How To Help Newborn Diaper Rash

Airing Our The Diaper Rash

How to treat diaper rash

Letting the area air out will help the area heal so much faster. Air is essential to quicker healing. It may get a bit messy, but totally worth it.

Moisture is what one of the main causes of diaper rash.

To air out your babies skin, start after a fresh diaper change. Then clean their skin like discussed above. Then gently pat dry the area with a soft washcloth or towel.

But instead of putting a new diaper on your baby, let your baby go diaper free for a bit.

This is super easy when they are little

Put your baby in a long sleeve tee and some socks, and make sure the room is at a comfortable temperature. Let them air out while they sleep.

I would let my little man fall asleep naked on my chest with just a towel between his diaper area and me to catch any pee.

I would also position his legs so that more are was reaching the skin between all his rolls.

Think froggy style.

Once he fell asleep Id lay him on his back to air out completely with just a washcloth covering his privates to avoid problems.

When youre going to air out your baby, make sure not to use any ointment or cream prior to the airing process, or it wont be effective.

The ointment wont allow air to hit and dry the skin.

What Heals Diaper Rashes The Fastest

According to the AAP, zinc oxide and petrolatum are the best ingredient choices for treating diaper rash.

The key to treating diaper rash quickly is to have a strong barrier that will prevent liquid from coming into contact with irritated skin, which in turn gives the skin time to heal.

If your babys diaper rash is caused by an infection such as staph or candida, your pediatrician may prescribe an antibiotic ointment to help clear it up quickly.

How Long Does It Take Diaper Rash To Heal

Diaper rash can take up to four to seven days to heal, Levine says, although it can often clear up in a couple of days. Again, call a doctor if babys diaper rash doesnt get better, if it gets worse or spreads beyond the diaper area, if the area appears to be infected or if its associated with diarrhea, she adds. Some rashes in the diaper area may be symptoms of another illness and call for further treatment.

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How To Prevent Diaper Rash

You can prevent diaper rash by ensuring your baby is kept clean and dry when possible. Weve listed a range of diaper rash tips below on how to prevent diaper rash so you and your baby stay happy.

  • Avoid soaps, bubble baths, and lotions. Wash your baby’s bottom with water and avoid any products with ingredients that can irritate your baby’s delicate skin.

  • If using wipes, use fragrance-free and alcohol-free baby wipes. Check the back of the pack to ensure they do not contain alcohol or other unnecessary ingredients. WaterWipes are the worlds purest baby wipes and provide gentle but effective cleansing for your baby or toddlers skin.

  • Dry skin thoroughly. When changing your baby, dry the skin thoroughly, patting instead of rubbing if the area is sore.

  • At each diaper change apply a thin layer of barrier cream or a barrier spray to dry skin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend one.

  • Avoid using talcum powder – this can also irritate the skin.

  • Leave your babys diaper off for as long as you can to let fresh air get to their skin. If this isnt feasible, ensure dirty diapers are changed as soon as possible.

  • Bathe baby three times a week. It is fine to bathe your baby every day but three times a week is usually enough to keep the skin clean. A pure wipe such as WaterWipes can be used to gently and effectively cleanse in between bath times.

When To Call The Doctor About Diaper Rash

Baby Diaper Rash Home Remedies for Healing

Let your baby’s doctor know if:

  • The rash gets worse or doesn’t respond to treatment in 2-3 days
  • Your baby has a fever or seems sluggish
  • You see yellow, fluid-filled bumps and honey-colored crusty areas. This might be a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics.
  • You notice symptoms of a yeast infection:
  • A swollen red rash with white scales and lesions
  • Small red pimples outside of the diaper area
  • Redness in the folds of your baby’s skin

Your pediatrician can prescribe an antifungal medicine to clear it up.

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Preventing And Treating Diaper Rash Through Diet

Many babies try plenty of new foods when they start solids, which makes it hard to discern exactly what’s causing the negative reaction. Here’s a solution: Introduce new foods one at a time, then watch your baby for three to four days as her digestive system adapts. If you notice any negative reaction to the food, such as diaper rash, they might have a sensitivity. Consult your doctor regarding next steps if the reaction is small, they might suggest re-introducing the food at a later date.

If your baby does develop diaper rash, feed them starchy foods that digest easily. Reliable options include pasta, bread, rice, whole grain cereal, and crackers. These will ward of diarrhea and bulk up your baby’s stool.

Related:New Guidelines to Help Prevent Food Allergy in Children

You can also help diaper rash in other ways besides changing your baby’s diet. For example, you should keep the area clean and dry through frequent diaper changes, cleanse with neutral pH non-soap cleansers, and use zinc oxide-based pastes. Visit your doctor for severe diaper rash that spreads, develops blisters, or accompanies a fever.

Place The Baby In The Changing Area

Place your baby on the changing table if you have one. If you dont have a changing table, you can place your baby on a bed or a play mat.

