Diaper rash is a common thing in infants and toddlers. It's not a dangerous condition, but it can make your baby uncomfortable and have trouble sleeping. One way to reduce the stinging, relieve, and get rid of the rash is to use a diaper rash cream. There are a variety of products sold to treat diaper rash and they generally work the same way: by protecting the skin from irritation and by reducing inflammation and redness of the skin. For severe diaper rash or skin infections, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, antifungal or anti-inflammatory cream. Moderate diaper rash should go away within three days.
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Method 1 of 3: Knowing When to Use a Diaper Rash Cream
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms of diaper rash
There comes a time, every baby will experience diaper rash. More than half of all babies get diaper rash at least once every two months. Learn how to recognize the common symptoms of diaper rash so you can treat it quickly. Symptoms of diaper rash include:
- pink or reddish color around the skin of the groin, thighs, and buttocks,
- dry, swollen skin around the diaper-covered area,
- bumps or blisters.
- Babies become fussier than usual when they have diaper rash.
Step 2. Prevent diaper rash with proper diapering technique
Many cases of diaper rash subside on their own, as long as you use the correct wearing technique. You can avoid using diaper rash cream as long as you make sure the baby's diaper is changed frequently, so that the baby's skin is clean and exposed to outside air. The correct diaper usage technique is:
- Change diapers frequently – once or more every two hours, and each time after a bowel movement.
- Clean baby's bottom with warm water: don't rely solely on baby wipes to clean his skin.
- Use only mild soap when cleaning the skin: don't use soap every time you wash baby's bottom.
- Use unscented and alcohol-free baby wipes
- Allow enough time for the baby to be undressed, so the skin can dry on its own and "breathe".
- Gently pat the surface of the baby's skin and do not rub it (because rubbing can irritate the skin).
- Tighten the diaper worn only after the baby's skin is completely dry and has had enough time to "breathe".
- Make sure that the new diaper is slightly loose, not too tight, against the baby's skin.
- Wash cloth diapers thoroughly to prevent the spread of bacteria - rinsing with vinegar can help kill the bacteria causing the rash.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after each diaper change.
Step 3. Apply diaper rash cream only when the baby has a rash, if the baby has a normal skin type
Most babies don't need diaper rash cream for every diaper change. In most cases, diaper rash can be prevented by making sure the baby's skin is dry, clean, has been exposed to air, and has not been touched by dirt. However, all babies who wear diapers will develop a rash at some point. If your baby only has an occasional diaper rash, apply the cream when you notice symptoms of diaper rash. You don't need to use a diaper rash cream to prevent rashes.
Step 4. Apply diaper rash cream at every diaper change if baby has sensitive skin
Some babies and children are prone to diaper rash. If your baby has a persistent diaper rash despite the precautions you have taken and proper diapering technique, you might consider applying a diaper rash cream every time you change his diaper. Maybe your baby has sensitive skin and needs extra skin protection.
Step 5. Apply diaper rash cream when baby has diarrhea
Diaper rash cream is especially useful when your baby has diarrhea. Diarrhea can be difficult for you and you will need to change your baby's diaper frequently to prevent rashes from developing. Moreover, prolonged diarrhea can cause the spread of skin irritation in the baby's bottom area. If your baby is having diarrhea, apply a diaper rash cream between each diaper change as a precaution.
If your baby has serious diarrhea that won't stop, see your pediatrician. You certainly don't want your baby to be dehydrated or dehydrated
Method 2 of 3: Choosing the Right Diaper Rash Cream
Step 1. Ask your doctor for advice on recommendations for a good diaper rash cream brand
Some types of diaper rash cream are highly concentrated, and this concentration can help prevent irritation. Some other types of diaper rash cream are more liquid and drier, so they can help increase the flow of air into the infected area. To determine which concentration level is right for your baby, talk to your doctor about this. The doctor will give appropriate advice regarding the management of your baby's diaper rash, whether you need a thick cream or a slightly liquid one.
Step 2. Purchase a baby-safe diaper rash cream
Diaper rash cream can be purchased at most drugstores and supermarkets. If you are traveling with your baby, you should have the cream in an easy-to-carry tube that can help prevent and treat diaper rash that may appear at any time. Look for a diaper rash cream that contains zinc oxide, calendula, and aloe vera in the ingredients. These substances help soothe rashes and protect red, inflamed skin. Petroleum jelly (best known under the brand name “Vaseline”) and other mineral oils are also common and safe to use.
- If your child has allergic or sensitive skin, you should carefully read the ingredients in a diaper rash cream to make sure it doesn't make the rash worse. For example, babies with allergies to wool should not be exposed to creams containing lanolin.
