Diaper Rash: What it is and how to deal with it

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

17 Aug 2006 07:29 AM

A diaper rash is any skin irritation in the area where the diaper goes. Pretty much all babies and toddlers are susceptible to diaper rash, but those on any form of antibiotics are going to be very susceptible to fungal and yeast infections.

Here is the break down on the different types of diaper rash and their symptoms.

• Chafing dermatitis - there is redness where the friction is greatest, but the baby is in no discomfort and it's usually caused by moisture rubbing in the area
• Atopic dermatitis - the area is red and it is itchy and it is usually caused by an allergy or sensitivity
• Sebhorrheic dermatitis - Sounds bad and it's not nice - it's a deep red rash, often has yellow scales and it may start on or spread to the scalp - and the causes are relatively unknown at this point
• Candidal dermatitis - this is caused a by fungus and infects a skin rash that's been around for three or more days, the rash is bright red and very tender and usually forms in the creases between the thighs and the abdomen and pustules may form and it's very uncomfortable
• Impetigo is a bacterial infection like strep that leaves welts, raised bumps and redness - it itches and can burn
• Intertrigo - Rubbing of skin on skin can cause reddened areas and they may ooze yellow or white matter that burns when in contact with urine

My Experiences

Now I have to admit, I was an extremely fortunate in the fact that my daughter never experienced diaper rash as a baby. Disposable diapers are often great for that because they hold the moisture away from your baby's skin. If you have diaper rash with disposables, one suggestion is to change to a different brand.

The one time she did experience severe diaper rash, it occurred when she was about 13 months old and she'd had scrambled eggs for the first time. The first bowel movement she had after having those eggs she got the worst rash I had ever seen. So we skimped doing eggs for another year. When she had eggs again, she developed another rash around her genitals and she was practically potty trained at this point.

It's good to understand this when you are dealing with diaper rash so as you experiment with new foods you'll know what might be causing an allergenic response. At the age of 5, my daughter is still not able to eat eggs by themselves, though she can eat them as an ingredient in other foods.

Caring for Diaper Rash

In the case of impetigo or candidal dermatitis, you'll need to take your baby to the pediatrician and put them on antibiotics. It's worth paying attention while they are on the antibiotics or when using antibiotic cream because of the risk for yeast infections.

Other methods may include using cornstarch or talc to help keep their genitals dry even when they are urinating. If your baby's skin is very sensitive, change their diapers regularly even if they are only slightly damp and of course, change bowel movements as soon as they have happened.

Exposure to air is also a good way to help keep their genitalia dry. Sometimes letting them go bare bottomed for a bit each day is a great way to help them, just make sure they are somewhere you don't have to worry about accidents.

How have you coped with diaper rash in the past?

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Frugal Baby Care

Babies and Normal Bowel Movements

Choosing Diapers: Cloth or Disposable

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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Valorie Delp (49340) 18 Aug 2006 05:29 PM

A great and thorough article Heather. I swear by a topical cream (it's similar to Desitin but works a gazillion times better) that's called Boudreaux's "Bum" Paste. (I didn't want to get edited, and the name is horrible--but it is great stuff!)