How to Cure Red Chafed Diaper Rash
When your little one is miserable, so are you -- not just because he's cranky, but because you may feel powerless to end his suffering. The good news is that diaper rash is common and lots of moms have gone down this path and emerged with rash-free babies. The first step to ending diaper rash is to figure out what's causing it. After that, some over-the-counter medications and habit changes can ease discomfort, redness and chafing while also preventing future rashes.
Instructions
Remove the source of whatever is causing the diaper rash. Keep your baby dry. Switch diaper or wipe brands to see if they're causing irritation. Change laundry detergents if you use cloth diapers. Make sure your baby gets plenty of air-flow to help dry excess moisture by avoiding plastic diaper covers. Change him as soon as he wets or soils his diaper rather than on a specific schedule to minimize time in a wet diaper. Clean your baby thoroughly but gently with warm water and mild soap. Pat dry gently with a clean, soft towel, then allow the area to air-dry for a few minutes. Try dabbing Maalox onto your baby's diaper rash with a cotton ball. The theory is that the medicine neutralizes acids in the urine and feces that cause irritation. Many mothers swear by it; however, its efficacy hasn't been proved. Allow to dry completely before moving on. Apply an over-the-counter diaper rash ointment that contains petroleum jelly or zinc oxide to sooth the affected area and provide a barrier between the skin and moisture. Contact your doctor if the rash doesn't show improvement within a few days. Your doctor may need to prescribe an anti-fungal medication or hydrocortisone cream.