- Most diaper rash creams are designed for use with disposable diapers. If you use cloth diapers, make sure that the packaging of the diaper rash cream you buy clearly states that the cream is safe to use with cloth diapers.
- Only use creams that state that they are safe for babies to use. Avoid using creams for adults or other creams that contain boric acid, baking soda, camphor, benzocaine, diphenhydramine, or salicylate. These materials can be harmful to infants and young children.
Step 3. Try different types of cream
Some babies are sensitive to ingredients commonly found in diaper rash creams. If one cream seems to be irritating your baby's skin, try a different brand that contains different ingredients. Try different types of diaper rash cream and with careful observation determine which type of cream is best for your baby.
This advice can also be applied to the ingredients in other products that babies can touch, such as detergents, soaps, cleaning fluids, and cloths. If you're having a hard time finding a cleanser that won't irritate your baby's skin, try looking for an unscented, alcohol-free, and hypoallergenic (no allergenic) product
Step 4. Store the diaper rash cream in a safe place
While you may buy a non-toxic diaper rash cream, it's not necessarily safe for your toddler to ingest it. Make sure that you store diaper rash cream in a place out of reach of babies and toddlers, such as in tall cabinets or drawers where they cannot be opened. Store the tube of diaper rash cream in a location or container with a secure lid.
Method 3 of 3: Applying Diaper Rash Cream Correctly
Step 1. Change the baby's diaper every few hours and after he has a bowel movement
The best time to apply diaper rash cream is during a diaper change. Parents with infants and toddlers need to change diapers every two hours and every time the child has a bowel movement. Older children may be diapered less frequently, as they rarely urinate in the diaper. However, especially if your child has a diaper rash or sensitive skin, you should make sure that after he defecates in a diaper, the diaper should be changed immediately. Dirt is the worst culprit that can cause diaper rash and skin irritation.
If your baby has a rash, check the baby's diaper every hour of the day and occasionally at night to make sure it doesn't get dirty
Step 2. Gather all the diaper changing supplies
It's easier for you and safer for your baby if all diaper changing supplies are within easy reach. Easy-to-reach supplies mean you don't have to leave your baby alone when you need to change a baby's diaper. The supplies you will need include:
- clean diaper,
- towels or napkins or pads for changing diapers,
- diaper rash cream,
- unscented and alcohol-free warm water or wet wipes,
- soft towel or cleaning towel,
- waterproof bag or trash can to dispose of soiled diapers.
Step 3. Place a clean towel or changing pad on the floor or table to change the diaper
Do not leave the baby alone on a high surface. If your baby has diaper rash, the best way to change the diaper is to lay the baby on the floor on a towel. This will make it easier for the baby to have some time without clothes on.
If you are using a surface that is higher than the floor, such as a diaper changing table, make sure that you fasten the baby with a seat belt on the table or mat
Step 4. Undress the baby
Take off his shoes or pants, and unbutton his shirt. Pull the shirt up and away from the diaper area. You need to secure the area to prevent the baby's clothes from getting dirt from the dirty diaper. Similarly, diaper rash cream on her skin can also cause blemishes, and removing her clothes will also prevent the stains.
Step 5. Dispose of soiled diapers
Remove the adhesive or disposable diaper clip. Remove the soiled diaper and pull it from the bottom of the baby's bottom. Hold both feet for you so he doesn't kick the dirty diaper. You need to keep your baby as clean and free of bacteria as possible.
Step 6. Clean the baby's body
Babies who develop rashes will have sensitive and vulnerable skin. However, you still need to clean the skin so that the rash completely disappears. You also need to clean the remnants of the cream on the baby's skin. Do not use scented or alcoholic wet wipes. Using warm water is the best way to clean the skin of a baby who has a rash. You can use a mild, unscented soap if the dirt has spread to the baby's bottom area.
- Use a spray bottle filled with warm water to clean the baby's skin. This helps prevent irritation caused by the rubbing motion. You can also soak the baby's bottom in warm water for a few minutes. This will help make her bottom feel comfortable, as well as clean it.
- Make sure that all urine, dirt, and cream residue from the previously wiped smear is clean.
- If you must use a cloth to remove any dirt from the baby's skin, make sure that you use a soft cloth, and rub it gently from front to back. Do not clean baby's skin from back to front.
Step 7. Pat the baby's skin dry
Dry the baby's skin using a soft towel with gentle patting motions. Do not rub it, as this will further irritate the skin. Moisturizer helps remove the bacteria that causes diaper rash, so baby's skin should be completely dry.