MOMMY TIP: Wherever you change your baby, make sure to have your diaper caddy with all the required supplies right next to you to make changing diapers quicker and easier.

Remove all of your babys clothes from the waist down to prevent diaper cream from getting everywhere.

Be sure to strap your baby securely to prevent any problems or accidents.

Its best to use a waterproof mat to help with any potential messes.

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How To Treat Shingles Rash

6. Slather On Antiviral Honey To Soothe Rash. Heres a sweet remedy for your painful shingles rash! Studies indicate that honey has antiviral properties and can act against the varicella zoster virus. Its also known to be soothing to the skin. 13 So go ahead and dab a little honey on the blistered skin to promote healing. 7.

Best Extra Strength: Desitin Maximum Strength Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Paste

What is the best way to relieve my baby’s diaper rash?

Amazon

Despite your best efforts, your baby may still get a very painful diaper rash once in a while. Beyond letting them go diaper-less, the best treatment for this is an extra-strength diaper rash cream like Desitin Baby Diaper Rash Maximum Strength Original Paste. Formulated with the maximum level of zinc oxide available without a prescription, this cream is clinically proven to start clearing up your tots diaper rash within 12 hours by effectively sealing out moisture.

Since the formula is so effective, it is great to have a bottle on hand for when you just cant get a rash to go away. Since it has a higher concentration of zinc oxide, you dont need to use it every day.

Formulated especially for newborns and babies with sensitive skin, Baby Mantra Diaper Rash Ointment is made from non-toxic, natural, and organic ingredients. The main active ingredient is zinc oxide, but the formula includes sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, rosemary leaf, jojoba seed oil, and beeswax to help heal irritated skin. For those who follow the Environmental Working Group rating system, youll be happy to note this gets a 1 on their scale, meaning it doesnt have any concerning chemicals or ingredients.

Other customers noted that while some natural products arent reliable, the Baby Mantra Diaper Rash Ointment was effective in both preventing and healing diaper rashes.

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When To Call The Health Care Provider

  • The rash is very painful, does not go away or get better in 3 days, or gets worse.
  • The skin starts to have blisters or is bright red with raised bumps, especially if your baby has been on antibiotics.
  • There is yellow or green drainage around the rash.
  • Your baby has a fever over 100.4° Fahrenheit or 38° Celsius , along with a rash.

HH-I-28 10/75, Revised 1/22 Copyright 1975, Nationwide Childrens Hospital

Check The Size Of Your Childs Diaper

Wearing the wrong size diaper can increase the chances of diaper rash and make it harder for an active rash to heal. A diaper thats too tight can cause extra moisture and faster rash growth. A diaper thats too large can rub and cause friction that makes rashes worse.

Check your childs current diaper size. Switching to a new size might help.

You can use pastes or barrier creams that contain zinc to soothe the skin and prevent contact with feces and other irritants. Examples of these products include:

Apply a thin layer to prevent stool or urine from touching your babys skin.

Jellies like Vaseline may be ideal, since theyre inexpensive and usually contain fewer dyes or perfumes. However, jellies may stick to cloth diapers and can be hard to wash off. They also dont offer a barrier as strong as other creams.

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Home Remedies To Prevent Diaper Rash

To keep your babys tender tush in tip-top shape, its best to take a preventive approach to diaper rash. Try these baby-tested strategies :

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Foods That Cause Diaper Rashand Others That Might Help

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Did you know that certain foods can cause diaper rash? Learn which ones may wreak havoc on your infant’s bottomand how to handle it.

Diaper rash is characterized by bright red, inflamed skin on a baby’s bottom. Most parents attribute it to environmental factors, such as sensitivity to dyes or perfumes, infrequently changed diapers, or chafing. But did you know that itching and inflammation can actually be caused by your little one’s diet? It’s true. Certain foods can cause diaper rash.

“Baby skin rashes can worsen with exposure to certain foods,” warns Latanya Benjamin, M.D., clinical assistant professor of pediatrics and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Stanford University Hospital in Palo Alto, California. “However, babies tend to have food sensitivities, rather than true food allergies. There is a difference, and your dermatologist and allergist can help you distinguish between the two.”

Here’s everything you need to know about the link between diet and diaper rash.

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How Long Does Newborn Baby Diaper Rash Last

If you’re in the position that your baby already has diaper rash then we’re sure you’re eager to know how long this diaper rash may last.

Diaper rash should clear up after about three days . Dr. Pixie McKenna assured us. However, if you are at all concerned about the rash, if you think your baby has something that is not diaper rash and has lingered longer than three days or if it is causing your baby discomfort, get advice from a doctor.

Whats Behind A Diaper Rash

In order to prevent and treat diaper rashes, its first helpful to know what causes them:

Irritation Diapers can hold a babys urine and feces for an extended period of time. If a diaper is left on too long, it can cause skin to become irritated and inflamed.

