If your child wears diapers, they will most likely get a diaper rash. At least half of all newborns get diaper rash.
However, while diaper rash is a frequent condition, there are some things you can do to help your infant. With a few easy steps, you can calm the skin, speed up the healing process, and help avoid another rash in the future.
What causes a diaper rash?
The two most common reasons are moisture and friction. Essentially, pee and feces from the diaper might irritate your baby’s skin over time. Diapers can chafe or rub against your baby’s bottom, causing friction.
Changes in the pH of the skin caused by urine, stool, or some skin creams can also cause rash.
Furthermore, soaps can degrade skin over time in the same way that they degrade bacteria and dirt. In rare cases, newborns may be allergic to a specific substance in a diaper, wipe, or soap.
Diaper rash can develop at any age, although it is most frequent in newborns aged 9 to 12 months. It is also more likely to occur when your infant;
- Starts consuming solid meals
- is sleeping through the night (fewer diaper changes)
- Has a cold or diarrhea.
- Is on antibiotics
Tips to getting rid of diaper rash
A diaper rash can range from minor to severe. A minor rash may consist of little pink or red dots or patches. In more serious cases, the spots may be brighter red, and the skin may be cracked, fractured, or blistered. The rash may progress down the legs or up the belly, and your infant may scream or be distressed.
The faster you begin treating the rash, the better. The following are tried-and-true strategies for getting rid of diaper rash. These same methods might help you avoid future rashes or make them less frequent and severe.
Get rid of the diaper
Giving your infant “naked time” without diapers can help speed up healing. This keeps newborns dry and prevents friction, allowing their skin to breathe.
One approach is purchasing disposable waterproof pads (sometimes called “chux”) and allowing the infant to play on them without a diaper. Alternatively, remove the diaper while your kid is asleep. The longer the diaper is off, the better, especially in severe situations.
Change diapers often
Do not allow your infant to sit in a wet or dirty diaper for too long. Changing diapers often can help prevent or minimize diaper rash. Yeast loves to flourish in warm, damp environments, so keeping the region dry will help avoid rash from these infections.
Use triple paste diaper cream
Triple Paste Diaper Rash Ointment is a gentle zinc oxide medicated diaper rash ointment that soothes, treats, and prevents red, irritated skin caused by diaper rash without harsh chemicals or unnecessary ingredients. Recommended by pediatricians and tested by dermatologists, Triple Paste is the premium choice to provide lasting relief from raw, irritated skin in a skin treatment safe for everyday use.
Triple Paste offers a portfolio of rash creams to meet the expanding needs of parents and babies:
Triple Paste Original Diaper Rash Ointment: this pediatrician-recommended diaper rash ointment features a triple-action formula to treat all diaper rashes from mild to severe, soothing baby’s bum and preventing future rashes from occurring. Its gentle yet effective formula combines 12.8% non-nano zinc oxide with nourishing oat extract and glycerin to provide fast-acting relief while forming a protective barrier against future irritations. Available in tubes for diaper changes on the go and jars for home use.
Triple Paste 3X Max Diaper Rash Ointment: a maximum-strength zinc oxide ointment for stubborn and severe diaper rashes, working to prevent, treat, and soothe raw, irritated skin. With 40% zinc oxide, this formulation contains three times more zinc oxide than the original Triple Paste formula to protect and heal severe cases of rash.
Triple Paste Sheer Zinc Diaper Rash Ointment: great for both baby butt cheeks and your face, this multi-purpose ointment is formulated with 12.8% zinc oxide to prevent, treat, and soothe raw, irritated skin caused by mild to moderate diaper rashes. Its creamy texture makes for easier application and less mess, rubbing in clear with minimal residue. It’s also safe to use as a multi-purpose skincare solution on other areas of the body, like for drool rash, heat rash, or dry spots.
Be gentle when cleaning the baby
You want to minimize friction on your baby’s bottom, so do not rub or scrub it clean. Gently massage the skin with a gentle washcloth in warm water, or gently immerse the infant in a bath. Use a clean soft towel to pat dry, not rub.
Warm water is frequently sufficient to remove urine and stool. Soaps can be harsh on infant skin; if warm water is insufficient, try a non-soap cleaner (most “baby washes” fall into this category). If you use baby wipes, be sure they are color, fragrance, and alcohol-free.
Try disposable diapers
If your infant is presently using cloth diapers, it is a good idea to transition to super-absorbent disposable diapers until the rash has healed. This will assist your baby’s skin to stay as dry as possible.
Check the size.
Make sure the diaper fits. A too-big diaper might rub against your baby’s bottom. If it’s too tiny, moisture is trapped and urine and excrement come into contact with the skin.
When to see a doctor
Most minor diaper rashes are treatable at home. The rash may take many weeks to resolve. However, following the above guidelines should result in an improvement within a few days.
If your child’s rash is severe, does not improve after a few days, or worsens, contact your doctor. It may be a fungal infection. Your child’s doctor could prescribe a fungus medication or a mild steroid cream.
You should also contact the physician if your child:
- Has a fever (more than 100.4) with the rash.
- Has bruising, bleeding, or open sores in the area
- Is in severe agony or discomfort
- Is losing weight or appears sick
Diaper rash is a common aspect of childhood, but your newborn does not have to suffer. Keep an eye out for rashes and treat them as soon as possible. If you have any concerns, contact your doctor.
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