health concerns
Calming an Angry Bottom
Nearly every baby will develop diaper rash at some point. Causes can include:
- Prolonged exposure to urine or stool, especially after solid foods are started.
- Chemical or fragrance irritants in baby wipes, detergents used to wash diapers, or soaps used during bathing. Some babies will even react to the material used in a specific brand of disposable diaper.
- Infections with bacteria or, more commonly, yeast (candida). Yeast infections tend to cause a more intense irritation, often with small extensions or "satellites" around the edges of the rash.
Steps you can take to calm a diaper rash include:
- Change the diaper as soon as possible after it becomes wet or soiled. Once a rash develops, ongoing contact with urine and stool can irritate it further. Super absorbent diapers, while more convenient, tend to be changed less frequently, which may unintentionally increase contact of urine with skin.
- Try to eliminate other types of irritants. Change to fragrance- and alcohol-free wipes. If you are washing your own cloth diapers, use soap rather than detergent (this will be marked on the label) and double-rinse. If using disposable diapers, try another brand.
- Let your baby's bottom air dry after it is cleaned. If you feel particularly adventurous, leave it open to the air for a while before putting on a new diaper.
- Ointments such as Desitin or A&D may have a soothing effect. If the rash is severe, your baby's physician may prescribe a mild cortisone cream for a few days. If yeast appears to be involved, an antifungal cream, either alone or in a blend with cortisone, will usually calm the rash within a few days.
Background Information
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What Causes Vomiting and Diarrhea in Infants?
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Questions and Answers
I'm trying to potty train my 3-year-old son who has Down syndrome. Does he have the capacity to understand at this age, considering his challenges?
Answer
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Stories
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If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
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Relationships: Parents and Adult Children, Blended Families
