How to Treat Diaper Rash
Diaper rash in babies is very common, especially throughout the first year of your child’s life. It’s normal to worry, but diaper rash is treatable and a normal part of caring for a baby.
Your baby might suffer from very mild diaper rash with only a few prickly red spots, or he may be covered in the rash up to his stomach and thighs. Regardless of how severe it is, diaper rash can be treated - and possibly even prevented altogether!
First, you should be aware of what could be causing diaper rash in your baby. Wetness from your baby’s diaper that mixes with his stool or urine can cause a case of diaper rash to flare up - that’s why it’s important to change his diaper regularly! However, if your baby has sensitive skin he may still get diaper rash regardless of how frequently you change his diaper.
Other culprits of diaper rash can include chafing, chemical sensitivity, new foods introduced into his diet, or a bacterial or yeast infection.
While the majority of diaper rashes are not serious, you should consult your doctor if his rash looks infected or is accompanied by a fever and doesn’t clear up on its own with a few days.
If you discover your baby has diaper rash, in addition to identifying the culprit it’s important to know how to treat diaper rash to make your baby as comfortable as possible.
Of course changing your child’s diaper frequently is a given, but it’s also important to thoroughly clean the diaper area after every change as well. Do not rub his skin dry but rather pat dry to avoid irritation. Additionally, keep the diaper loose to allow air to circulate.
There are also plenty of over the counter creams you can try to speed healing of diaper rash, but they are not necessary because most cases of diaper rashes go away on their own within a few days, especially if you are using the above preventative measures.
By ensuring your baby is clean and dry at all times and taking measures to prevent diaper rash, you can ensure your baby will remain happy, healthy and rash free!
