Almost any parent encounters a rash that appears in the diaper area. Would you like to know why this rash appears and how can you overcome it? Here are a few answers to your questions from pediatricians.

 

What is a diaper rash?

Diaper rash is a common red-colored rash that appears around the diaper in babies up to the age of 18 months. It might cover the genital area, inner thighs, and buttocks.  

 

Is it my fault?

It is true that you are parents and somehow it feels like everything is your fault, but diaper rash doesn’t necessarily indicate the quality of your treatment for your child. There is a variety of reasons that can contribute to the appearance of the rash your child suffers from.

 

Why does diaper rash happen?

• Prolonged contact of the skin and the baby’s body waste

• Too tight contact of the skin and the diaper

• Diarrhea

• Changes in type or frequency of body waste when changing to new foods

• Babies with sensitive skin that are exposed to new soaps or fresh ones that cause irritation of the skin

• Antibiotic treatment

• Fungal infection

 

What can you do to avoid diaper rash?

• Try maintaining the baby’s skin as clean and dry as possible. It is best to change diapers when they are used.

• Try washing the area with warm water while changing the diaper. It is important to avoid strong soaps that aren’t compatible with the baby’s skin (containing alcohol) and avoid rubbing the skin if it is aroused. Try letting the area dry on its own, or wipe gently with a towel. If you are using fresh ones make sure they don’t contain alcohol.

• Try, if possible, to keep the area free of diapers to air it

• Use proper creams each time you use a diaper, the creams separate between the gentle skin and the diaper.

• Avoid using tight diapers