Diaper rash

Diaper rash is a very common disease in babies. Is a skin problem that develops under the diaper. About half have it sometime in their life. During the 4 and 15 months is when it is most frequent.

Causes

Physical, irritant, or infectious factors can cause and worsen diaper rash. Diaper occlusion can irritate baby's skin; ammonia in urine can cause further irritation. The skin becomes more fragile and susceptible to (Candida albicans) or bacteria that live on the skin, such as Staphylococcus.

The factors that favor a diaper rash are:

• Infrequent diaper changes
• Very tight diapers
• Taking antibiotics in the mother who breastfeeds the baby
• Very frequent bowel movements
• Acids in stool and ammonia in urine
• Excessive use of wet wipes
• Excessive humidity in the gluteal area

Symptoms

In the diaper area you can see red and shiny areas or; over time they can flake a little. Can affect from the buttocks to the genitals of the boy or girl. It causes discomfort and itchiness to the baby and cleaning the skin, at each diaper change, can be annoying.

In cases of, in which the child has softer and more frequent stools, it can lead to irritation of the baby's gluteal area.

The dermatitis may or may not be infectedThis will be diagnosed by the Pediatrician.

It is a localized affection of the skin, which does not spread to the rest of the body or cause fever.

Treatment

The best treatment for diaper rash is keep skin clean and dry. This also helps prevent new dermatitis. General measures that can be taken to treat damaged skin and prevent new episodes of dermatitis include:

• Wash your hands well after changing the diaper.
• If it is possible to leave the baby a few hours without a diaper.
• Use in all or some diaper changes one specific cream for the diaper area. These pastes are rich in products like zinc oxide that help keep moisture away from the skin. They must be applied when the baby's skin is clean and dry.
• Avoid using alcohol wipes or perfume, as they can dry out or further irritate the skin.
• Should not be used talcum powder, since it can get into the baby's lungs.
• Frequent diaper changes of the baby, and as soon as possible after it is stained. It is advisable to change it every two hours during the day or whenever it is dirty. At night, if the dermatitis is very important, change it at least once.
• Dry the diaper area at each change with handkerchief or let it air dry.
• Place the loose diapers, not too tight.
• Use water to gently clean the diaper area with each diaper change. Avoid rubbing the skin. Only a very mild soap should be used when there are traces of stool. You can also clean the diaper area with a tissue or gauze soaked in moisturizer.
• The use of highly absorbent diapers helps keep skin dry and reduces the chance of getting an infection

Sometimes diaper rash can be more serious or infected and more specific treatment will be necessary. The most common is the use of drying ointments that prevent moisture and restore the skin barrier. In cases of infection by fungi or bacteria the Pediatrician will put an antifungal or antibacterial treatment (antibiotic) cream.

The evolution is favorable, with the total recovery of the skin.

When to go to the Pediatrician

• The rash gets worse or does not go away in 2 to 3 days.
• Skin lesions spread to the abdomen, back, arms, or face.
• There are pimples, blisters, ulcers, or pus-filled sores.
• The baby has a fever.
• The baby is taking an antibiotic and develops a diaper rash.