Knowing how to prevent diaper rash in infants is an important thing each mother should know, especially first-time mothers. This is a skin condition or outbreaks on the area covered by the diaper.
In general, it appears at the bottom of the abdomen, genitals, buttocks and upper portion of the thighs, due to having direct exposure to irritants. This condition, which they also call dermatitis, often appears in babies during their first year of life.
Diagnosis and Causes of Dermatitis
The diagnosis of dermatitis should be done through physical examination. The symptoms of this disease consist of the appearance of skin lesions in areas that have direct contact with the diaper.
The main causes are:
- Sensitive skin before the diaper rubs against the baby’s skin.
- Prolonged contact with urine and feces.
- Altered pH in urine and feces.
- Bad hygiene.
- Moisture.
Tips to Prevent Diaper Rash
If you notice redness on your baby’s genitals and buttocks, it’s because a diaper rash has just started to appear. This condition can be prevented by taking the right measures at the right time.
Here are some tips to prevent diaper rash:
1. Wash the baby’s private parts
Use plenty of warm water to wash the area covered by the diaper whenever you change your baby’s diapers. It’s recommended not to use soap when doing this activity. If necessary, you can use neutral pH cleaners.
Next, gently dry the area without rubbing on it. If possible, change your baby’s diaper in an open space. Avoid using wet clothes that contain alcohol or fragrances.
2. Change your baby’s diaper regularly
On the other hand, it’s very important to change their diaper frequently, at least every three hours during the day, even if your baby has only urinated. At night, if possible, change their diaper every 5 hours.
Also, it’s necessary to change your baby’s clothes every time they have a bowel movement.
Be careful when putting the diaper on, make sure that it isn’t too tight. This can lead to the diaper rubbing against your baby’s skin and give rise to irritation.
When you purchase diapers, read the package thoroughly because there are diapers that are intended for sensitive skin and others are super absorbent diapers.
3. Use baby creams
Use baby creams in all areas that need it during every diaper change. These creams must be water-based and the components must have astringents, such as zinc oxide. Also, these creams form a waterproof layer on the skin.
It’s best to apply them after each time you clean the area. You should do so because it can work as a protective barrier between the diaper and the skin. Therefore, it can prevent the appearance of irritations.
These creams can be purchased at pharmacies or supermarkets, or you can try homemade recipes.
4. Changes your baby’s diet
It’s important to keep track of the new foods your baby eats because some can alter the pH in their stools. If you notice that the food is causing diaper rash, then immediately stop feeding it to your baby.
The same thing could even happen to babies that consume breast milk. In this case, the mother should control the food and medicines the baby consumes. Also, you should consult with a specialist when you plan on changing their daily diet.
It’s very important to follow these recommendations to prevent diaper rash and the appearance of lesions. Otherwise, they can turn into infections and often cause discomfort for a baby.
Finally, know that irritating diaper rash is common in children up to the age of 12 months. No matter what, parents aren’t entirely the ones to blame when a child has this condition.
However, you must follow these tips to prevent your child from additional discomfort. Likewise, if you make sure your baby has good hygiene, you won’t have to see a specialist to treat your baby. Remember, it’s always better to prevent.
Parents should be aware of this 4 tips to treat and prevent diaper rash. This would really mean a lot. Thanks for sharing this one out