How to Treat Diaper Rash
There are many different and varied reasons why a baby’s' bottom becomes irritated. A diaper rash can begin as a result of something as minor as the need for a diaper change to a medication your baby has been given. When your baby is suffering with a diaper rash, immediate attention is required. More in depth medical issues can cause prolonged diaper rashes. However, the most common reasons for a diaper rash are varied.
Irritation Due To Urine Or Stool
Prolonged contact with urine or stool can cause a baby to experience a diaper rash. No matter what or how much has been eliminated, regular diaper changes are advised. Prolonged contact with your baby’s skin can cause quick growing and uncomfortable irritation to begin resulting in bleeding and scarring. When a baby has released even the slightest amount of feces or urine, change the diaper immediately to prevent diaper rash.
Yeast or Bacterial Infection
Baby’s can experience bacterial or yeast infections. If not treated immediately, a diaper rash can spread. When spreading, the surrounding area covered by the contaminated diaper can also become infected. Preventing the spread of a diaper rash begins with regular changes. However, if an infection begins to spread, consult with your baby’s pediatrician. When medicine has to be applied to the affected area, begin treatment at the external area and work towards the center. Inspect and treat any creases, tucks or close areas.
Tight clothing
Make sure your baby's diapers or any clothing does not fit tight around the baby's bottom. Tight fitting clothing creates moisture. Moisture encourages the growth of bacteria and yeast giving it free range to grow and spread.
Antibiotics
When your baby becomes ill, pediatricians sometimes will prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics kill good and bad bacteria. If the balance of good bacteria is not in check to protect the body, yeast infections occur. When a diaper rash occurs from antibiotics, your baby's pediatrician will prescribe an ointment or cream to heal the infection.
Giving Your Baby Different Types of Food
Your baby's stomach is continuing to change. Introducing new foods can be a drastic change when your baby goes from breast or bottle feeding to solid food. The introduction of new foods can cause diarrhea or increased frequency in stool and urine elimination. Keep a chart of the foods you are feeding your baby. If the foods introduced cause your baby to eliminate more, change the food or try mixing foods your baby has already become accustomed to.
Cleaning Products
Washing your baby’s clothing in harsh chemicals can cause irritation. Diaper rashes can occur when the washed fabric comes in contact with your baby’s bottom. Changing from regular detergents to those made especially for your baby’s clothing will help eliminate diaper rashes caused by harsh chemicals.
Some of the more common creams and ointments on the market can effectively treat diaper rashes. After a few days applying the medication to the area, your baby should show improvement. When traveling, make sure to keep such creams or ointments with you in a backpack or diaper bag. If the area does not begin to heal or show a complete change, consult with your baby’s pediatrician immediately. A diaper rash can cause your baby to be extremely irritable. If a diaper rash is not cared for immediately, other medical issues can result.
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