Diaper Rash: Tips To Avoid It
Knowing how to avoid diaper rash is one of the most important things parents (especially first-time parents) need to know. This is a skin irritation or rash, which occurs in the area covered by the diaper.
It typically appears on the lower abdomen, genitals, buttocks or upper thighs and is caused by direct skin exposure to contact with irritants.This irritation often affects the baby during the first year of life.
Diagnosis and causes of diaper rash
Diagnosis is made by physical exploration. Among the most evident symptoms of this pathology is the appearance of skin lesions in the areas exposed to direct contact with the diaper, as indicated by this article published in Pediatría Integral . Some of the main causes are:
- Humidity.
- Inadequate hygiene.
- Altered PH of urine and feces.
- Prolonged contact with urine and faeces.
- Sensitivity of the newborn’s skin to rubbing with the diaper.
Tips for preventing diaper rash
If you notice redness in your baby’s genital area and buttocks, remove the diaper as soon as possible and start a series of treatments to prevent the problem from worsening. If you deal with the problem promptly, major complications can be avoided.
For preventive purposes, it is advisable to take the measures we discuss in the following lines.
1. Wash your private parts to avoid diaper rash
Wash the area covered by the diaper with plenty of warm water after each change. It is recommended not to use soap at this stage. If necessary, use one with a neutral pH.
Then dry the skin gently, without rubbing. If possible, allow the area to dry in the open air. Avoid frequent use of alcohol-based or perfume-based wet wipes.
2. Change your diaper often
It is extremely important to change the diaper frequently, at least every 3 hours in a day, in case it is wet. At night, if possible, it should be changed every 5 hours. And, of course, whenever the baby defecates.
Of course, every time you change you should wash your baby with mild soap and water, dry him with a soft, clean towel and, as far as possible, leave him for a while without a diaper, to allow the area to be ventilated, as this indicates. article published in Pediatría Integral .
Also, when you change your nappy, make sure it is not too tight, as rubbing could cause irritation.
At the same time, it is advisable to pay attention to the characteristics of the diapers at the time of purchase. Super absorbent models are not very advisable, because, by retaining moisture for longer, they could create the right environment for bacterial proliferation.
Remember that if dermatitis leads to injuries, the risk of wound infections and more serious problems increases.
3. Apply a protective cream to avoid diaper rash
At each diaper change, apply the protective cream to all affected areas. Choose a water-based cream with astringent components, such as zinc oxide. These preparations create a waterproof layer on the skin, as reported in this article published in the magazine Matronas Profesión .
It is recommended to apply these creams after each cleansing of the area, because they act as a protective barrier between the diaper and the skin. In this way it is possible to avoid the appearance of irritation. They can be purchased at the pharmacy or supermarket, but also prepared at home, but not before having consulted the pediatrician.
4. Pay attention to nutrition
In addition to putting into practice all the advice given in the previous lines, it is important that you offer your baby good nutrition. Consider keeping a record of the new foods your baby consumes, as some may alter the pH of the stool.
If you notice that any of them could be responsible for a principle of dermatitis, stop giving it to the baby immediately, see if the child receives a benefit from this suspension and consult your pediatrician.
Similarly, breastfeeding should be discontinued if the infant receives breast milk. In this case, the mother will have to check the food and drugs she consumes. You will also need to consult a specialist to find out when to reintegrate it into the baby’s diet.
Diaper rash
Diaper rash or irritative contact dermatitis is a fairly common disease during the first months of a baby’s life, up to 12 months of age. However, to prevent its occurrence, as far as possible, it is important to apply all the recommendations we have told you about.
If you dedicate the proper attention to his skin and, in particular, adequate hygiene, you can save your child from various hassles. As they say, prevention is better than cure.
