Almost every child gets diaper rashes. Diaper rash usually causes mild redness and irritation where the diaper touches the skin. In bad cases, the rash can cause pimples, blisters, and other sores. Small red patches may spread beyond the main part of the rash, even outside the diaper area.
Most diaper rashes are caused by skin irritation from prolonged contact with moisture, bacteria and ammonia (a reaction from when normal bacteria mix with urine.) Bouts of diarrhea or antibiotic use can also cause diaper rashes.
The key to preventing diaper rash is to keep your child's diaper area clean, cool, and dry.
Change your child's diaper often, and let him go without a diaper when possible to let his skin air dry.
Rinse the skin with warm water. Do not use soap with every diaper change. Use a mild soap (like Dove) after bowel movements. If the skin is quite raw, use warm water soaks for 10-15 minutes three times a day.
Many babies are sensitive to the chemicals and perfumes in diaper wipes. Cotton wash cloths with warm water work well.
If your child has dry or cracked skin a barrier ointment (such as A&D) should be applied with each diaper change.
For red, more severe rashes we recommend alternating Original Desitin cream and Caldesene powder (can be purchased over the counter at any pharmacy) with each diaper change.
The rash looks infected (pimples, blisters, boils, sores.)
