Diaper rashes are something every parent is worried about and they hate to see on their babies.  Diaper rashes on the baby bum are normal and go away with simple and some easy home remedies such as keeping the baby skin dry, applying the cream, and changing diaper more frequently.

Newborn babies have very new skin and their immune system is not developed. This makes babies more prone to infection and irritation. Diaper rashes also are known as dermatitis.

Common causes of  Diaper Rashes

There are various reasons for diaper rashes but the very basic cause is dampness. However, rashes are preventable and treatable.

1. Moisture

2. Dampness due to poor quality of the fabric

3. Allergy

4. Irritation from faeces or urine

5. Skin sensitivity

6. Friction and rubbing due to diaper

7. Reaction from any baby product

8. Any chemical

9. Any smell

10. Heat

11. Fungal yeast or bacterial infection

12. Introducing new food especially acidic like tomatoes

13. Intake of antibiotics – if breastfeeding moms are taking any sort of antibiotic it can cause diarrhoea, which is a common cause of rashes.

Signs and Symptoms of diaper rashes

1. When a rash occurs you may see that your baby looks very irritating and uncomfortable than as in routine.

2. The baby may cry often during feeding or when you cleaning or changing the diaper.

3. Fussy in behaviour

4. Skin in the diaper area thighs, buttocks, and genital area may become bright red in colour.

5. Feel warm to touch and inflamed

Here are some read on tips for mothers and remedies, which may help you

Diaper rash on the baby’s bottom is one of the most common problems. The main reason is actually the diaper absorbs all the urine and faeces and causes dampness. Which makes room for the moisture and heat and promotes irritation.

This can be very uncomfortable for the baby. As urine and faecal matter are acidic in nature and annoying.

1. Washing your hands

Cleaning your hands with soap and water is the best start to treat a rash on the baby’s skin. To prevent infection is to wash hands before and after changing the diaper. Check the baby’s skin if it is red, warm in touch, or look like fragile skin. Because if you do not care for the skin integrity the skin can breakdown easily and can give an invitation to bacterial infection.

2. Clean with care

Take care of the skin when you are changing a diaper. Like when you clean your baby bums wipe it gently with a clean and wet cloth and do not use any harsh cloth or the baby wipes. Because baby wipes may contain chemicals or alcohol-based things, which can lead to baby diaper rashes.

3. Intermittent changing diaper

Changing diaper infrequently usually can affect your baby. Moreover, the baby’s skin is very delicate and can prone to infection and rashes if the skin is wet. So it is very important to check on the baby’s bottom skin. Make sure you frequently changing diapers and ensure that skin is not damp. Clean the baby bottom with a clean, dry, and gentle cloth.

4. Apply cream or ointment

Baby diaper rashes can affect a baby’s health and feeding. Because rashes can make your baby agitated and uncomfortable and they just cry until getting some relief from rashes.

Talk with your health care provider or doctor for baby rashes cream or ointment to apply on the baby’s bottom. Baby rashes cream usually contains zinc oxide. Do not wipe off the cream when you changing a diaper as it may initiate discomfort. Apply rashes cream daily to prevent further problems.

5. Avoid too tight diapers

Do not over tighten baby diaper because it can cause irritation and block the airflow and circulation in the baby’s bottom area and make the skin more moist and damp.

6. Let the baby go without a diaper

After changing the diaper you can expose the baby bottom to air and give your baby extra time without a diaper. While your baby is the bare bottom, put a soft towel under your baby, and engage your baby with toys. It is a good idea to let the skin dry naturally and put a clean and new diaper on.

7. Use warm and clean water for cleaning

When cleaning your baby’s bottom always use warm water to clean. Sink tub and water bottles can be the options. While cleaning be gentle on the skin. You can use cotton balls, moist washcloths to clean.

If you are using baby soap for cleaning only use fragrance and chemical-free baby soap. Never use alcohol-based baby wipes.

8. Avoid scrubbing

While changing the diaper and during cleaning do not scrub or rub the baby’s skin. Rubbing can cause rashes and irritation and can be painful for the baby. Always do softly.

9. Make baby skin dry

After cleaning make sure to make baby skin pat dry with a clean baby towel and let it dry.

10. Avoid acidic food

Sometimes some acidic food or introduction to a new food can upset the baby’s tummy. If your baby is taking semi-solid food like tomatoes or any food, which is acidic in nature avoid it. Breastfeeding mothers should avoid acidic food because it may cause diarrhoea in babies and again cleaning frequently may end up in baby rashes on the bottom.

Do not use talcum powder for baby especially on the bottom or genitals. Generally, doctors do not recommend using any powder for baby skin to prevent the reaction.

When using cloth as a diaper

If you are not using branded baby diapers and preferred to use cloth diapers use them carefully.

Before washing cloth diaper presoak them and wash in nice and warm water and mild soap. But avoid fabric softener or dryer sheets to stop irritation.

You can use bleach to kill bacteria or bugs. Double Rinse it so that any residual soap or chemical particles clean up.

Wash and clean them properly. Disinfect them and dry it.

When you need to talk to the doctor

You should consult with your health practitioner if your baby’s skin is not improving after home treatment.
When you see the rash seems unusual and serious

The rash is getting poor and worse

Skin breaks down

Bleeding or oozing

Baby has fever

Seek your doctor’s advice if it is seriously bothering your baby’s skin and home remedies not effective.

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