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IF you’ve had children, chances are you’ve encountered diaper rash in your time as a parent.
It’s a common complaint that most babies will eventually suffer.
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But before you start blaming yourself and feeling bad, NHS pediatrician Dr. Shruti Nathwani told The Sun that there is a lot of confusion about what causes diaper rash.
It’s not always because your little one sits in a wet diaper for too long.
The first surprising reason your child might be suffering is if you’ve recently introduced them to solid foods, explained Dr. Shruti.
“As you start introducing your baby to solid foods, you’ll find that his stools become thicker and usually darker,” she said.
“You may also find that changing your diet can sometimes increase stool frequency and pH, which increases the likelihood of diaper rash,” the expert explained.
The second reason your baby might get a rash is if you brushed them too much.
dr Shruti, who works with Bepanthen, said while cleansing is an important part of your daily routine, babies with sensitive skin might be more prone to rashes.
“Wiping plays a key role in removing urine and feces, but some babies can have sensitive skin and excessive or vigorous wiping can irritate their skin, which can ultimately increase the risk of diaper rash,” explained Dr. Shruti.
“To prevent this, I would recommend using cotton balls and lukewarm water to gently cleanse the butt and keep it irritant-free.
“If you use wipes, try alcohol-free and fragrance-free wipes as they can also irritate the skin.
“Then allow the area to dry or gently pat rather than rub dry and put on a new diaper when you’re done,” the expert said.
Finally, said Dr. Shruti that if your little one gets a bout of diarrhea it could also cause a nasty rash.
Diaper rash can occur when your baby’s skin comes in contact with urine and feces for a long time, she said.
Of course, you will find that if you have diarrhea, you will need to change your diaper more often.
“Due to the increased stool pH and increased stool volume, the risk of diaper rash increases,” she said.
How to check if your baby has diaper rash
According to the NHS, symptoms of diaper rash include:
red or sore patches on your baby’s buttocks or throughout the diaper area
Skin that looks sore and feels hot
scaly and dry skin
an itchy or sore bottom
Your baby seems uncomfortable or distressed
Spots, pimples, or blisters on the buttocks (spots may appear red or tan, but are less noticeable on tan and black skin)
To prevent diaper rash, Dr. Shruti that you should continue to change your diapers and use barrier cream to protect your skin.
It’s important to note that diarrhea can be a sign of a change in your baby’s health.
“In that case, I would recommend you seek advice from your GP,” she advised.
“Diarrhea can also be caused as a side effect of medications like antibiotics, so it makes sense to be aware of that.”
When to get help
In most cases, if the rash is bothering your child, a pharmacist can help recommend a cream or medicine to treat them at home, according to the NHS.
They will usually suggest a thin layer of barrier cream to protect the skin or advise you to give your baby acetaminophen for pain relief, which is only suitable for babies over two months old.
The guidance states that if your baby’s diaper rash doesn’t go away, gets worse, or spreads to other areas, you should see your GP or health visitor.
You should also seek help if your child has a fever or is very unwell.
When in doubt, see your GP and in an emergency always call 999 or go to the nearest emergency room.
