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 Popular Articles: |
How To Get Rid Of Diaper Rash |
Diaper rash is a 20th Century disorder and caused by our modern methods of baby care. Before 1900, and even today, babies in warmer climates went naked from the waist down. In colder climates they were swaddled in bands of cotton cloth. Knitted soakers were used over cotton diapers in many cultures. Eskimo and other First Nation cultures also used peat moss and other absorbent plant materials.
Plastic pants became available in the 1950's and diaper rash began to appear regularly. Nylon, vinyl or plastic form an airless, occlusive barrier which increases the wetness, heat and irritation to your baby's skin. Disposable
single-use diapers were introduced in the 1960's and parents began to leave wet diapers on for longer time periods and the incidence of diaper rash rose again.
A study of one month old infants found 54% of those using single-use diapers had rashes and 16% severe rashes. Only 18% of those using cloth had rashes and 0% had severe rashes. (Weiner, F., Journal of Pediatrics, Sept. 1979.)
IRRITATION: Diaper rash is most commonly caused by irritation and breakdown of the naturally dry barrier of your baby's skin. The constant wetting and drying of the skin along with exposure to a variety of irritating substances causes redness, roughness and can lead to a variety of infections. Common irritants include: urine, stool, bacteria from urine and stool, residues from soaps, enzyme presoaks or detergents, chemicals, perfumes or plastics from disposable
single-use diapers, rough diaper material, reactions to creams oils or pre-moistened baby wipes (containing alcohol or lanolin).
ALLERGIES: Common causes are: foods, such as wheat, dairy, eggs, citrus, corn. These are the most common, but baby can react to any food, including foods mother has eaten if she is breast-feeding. Other allergens are perfumes, colours and fire-retardancy chemicals in disposable
single-use diapers; drugs like penicillin or any other antibiotic (again check mother's intake); parabens which form the base of most creams and ointments, as well as lanolin; nylon, polyester or plastic.
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Other common causes are YEAST (Monilia) which is usually a beefy red colour with satellite red bumps. TIDEMARK rash occurs around the edges/bindings of diaper or diaper cover. It is thought to be caused by the continual wetting, drying and pressure on the area - just like the tide.
Diaper rash can occur any time your baby is in diapers. However, there are many times when it is more common.
TEETHING - when baby is teething, their urine can become more alkaline and lead to more irritation and breakdown of skin.
NEW FOODS - Introducing new foods often leads to rash. This can be from an allergy to the food, or an irritation from the food protein in the stool.
TOO WET - Babies who are left with wet or soiled diapers for any length of time are much more prone to rash.
Soiled diapers are more likely to cause skin problems since stool contains bacteria, and is an excellent medium for continued bacterial growth. It's important to remove your baby's diaper as soon as possible after a bowel movement. A thorough rinsing with warm water, followed by patting dry, is the most effective way of cleaning your baby's diaper area.
A warm, shallow bath without soap, or with half teaspoon of baking soda helps keep your baby's bottom clean. Overly zealous cleaning with soap only serves to wash off your baby's naturally protective skin oils, making your baby's skin more vulnerable to cracking and infections.
FRESH AIR - Give your baby's bottom as much fresh air as possible. Change diapers frequently, and put your baby on top of the diaper instead of in it when you are at home.
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NO PLASTIC - Remove plastic, vinyl or nylon covering so air can circulate freely.
CHANGE FREQUENTLY - Change diapers as soon as they are wet or soiled. Wash your baby's bottom with plain warm water only. Pat dry.
NO SOAPS - Avoid harsh soaps. Washing with mild soap 2-3 times a week is enough. Perhaps your baby is allergic to the soap - even a mild one.
EXTRA RINSE - If you launder your own diapers, try putting them through a second wash cycle in clear water (no soap), or add 1/2 cup of vinegar to any extra rinse cycle. Some parents prefer to boil their diapers for 10 minutes in a large pot, occasionally. Drying diapers in the sun works well. If using a diaper service, ask for a special rinse to help with rash problems.
CHANGE DIET - Eliminate all new foods, and anything you might suspect, in your baby's diet (yours too, if you are breast-feeding).
If the rash persists, you can try to find something to put on it to soothe your baby:
CREAMS - Use a bland, soothing creme. Try to find one with only natural type ingredients. Avoid parabens and perfumes. Vitamin E is usually good. Avoid cornstarch, it can cause yeast, and avoid baby powders which may cause lung problems.
STEROIDS - You can try a weak steroid cream in a very small amount, only for a few days if the rash looks very irritated.
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TREAT YEAST - See your health practitioner if it might be a yeast infection. They may suggest using an anti-fungal cream. Avoid sources of yeast in your baby's diet (and yours, if breast-feeding). Try some friendly acidophilus by mouth.
BREATHABLE DIAPER COVERS - Try 100% cotton or wool diaper covers, or hand-knitted soakers to use with cloth diapers. These avoid the problems with plastics, vinyls, nylons and other airless, occlusive barriers.
Most diaper rash will clear up with simple measures. Consult your health practitioner if it persists.
FRESH AIR! Some babies never get a rash, while others need more careful care. Allow your baby some time each day without anything on his or her bottom. Avoid occlusive coverings including disposable
single-use diapers, plastic vinyl or nylon pants. Use cloth diapers, and change your baby frequently - as soon as he or she is wet or soiled.
In a study of one month old infants, those in disposable
single-use diapers had THREE times the number of rashes and TEN times the number of severe rashes.
Introduce new foods carefully, watching for food sensitivities which can lead to a rash (among other reactions). Change to a milder detergent, if your baby seems prone to rash. Try an extra rinse to get out detergent residues. If you have hard water, use a water softener, or a solution like Borax or 1/2 cup of vinegar in the final rinse to help remove residues as well.
Many drugs, including antibiotics, as well as over-the-counter ointments for baby's bottom, can cause a rash.
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FREQUENT CHANGES: Change your baby when wet or soiled. You can expect 10-15 diaper changes per day, until your baby is about 6 months old. This will decrease as your baby grows, and holds more urine for longer periods.
Babies in disposable
single-use diapers should be changed just as often, even though disposable
single-use diapers are made to fool a parent into thinking a baby needs fewer changes. Even if you can't feel the wetness - bacteria is still growing.
CLEANLINESS: Use a soft cloth, clean diaper or cotton balls to wipe your baby's bottom with warm water after each bowel movement. Be sure to clean in all the creases and wipe baby girls from front to back. Pat dry, with a cloth or air dry, before putting on a clean diaper.
Newborns should be washed with warm water after urination as well. As your baby's skin gets tougher, it is not necessary to wash after each wet diaper.
Most commercial baby wipes contain alcohol or a related chemical compound which acts as a drying agent, and can cause skin irritation and diaper rash. Avoid harsh or perfumed soaps. If your baby's skin is healthy, avoid creams and ointments, which can block air circulation. If an ointment or cream is used, read labels.
Avoid those with a petroleum base or parabens, both common allergens. Natural vitamin E cream or coconut oil are alternatives.
This article compliments of Born to Love.
Send questions, comments, and suggestions to: catherine@borntolove.com
Born to Love articles are written by Catherine McDiarmid-Watt
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Last updated - April 5, 2024
