Diaper rash is irritation to the baby's skin in a diaper-covered area. The causes can vary, but generally because of the use of diapers that are too long and tight, or because of infection. But you don't need to panic, because there are easy ways to overcome them.
Diaper rash is a common condition in infants. This condition is usually characterized by reddish spots, dry skin and blisters, and abrasions on the buttocks, thighs, and genitals.
Another sign is that the baby is in pain and his skin is felt warm to the touch. This condition certainly makes the baby uncomfortable and becomes fussy.
Causes of Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is quite common in newborns and toddlers who still use diapers. There are several things that can cause a baby to experience a basic rash, namely:
1. Moist diapers
Diapers that are rarely replaced can increase a baby's risk of developing diaper rash. You need to know, urine mixed with feces in diapers can cause bacterial infections and irritation to the baby's skin. This is why babies whose diapers are moist but rarely replaced are prone to diaper rash.
2. The diaper is too tight
Diapers that are too tight can rub against the baby's skin. This can cause irritation, rashes or blisters on the skin that is still soft and thin.
3. New food
At the age of 4-6 months, the baby has begun to receive complementary breast milk food in the form of solid food intake. Well, some types of foods, such as acidic fruits, can affect a baby's stool so that it easily irritates the skin in the buttocks and causes a rash.
If before that age the baby experiences diaper rash, even though he only consumes breast milk or formula milk, the possible cause is food consumed by the mother.
4. Bacterial and fungal infections
The area of the buttocks, thighs, and genitals that often come in contact with diapers, has a moist and warm condition. This makes it easier for the skin in this area to experience bacterial or fungal infections.
5. Irritation of baby hygiene products
The use of skin care products, such as soap, powder, wet tissue, or oil, in the diaper area may also irritate the baby's skin.
6. Sensitive skin
Babies who suffer from skin problems, such as eczema or atopic dermatitis, will be more prone to developing diaper rash.
7. Take antibiotics
No matter bad or good bacteria, both can be eradicated by antibiotics. Well, when babies are given this drug, good bacteria on the skin that can prevent the growth of fungi can also die. As a result, babies can experience diaper rash due to fungal infections.
Nursing mothers who take antibiotics also make breastfed babies more at risk of developing diaper rash.
How to Overcome Diaper Rash
The main treatment for diaper rash is to keep the baby's skin clean and dry. Here are some steps you can take at home if your child has diaper rash:
Wash hands thoroughly before changing the little diaper.
Immediately change your baby's diaper when it is wet or exposed to feces.
Clean the area covered with diapers with clean water. If necessary, also use baby soap to help cleanse the little skin after it has been defecated. If you want to use wet tissue, choose one that is free of alcohol and fragrance.
Dry the diaper area with a soft cloth.
Apply a moisturizing cream or ointment containing zinc oxide to the area affected by diaper rash. This cream or ointment can be purchased without a prescription.
Wait for the cream or ointment to dry, then put on a clean, clean diaper.
If after the above treatment the diaper rash has not healed within 2-3 days or even worse, you need to take your child to the doctor. Your doctor can prescribe a corticosteroid cream, antifungal ointment, or antibiotics, depending on the cause.
To speed up the healing of diaper rash, you can do the following treatment to your little one:
Do not rub the skin that is being scratched.
Temporarily stop using diapers. This can make the area of diaper rash dry so that it accelerates healing.
Choose diapers with a larger size than usual.
Generally, diaper rash takes several days to heal. If the diaper rash has not improved even though the medicine has been smeared by the doctor, you need to bring your child to a dermatologist to be treated further.
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