About Diaper Rash

Parents of little ones may be surprised to find a rash during baby's next diaper change. You may worry that this condition is the result of allergies or not caring for your baby properly, but diaper rash is a common infant malady. Not only are there several ways to care for a baby suffering from diaper rash, there also are many ways to keep diaper rash from happening to your little one again in the future.

  1. What Is Diaper Rash?

    • Diaper rash refers to a condition that causes a baby's diapered area to become red and sore. Leaving soiled diapers on for too long, or diapers that are so tight as to prevent air circulation can make diaper rash more likely, according to KidsHealth.org. A loose diaper also can cause friction against a baby's skin. This common condition usually fades within a few days, though parents should contact a pediatrician if diaper rash lasts longer than that.

    Preventing Rashes

    • The ideal way to keep diaper rash at bay is to change your baby frequently and to remove all waste matter in the process, according to Boston Children's Hospital. Changing to a different brand of disposable diaper or changing the laundry detergent used to wash cloth diapers also may prevent diaper rash. If you use cloth diapers, washing them with bleach also can prevent rashes.

    Caring for Rashes

    • Diaper rash creams that contain zinc oxide or petroleum jelly can be applied during every diaper change to promote healing, according to KidsHealth.org. Otherwise, rinsing the area gently with warm water during changes and using wipes that do not contain alcohol also can be helpful, according to HealthyChildren.org. Giving your little one an oatmeal bath can bring relief, as can periodically letting your baby go without wearing a diaper.

    Rash Considerations

    • During any two-month time period, more than half of babies ages 4 to 15 months will get diaper rash, according to HealthyChildren.org, with babies ages 8 to 10 months being especially likely to have diaper rash. This common malady disappears when children are toilet-trained. Babies who are suffering from diarrhea or eating solid foods also may be more at risk. Diaper rash also may be more common if either nursing mothers or babies are taking antibiotics.

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