Step 8. Let the skin area "breathe"
Leave the baby's bottom in the air for as long as possible. Exposing baby's skin to air is the best way to prevent and cure diaper rash. The skin will be able to become dry and breathable, and the airflow reduces the growth of bacteria and fungi. If possible, give your baby at least ten minutes without clothes, after changing his diaper.
Step 9. Place the clean diaper under the baby's bottom
Place a new diaper that is ready to be glued on the bottom and between the legs. Raise her legs and tuck a clean diaper under her body. Position the adhesive on the bottom parallel to the navel.
If your baby has a serious diaper rash, you may want to consider a larger diaper size over the next few days. A slightly loose diaper will allow airflow and heal the rash and prevent excess moisture
Step 10. Apply an adequate amount of cream on your finger
You can choose to use gloves or clean wipes if needed. Apply the cream on the inflamed area and the area around the rash. Be very careful when applying the cream to the anus, pubic area, and the folds of skin around the thighs. You are free to apply cream as needed around the bottom near the diaper. The cream will create a layer thick enough to protect the rash from moisture. Again, when cleaning baby's skin, try applying the cream using a front-to-back motion instead of a back-to-front motion. The direction of this movement will help prevent infection in the baby's urinary tract.
- Try to avoid frequent direct touch to the swollen skin. Just apply the cream and avoid rubbing or touching the skin area that is experiencing the rash.
- Some diaper rash creams come in a tube-like long tip, which makes it easy for you to apply the cream directly to your baby's skin. This form of packaging is especially useful if the baby has sensitive or sensitive skin which can be easily irritated by touch.
- If your doctor prescribes medication, be sure to follow the instructions. There are some medications that are designed to work alongside over-the-counter diaper rash creams, while others work in place of over-the-counter diaper rash creams. Ask your doctor if prescription creams or medications can work alongside over-the-counter diaper rash creams.
Step 11. Add a layer of petroleum jelly if needed
Some types of diaper rash cream have a fairly sticky texture, and can cause the baby's diaper to stick to the surface of the skin. This can cause irritation. To help reduce stickiness and get some airflow, consider adding a layer of petroleum jelly. A small layer of petroleum jelly after applying the diaper rash cream will make the baby's diaper somewhat loose and flexible, and can make the rash heal quickly.
In some cases, you may choose the petroleum jelly itself to use as a diaper rash cream
Step 12. Tighten a clean diaper
Pull the front of the clean diaper up and align it with the back. Tighten the adhesive but still keep it comfortable. You will need to make the diaper a little looser than usual to help the rash heal and prevent chafing.
Step 13. Change baby's clothes and shoes
Once the baby's body is clean and the diaper is changed and the baby is smeared with diaper rash cream, you can put the clothes you like on the baby. However, it is good to leave the baby undressed as often as possible, i.e. at least 30 minutes a day without clothes.
If your baby's clothes are dirty, make sure you change them into clean clothes. You don't want bacteria to spread and make diaper rash worse
Step 14. Clean and tidy everything
Since diaper rash is partly caused by the spread of bacteria, you should make sure that everything is clean after you change your baby's diaper. Baby clothes, table and mats, baby's hands and feet, and your own hands should be completely clean after being touched by baby's feces or urine. Use warm water and soap to clean your hands (and baby's, if necessary). Dispose of dirty items properly, and place dirty clothes in the laundry.
Step 15. Talk to your doctor if the symptoms of the rash do not subside within three days
A common diaper rash should go away within three days if treated properly. However, sometimes a skin infection, yeast infection, or allergic reaction can look similar to diaper rash. These types of conditions require different treatment and further treatment. If your diaper rash cream doesn't relieve your baby's symptoms, talk to a pediatrician about the condition. You may need to change the diaper rash cream, do an allergy test on your baby, or get a prescription for a stronger medication to treat the condition.
If you notice abnormal symptoms such as fever, pus, or open sores, talk to your pediatrician immediately
Tips
- Removing the baby's clothes from the waist down will prevent the diaper rash cream from staining the clothes. Use a towel to cover the area of the mat used for changing diapers, so that the surface of the mat is not exposed to creams or gels where stains may be difficult to remove.
- Always remember that diaper rash is normal and happens to almost all babies. Don't overreact or panic. Remember that cleanliness, dry skin, and good airflow are the keys to healing diaper rash. Diaper rash cream can also help speed up the healing process.
Warning
- Talk to your doctor if your baby has a persistent diaper rash after taking antibiotics. She may have a yeast infection, which requires a diaper rash cream with a special medication.
- Never leave your baby alone on a changing table or other surface higher than the floor. Always hold the baby to ensure that he does not roll off the table.
- Don't use baby powder to prevent diaper rash. The powder can be inhaled when the baby breathes and irritates the baby's lungs.
