Diaper rash is a type of rush that affects the area where a baby is covered with a diaper. The skin of a baby is very sensitive and therefore every baby has such a rash at least once while wearing diapers. The frequency of the condition fully depends on the sensitivity of the skin and those unlucky babies with very sensitive skin can suffer from it a lot. There is some information in this article that will help you to deal with the condition whether it is your baby’s first rash or repeated.

There are several reasons why the condition appears. The most common is the diaper itself – it covers skin all day and night long, and it becomes wet and messy and irritating for the skin. Especially great irritation occurs when a wet diaper was left for too long because urine decomposes with time and becomes even more irritative for the skin. The same goes with a stool soiled diaper that is on for too long. One more thing to remember: the skin that has once been damaged becomes even more sensitive and easily irritated. Yeast infections can also cause diaper rash.

This condition is the most frequent among infants and sometimes in babies who are breast fed. But it also can happen when babies have frequent stool, when they start to eat solid food or give antibiotics, diaper rash happens in babies from 8-10 months old, and frequently when they cannot sleep clean and dry.

There are certain measures that will help to prevent the condition. Do not keep the diaper if it has become wet. When a diaper is changed wash the baby’s bottom and clean it dry; do not scrub but wipe and pat gently. It is recommended to wipe from front to back as you will avoid the transfer of rectal bacteria to genital area. It is also important not to wear a diaper too tightly. Refrain harsh and perfumed soaps. Cloth diapers should be rinsed with very hot water and if diaper covers are used then they should have breathable fabric.

How to treat the condition? The main thing is to change the diaper frequently. Apply petroleum jelly or a diaper ointment after you clean and wash the bottom of a baby. If you have a possibility let your baby go bare-bottomed for a while: it will give the skin some air and will help it to heal quicker. Refrain from powder that contains talc as it can only aggravate the situation. Try different diapers and wipes and ointments until you find the best one for your baby.