baby’s diaper after they eat, and when they wake up from a nap. Keep an eye out for the color-changing indicator to turn blue, signaling that the diaper is full. Even your baby’s pee and poo can lead to diaper rash on your baby.
Caring for Your Baby’s Bottom and How to Bathe Her
The basics are the same as normal days but be extra cautious not to rub the inflamed area. Use cotton wool that is moistened with lukewarm water. Do not squeeze out too much water. Gently rinse off the soiled area with the dripping-wet cotton wool. When bathing your baby, use lukewarm water with a temperature lower than normal so that the water will not sting your baby’s skin. During the bath, wash your baby with soap or body foam. Soap should be used only once a day. You don’t have to use soap each time you wash your baby’s bottom. If your baby cries in pain when you use soap, stop using it and gently wash with only warm water.
When Topical Cream is Prescribed
Non-Steroid Cream
The topical cream that is usually prescribed for diaper rash is a non-steroid anti-inflammatory cream (such as zinc oxide ointment). Bathe your baby or give him a hip bath before applying a thin layer of ointment on the affected area.
Steroid Cream
When the non-steroid cream does not work, steroid cream or topical steroid with strong anti-inflammatory properties may be prescribed. In this instance, apply a small amount only on the area where the inflammation is more serious. Do not rub it in. Just leave a thin layer of cream on the skin and make sure you do not spread the cream over to the non-infected area. Always follow the instructions given by the doctor. Stop application once the inflammation has stabilized.
Antifungal Medication
Antifungal medication is used to treat fungal inflammation. However, do take note that there are some antifungal medications in the market that are meant to be applied only once a day. If you ignore this and apply this medication several times a day, it will cause irritation and worsen the rash. For medication prescribed by the doctor, always follow the instructions on the frequency of application per day.
Keep the Bottom Dry to Counter Heat and Moisture
If your baby’s skin is not completely dry before putting on his diaper, heat and moisture may be trapped in the diaper. Use a soft towel to thoroughly wipe your baby’s bottom after washing or bathing. Do not rub but gently pat dry with a towel. Allow his bottom to dry completely before putting on a new diaper. Give your baby some “bare-butt” time occasionally. Leave him “diaper-less” for a while to give his bottom a chance to “breathe”.
Consult Your Pediatrician
If you discover that your baby’s bottom looks red in the morning after wearing the same diaper throughout the night, you should clean him up and monitor his condition. However, if your baby cries in pain whenever you wipe his bottom, or if you find that the infected area is spreading fast, it is best to seek medical help. Your baby will recover faster if you use prescribed medicine together with home treatment.
If your baby’s diarrhea has stopped and you have been applying the prescribed topical cream but the rash seems to have worsened, it is best to consult the doctor again. It is possible that the prescribed ointment is not suitable for your baby or he has developed “Pediatric Candidiasis”, a rash caused by fungus.