Dealing With Diaper Rash

Dealing With Diaper Rash

“Diaper cream with the consistency of a petrolatum gel acts as a barrier and protects the

skin”

One of the most common queries posed by parents and would-be parents during new-born

handling sessions is, ‘Can I use diapers for my baby?’ It is always easy to say ‘No Diapers,’ but

that cannot be the case. Diapers have become such a part and parcel of daily new-born care

that the area comprising the genitalia and bum of the baby came to be known as ‘diaper area’

and the rash that develops in that area ( most commonly due to the injudicious use of diapers)

as diaper rash.

To avoid diaper rash, apply a diaper cream with the consistency of a petrolatum gel so that the

cream acts as a barrier and protects the baby’s delicate skin from irritant effects of urine and

stool and also helps in keeping the baby’s skin healthy. If one is using diapers, ensure good

quality diapers, make sure they are changed every four-six hours and most importantly, prompt

change even with slightest soiling.

Some diapers also have an indicator which changes colour when the baby passes urine or stool.

It is very important that mothers clean the genitalia area first and then proceed to cleaning the

stool area, especially with girls. The direction of cleaning needs to be from front to back

otherwise there is a higher risk of urine infection. The experts at Apollo Cradle are equipped to

deal with cases of diaper rash and provide mothers with all the help they need.

Treating Diaper Rash

Some rashes involve only the stool area and bum of the baby. Most of them respond to good

diaper creams (with zinc oxide), good care and lots of diaper-free time. Some rashes involve the

groin, genitalia and also produce rashes in nearby areas which are not in continuity with the

original rash. These are known as satellite lesions and use of antifungal creams can take care of

the rash.

Some of the rashes get infected because it is easy for any infection to set in whenever there is

any minute break in the skin. Antibacterial creams have to be used in such scenarios. It is in rare

cases that the infection can cause fever and more problems for the baby, thus requiring more

medicines.

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