 |
The best diaper rash remedy is prevention.Diaper rash happens whether you use cloth or disposable diapers. It can be caused by an allergic reaction to a chemical in one of the diapering supplies or to a food eaten by the baby, or by the mother if the baby is nursing. It can be from a surface infection or it can be from a moisture imbalance. Moisture imbalances happen when baby’s skin remains wet too long (needed to be changed earlier) or gets too dry (needs moisturizing). Most parents, when confronted with diaper rash, immediately slather the affected area with a commercial diaper cream or baby powder. While this treatment can work in certain circumstances, it doesn’t work for them all. If the rash is allergy-related, this routine will have no effect. You may want to take your child in to see the doctor for their recommendations. Next, you need to figure out what caused the reaction. If it is diaper-related, it could be a chemical in the diaper. Disposable diapers have all sorts of chemicals in them from the manufacturing process. Cloth diapers can build up detergent residue, which can be fairly harsh, depending on which detergent you use. Or, the reaction could be to an ingredient in the wipes you use, the baby lotion you use, or any other baby products that you apply to your baby’s bottom. If the allergy is food related , try to keep track of what you or your baby ate, as it applies to the rash. Common food reactions occur when mom or baby eat citrus, dairy, wheat and eggs. By keeping a food diary, it may be possible to track down the trigger of the rash. Surface infections can be cured by an antibiotic cream from your doctor, or simply allowing baby to go diaper free for a day or two, dressing them in diapers only for sleeping or if you can tell by your child’s behavior that they are about to relieve themselves. Being allowed to air out, the skin can resolve the infection itself in many instances. In most cases, the best defense against diaper rash is changing the baby frequently. It can be tempting, especially with today’s disposable diapers and a busy schedule, to let baby wait until it is more convenient to change their diapers. It has been found that cloth diapering can cause fewer rashes. This may be due to more frequent changes, as well as the fact that the cloth is laundered in a gentle soap . Some children have profound allergic reactions to the chemicals in disposable diapers. Breastfeeding your baby may lead to fewer diaper rashes as well, due in part to a lack of allergens and its antibacterial qualities. Some sensitive babies have reactions to the ingredients in formula that can be quite severe. It is the rare baby indeed that never has a case of diaper rash… but you can limit the occurrence by keeping baby changed and clean. By removing excess moisture from the area and keeping baby’s bottom clean, many rashes are prevented before they get started.
Get our Free 64 Page Baby Food Recipe Ebook
Return to babies and toddler spot home page from Diaper rash remedy
|
