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McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2
Diaper Rash
What is a diaper rash?
A diaper rash is any rash on the skin area covered by a
diaper. Almost every child gets diaper rashes. Most of
them are due to prolonged contact with moisture, bacteria,
and ammonia. The ammonia and other skin irritants are made
by the reaction of bacteria from bowel movements to certain
chemicals in the urine. Bouts of diarrhea cause rashes in
most children. Diaper rashes occur equally with cloth
diapers and disposable diapers.
How long will it last?
With proper treatment these rashes are usually better in 3
days. If the rash does not improve with treatment, then
your child probably has a yeast infection (Candida). If
your child has a yeast infection, then the rash becomes
bright red and raw, covers a large area, and is surrounded
by red dots. You will need a special cream for yeast
infections.
How can I take care of my child?
- Change diapers frequently
The key to successful treatment is keeping the area dry
and clean so it can heal itself. Check the diapers about
every hour, and if they are wet or soiled, change them
immediately. Exposure to stools causes most of the skin
damage. Make sure that your baby's bottom is completely
dry before closing up the fresh diaper.
- Increase air exposure
Leave your baby's bottom exposed to the air as much as
possible each day. Practical times are during naps or
after bowel movements. Put a towel or diaper under your
baby. When the diaper is on, fasten it loosely so that
air can circulate between it and the skin. Avoid
airtight plastic pants for a few days. If you use
disposable diapers, punch holes in them to let air in.
- Rinse the skin with warm water
Washing the skin with soap after every diaper change will
damage the skin. Use a mild soap (like Dove) only after
bowel movements. The soap will remove the film of
bacteria left on the skin. After using a soap, rinse
well. If the diaper rash is quite raw, use warm water
soaks for 15 minutes three times a day.
- Nighttime care
At night use the new disposable diapers that are made
with materials that lock wetness inside the diaper and
away from the skin. Avoid plastic pants at night. Until
the rash is better, awaken your baby once during the
night to change the diaper.
- Creams and ointments
Most babies don't need any diaper cream. However, if
your baby's skin is dry and cracked, apply an ointment to
protect the skin after you wash off each bowel movement.
A barrier ointment is also needed whenever your child has
diarrhea.
Your baby's ointment is ___________________________.
Cornstarch reduces friction and can be used to prevent
future diaper rashes after this one is healed. Recent
studies showed that cornstarch does not encourage yeast
infections. Avoid talcum powder because of the risk of
pneumonia if your baby inhales it.
- Yeast infections
If the rash is bright red or does not start getting
better after 3 days of warm water cleaning and air
exposure, your child probably has a yeast infection.
Apply Lotrimin cream (no prescription necessary) four
times a day or after each bottom rinse for BMs.
How can I prevent diaper rash?
Changing the diaper immediately after your child has a bowel
movement and rinsing the skin with warm water are the most
effective things you can do to prevent diaper rash.
If you use cloth diapers and wash them yourself, you will
need to use bleach (such as Clorox, Borax, or Purex) to
sterilize them. During the regular cycle, use any
detergent. Then refill the washer with warm water, add
1 cup of bleach, and run a second cycle. Unlike bleach,
vinegar is not effective in killing germs.
When should I call my child's health care provider?
Call IMMEDIATELY if:
- The rash looks infected (pimples, blisters, boils,
sores).
- Your child starts acting very sick.
Call within 24 hours if:
- The rash isn't much better in 3 days.
- The diaper rash becomes bright red or raw.
- You have other concerns or questions.
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