Sensitivities For some babies, diaper rashes can be from allergies or sensitivity to things such as soaps or diaper wipes. They can also be due to increased stools caused by allergies to food products.

Infection The moist environment of your babys diaper area is prime breeding ground for bacteria and fungi to grow.

Also Check: How To Soothe Newborn Constipation

When To See A Doctor For Diaper Rash

If you’ve done all you can to clear up that case of diaper rash but it doesn’t seem to be going away or has got worse, it may be time to visit the doctor. Here’s when to consider booking that appointment2:

  • If your baby’s skin bleeds, itches, or is oozing.

  • If your baby has a fever.

  • If your baby appears to be experiencing discomfort when peeing or pooping.

  • If the diaper rash gets worse after home treatment.

You know your baby better than anyone, so if you feel that something isn’t right, get them to a professional as soon as you can for guidance. Your doctor may prescribe you a mild steroid cream if home remedies aren’t working or topical or oral antibiotics for more severe infections.

We know that dealing with diaper rash is never a fun job, so consider our causes, symptoms and tips to prevent or treat that dreaded irritation with ease. If you found our diaper rash treatment tips useful, be sure to take a look at our other baby skin articles on our Parenting Hub:

Allow Diaper Area To Dry

Diaper Rash in Babies Symptoms, Causes and Remedies

One key step to healing diaper rash is keeping the area clean and dry. Once you have finished cleaning your babys bottom, pat it dry before applying a thick barrier of protection. Better yet, allow your baby to go without a diaper for a little while to let her bottom air-dry and then apply a thick barrier of protection when you do re-diaper.

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What Is Newborn Diaper Rash

Let’s begin by addressing what exactly newborn diaper rash is. Diaper rash affects many babies and is commonly caused by irritation of the skin.

Diaper rash can be characterised by red patches on your baby’s bottom, or the whole area may be red. Their skin may look sore and feel hot to touch, and there may be spots, pimples, or blisters.1

When To See A Doctor For Newborn Baby Diaper Rash

If you’ve done all you can to clear up that case of diaper rash but it doesn’t seem to be going away or has got worse, it may be time to visit the doctor’s office. Here’s when to consider booking that appointment.2

  • If your baby’s skin bleeds, itches, or is oozing.

  • If your baby has a fever.

  • If your baby appears to be experiencing discomfort when peeing or pooping.

  • If the diaper rash gets worse after home treatment.

You know your baby better than anyone, so if you feel that something isn’t right, get them to a professional as soon as you can for guidance. Your doctor may prescribe you a mild steroid cream if home remedies aren’t working or topical or oral antibiotics for more severe infections.

We know that dealing with newborn baby diaper rash is never a fun job and all the above questions are very normal to have. But now you know what diaper rash is, what diaper rash looks like, diaper rash symptoms, diaper rash causes, how long diaper rash lasts, and how to treat and prevent future diaper rash so now you can face that dreaded irritation with ease. If you found our newborn diaper rash tips useful, be sure to take a look at our other baby skin articles on our Parenting Hub below, or find out more about why WaterWipes are the No.1 wipe against the causes of diaper rash:

  • Mayo Clinic, Diaper Rash, ,

  • Kids Health from Nemours, Diaper Rash, ,

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    Diaper Rash Treatment And Prevention

    The steps for treating diaper rash and preventing it are very similar, so if you want to know how to get rid of diaper rash as well as how to help prevent it from reoccurring in the future, follow these guidelines:

    See our Diaper Rash 101 below for an overview of the symptoms, causes, and treatments for diaper rash:

    How To Apply Diaper Cream For Baby Rashes: 9 Easy Steps

    Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy Skin Protectant ...

    Uh oh! Is your babys bottom all red and scratchy?

    This is most likely due to skin irritation from frequent diaper changes.

    We all know how smooth and soft a babys skin can be. However, what we may not be aware of is how SENSITIVE and prone to irritation that perfect baby skin is.

    Wearing a diaper 24/7 exposes your babys bum to a constant environment of moisture, bacteria, and waste.

    And this award-winning combination leads to you guessed it, DIAPER RASH!

    The best way to prevent and soothe these rashes is with a good diaper rash cream.

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    What Does Newborn Baby Diaper Rash Look Like Diaper Rash Symptoms:

    • Mild diaper rash Pink or red spots. These spots may merge into blotches, affecting a small part of the diaper area. Your baby may cry when passing pee and poop.

    • Severe diaper rash You may notice bright red spots and cracked skin affecting a large part of the diaper area. Your baby may be irritable and restless and could have a high temperature.

    • Fungal diaper rash Inflamed skin and red spots around the edges of the rash. The folds of the skin may also be affected.

    Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of what diaper rash looks like and diaper rash symptoms. We know that the symptoms of diaper rash can look very nasty but soon youâll be armed with our tips and be able to better protect your babyâs bottom in no time!

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