You can begin with following the tips suggested by the health care experts. Let’s begin by knowing what exactly is a diaper rash?

Diaper Rash

It normally happens during the first 15 months and is a common skin reaction. When there is a diaper rash, the skin in the diaper area becomes red and tender. There are many causes that result in diaper rash. These are:

• Dirty and wet diapers
• It happens if the diaper rubs against the skin
• Diet change, like when the baby is switched to solid foods
• Yeast infection -  this happens when the breastfeeding mother or the child has antibiotics
• Irritation from products like soap, wipes or lotion

Diaper rash is a cause of discomfort but it is short – lived.

Prevention of Diaper Rash

The ways how you can prevent diaper rash is -

• Do not delay in changing the soiled or wet diapers, it is important to change it promptly
• When changing diapers make sure that you use the water gently to clean the diaper area
• Do not rub the skin to make it dry, pat the skin and dry it gently
• Dry the diaper area completely before putting on the new diaper
• Do not keep the baby in diaper night and day. Let the child be without diapers for some time to allow fresh air to the skin
• Get into a habit of washing your hand properly before changing the babies diapers. This will protect you and your baby from germs and bacteria.

Cloth Diapers vs Disposable Diapers

There could be many reasons for people preferring to use cloth diapers and  not the disposable ones. Same goes for the people who prefer to use disposable diapers rather then the cloth ones. Even the health care experts are not in a position to recommend one over the other. Irrespective of what you choose, one thing that can help you to prevent diaper rash is to ensure that you keep the diaper area dry. You can choose to use whichever you want, but make sure you take care of the following points:

• If using cloth diapers, and it being laundered at home, ensure that it is double rinsed every time. Avoid using dryer sheets or fabric softener.
• If you are using disposable diapers, then do not use the one which comes with added fragrance. In order to allow air flow, do not fasten the diapers too tight.

Very often diaper rash is a result of allergic reactions. In such situations it is advisable not to change the diaper brand as it may result in alleviating the problem.

Diaper Rash – Treatment

Many times the diaper rash can be treated within a day or two by changing the diapers frequently. In such situations avoid using the rubber diaper covers as it can worsen the symptoms by trapping the moisture in. Also try not to use products containing perfumes or alcohol  and baby wipes as it further alleviates the problem.

To treat the problem you can use the ointments and creams that consists of petroleum or zinc oxide. This helps to calm the skin and protect it.

However, if the situation aggravates, then you can consult your health care provider. You can consult the doctor in following situations:

• If the rash is not healed in three days and continues to trouble the baby
• If you see sores or blisters appearing
• If you notice discharge or some oozing pus
• If you find the symptoms worsening
• If while the rash prevails, the baby also suffers from fever

There are many reasons for diaper rashes, it can either be bacteria or yeast. If any other treatment is required can be advised to you accordingly by your health care expert.

Source:tenderbabycare.com