Diaper Rash Treatment and Diagnosis: 5 Important Things You Should Know
Key Takeaways
- Diaper rash is a common skin condition among infants
- Tender and sore skin is one of the symptoms for diaper rash diagnosis
- Changing diapers frequently is one way to address diaper rash treatment
Diaper rash is a type of dermatitis or inflamed skin that affects the skin on your baby’s diaper region [1]. It is a common condition among infants which makes their skin tender, scaly, red and sore. Keeping children in the same diaper for a long time may lead to this condition as it may become wet or soiled and start affecting their skin. This is why changing diapers frequently one of the most popular baby skincare tips.
Activities like chaffing or conditions like skin sensitivity can also be causes of diaper rash. Identifying and treating this condition is an integral part of newborn baby care. To know about diaper rash diagnosis and diaper rash treatment options, read on.
Diaper rash diagnosis: What are the symptoms?
Usually, you can identify diaper rash if your children have the following.
Skin signs: Tender and sore skin in their buttocks, thighs and genitals – commonly called as the diaper region.Changes in mood: If your kids have diaper rash, their disposition may change frequently, especially while changing diapers. They may feel uncomfortable and start crying when the diaper area is cleaned.Additional Read: Fungal Skin Infections
What are the home remedies for diaper rash treatment?
For effective prevention or cure of diaper rash, here are the measures you can take at home.
- Change your baby’s diapers as soon as they got wet and soiled, and after every bowel movement.
- Clean the diaper region with soap and water.
- Soak your baby’s bottom time to time with warm water.
- Allow your baby’s skin to dry completely before putting on a new diaper.
- Pat your child’s skin softly with a cloth while drying it – make sure not to rub as it may hurt the skin.
- Do not tighten up the diaper – leave space for air to prevent chaffing. Let your children go without diapers for some time. Make sure to not use airtight diaper covers or plastic pants. In case your baby has diaper rash, go for a larger size until the rash goes away.
- Apply diaper rash cream and OTC ointments recommended by your pediatrician. Make sure you avoid creams that contain boric acid, phenol, baking soda, camphor, salicylates, diphenhydramine, or benzocaine.
- Do not forget to give your baby a daily bath. You can use warm water with a light and fragrance-free soap.
What are the alternative medicines for diaper rash treatment?
Here are some of the alternative treatments that have helped some people cure diaper rash when applied to the area.
- Mother’s breast milk
- Bentonite or shampoo clay
- Aloe vera and calendula
- Mixture of beeswax, honey and olive oil
Types of diaper rash
When to visit a doctor and how to prepare for your appointment?
When a diaper rash doesn’t go away despite trying all possible home remedies, it’s time to make an appointment with your baby’s doctor.
Tasks to do as you prepare for a doctor visit for diaper rash:
- List all the signs and symptoms, along with their durations
- Make a note of your baby’s medical condition and daily food consumption
- List all the products used on your baby’s skin, including the diapers, soaps, laundry detergent, lotions, oils and powders
- Create a list of questions to ask your doctor
Common questions about diaper rash that you can ask your doctor:
- Why is my baby getting diaper rash?
- Are there any other possible causes?
- Is diaper rash connected with any internal health disorders?
- What remedies can I follow at home?
- What diaper rash cream, paste, lotion or ointment would you prescribe for my child?
- Do you have any alternative suggestions for care?
- What products or ingredients are not recommended for my baby’s skin?
- Should I follow certain diet restrictions for my baby?
- How much time will it take for my baby's symptoms to disappear?
- How can I prevent this condition from recurring?
What are the common questions that the doctor may ask?
Here are the questions the doctor may ask you during the appointment.
- When did the diaper rash appear for the first time?
- What kind of diaper does your baby usually wear?
- What is the frequency with which you change your baby’s diaper?
- What soaps and wipes do apply to your baby’s skin?
- Is your baby’s skin familiar with skin care products like powders, lotions, oils and creams?
- Is the baby breast-fed? If so, what medicines is the mother consuming? Has she made any changes in her diet?
- Does your baby eat solid foods?
- Is there any treatment history for your baby’s diaper rash? What was the result?
- Has your child recently had other medical conditions, including any ailment that led to diarrhea?
- Has your baby started consuming any new medications?
Now that you know important information about diaper rash diagnosis and treatment, you can take care of your baby’s skin conveniently. If the symptoms don’t go away, make sure to consult a doctor immediately. Now you can opt for online dermatologist consultation on Bajaj Finserv Health and get expert advices from anywhere. Make sure you get the top baby skincare tips from them and take steps to prioritize your baby’s health.
Please note that this article is solely meant for informational purposes and Bajaj Finserv Health Limited (“BFHL”) does not shoulder any responsibility of the views/advice/information expressed/given by the writer/reviewer/originator. This article should not be considered as a substitute for any medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with your trusted physician/qualified healthcare professional to evaluate your medical condition. The above article has been reviewed by a qualified doctor and BFHL is not responsible for any damages for any information or services provided by any third party.
