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Treatment
of Diaper Rash
How can I prevent diaper
rash
Try to reduce the moisture against
the skin:
Keep the nappy area dry and clean.
Change the baby’s nappy as soon as she is wet or has had a bowel movement.
Give your baby less superfluous fluid to control excessive urination.
Expose the baby’s skin to air:
Keep your baby bare-bottomed part
of the time, placing her on a plastic or waterproof sheet to protect the
surface below. However, ensure that she is warm enough so that she does
not catch a chill.
Try to expose your baby to fewer
irritants:
Adult soap can dry and irritate
your baby’s skin. Do not use adult soap. Ask the doctor to recommend a
good baby soap. When your baby has a bowel movement, clean her skin using
warm water and cotton balls. If her bowel movement is really messy, you
can clean her up with a quick dip in a tub or the sink, but make sure that
you pat her dry.
Try a different brand of diaper:
If your baby has recurrent nappy
rash, switch to another brand, or from cloth to disposables.
Protect your baby’s skin:
Sometimes spreading a thick layer
of ointment (recommended by your doctor) on your baby’s bottom after you
have washed her at changing time can prevent urine from coming in contact
with the skin. Using boric acid is not advisable as it is a toxic substance.
Talc absorbs moisture and keeps the baby dry. However, adult talc may contain
asbestos, which can be carcinogenic. Talc specially formulated for babies
by reputed manufacturers does not contain asbestos and is safe for use.
What medication can
I use to treat diaper rash
If the nappy rash does not clear
up in a day or two or if it gets aggravated, the doctor may need to prescribe
medication. The medication will depend on the kind of nappy rash.
-
Seborrhoeic dermatitis – steroid cream
(but not long term)
-
Impetigo – antibiotics administered
orally
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Intertrigo – careful cleansing and a
hydrocortisone cream and protective ointments
-
Candida – topical anti-fungal ointment
or cream
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