How to Prevent Diaper Rash   Frank Barnhill M.D.
 

Nothing can be more miserable for a baby than a wet, stinging, burning diaper rash. And to add insult to injury, babies can’t tell you this is the reason they are so irritable, moody, or are crying so loud and so long that your nerves are frazzled.

Diaper rashes usually occur as a result of an infection or a child’s skin being wet or in contact with an irritant such as ammonia. Children of all ages can really suffer from diaper rashes. This particular area of the body contains a lot of nerve fibers and is very sensitive to the burning and stinging cause by a rash. Every time urine contacts raw skin, it burns badly and may cause the child to be irritable or cry. Let’s discuss a few causes of diaper rashes.

Probably 85 % of all diaper rashes are caused by excessive contact to urine or bowel movement, and chemicals produced as a result. Urine has components that can be broken down into ammonia and other chemicals. Ammonia acts similar to a harsh soap when in contact with the skin. It actually burns the skin and can cause whelps and blisters.

Bowel movements of course contain everything eaten or drank in the past two days. There may be dyes from food or drink as well as acids from fruits in the movement. These can cause irritation, a color change in the skin or even parched skin.

The moisture from a wet diaper even in the absence of ammonia or acids is sufficient to cause skin to wrinkle, develop cracks and then turn red and tender.

Infections can occur in the diaper area if the child is exposed to fungus such as yeast or if broken irritated skin is exposed to staph or strep organisms. These infections rarely affect normal intact non-irritated diaper areas.

Some children are allergic to materials contained in disposable diapers. Strong bleaches are sometimes used to make the liner and absorbent materials a pure white color. These can irritate sensitive skin.

So, let’s now look at a few suggestions to avoid diaper rashes.

·        Change your child’s diaper frequently, even if just moist from sweat or minimal episodes of urination.

·        Change brands of disposables if you think an allergic reaction has occurred.

·        Avoid perfumes and baking soda powders. Your goal should be to keep the skin protected from things that remove natural moisture. Baking soda powders soak up everything and turn into a paste as they absorb moisture. This paste may act as sandpaper against the skin if not cleaned rapidly.

·        Perfumes can burn or irritate skin directly. So, avoid soaps with perfume or “natural odorants”.

·        Avoid bathing your infant in the same tub as everyone else. This is especially true if anyone has a yeast infection or athlete’s foot.

The best way to help the diaper area retain natural moisture and avoid being burned by contactants is to clean the area thoroughly with mild soap (basic soap) and warm water. Then pat dry, not rub dry, and apply a thin layer of zinc oxide ointment. If you leave a little moisture behind, zinc oxide will help seal it in.

There are other creams and ointments that can be used, but most contain zinc oxide as the principal ingredient and tend to cost more.

There you go! Now maybe everybody’s bottom will feel good.
Happy diapering!
Dr. Frank

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