The skin is the largest organ of the human body, and in a baby it is also the most vulnerable. In newborns, the skin is still very thin and delicate, sensitive to any irritants. It is for these reasons that baby’s skin needs special care, otherwise problems cannot be avoided. Diaper rash is the most common of them.
About the disease
Diaper rash is a skin inflammation in areas that have been exposed to moisture (sweat) or friction for a long time. Most often, red rashes appear:
- armpits;
- in the groin;
- on the butt and between the buttocks;
- behind the ears;
- in the pubic area.
According to the severity of diaper rash in infants, they are conventionally divided into 3 degrees:
- the skin has a chafing appearance with slight redness;
- redness is pronounced, microcracks, peeling are observed, and sometimes pustules appear;
- severe redness, purulent rashes, itching, weeping ulcers, cracks. The baby experiences severe itching, burning and pain, his behavior becomes restless, and the child cries constantly.
Of course, it is better not to start the problem and take action when you see the first signs. How can diaper rash be treated in a newborn baby? Is there any way to prevent the disease?
Why do diaper rashes appear?
It is important to start treating diaper rash with prevention. Periodically check your baby's skin for redness, pay special attention to the skin folds and groin, the skin on the butt, inspect the neck and the area behind the ears. The armpit is also a vulnerable place, since the skin here sweats quickly and is easily rubbed by the seams of clothing. If you notice that your skin has begun to peel or become red, you need to take action.
Causes of diaper rash and how to eliminate them
Excreta
This is the main reason why diaper rash appears in the groin and butt. Urine, due to its high uric acid content, causes irritation on the skin, and bacteria from feces only enhances its negative effects.
Improper use of diapers
It sounds strange, but many parents often make the simplest mistakes when using diapers, which in turn leads to severe diaper rash in the groin. Of course, good diapers made from high-quality materials, on the contrary, prevent contact of urine with the skin, but they must be changed after 4 hours, or immediately after a bowel movement. If the diaper is not changed in time, the child’s groin and buttocks will be in a real greenhouse of urine and sweat vapor.
Improper care
When changing a diaper, the baby must be washed with warm running water, and after defecation, it is necessary to use baby soap. If you are not at home and need to change a diaper, keep a supply of wet antibacterial wipes with you.
Do you treat your baby's skin with baby cream or powder? Before putting your baby in a clean diaper, lubricate the skin with cream or powder (talcum powder).
Are you bathing your baby correctly?
After each bath and wash, gently pat your skin with a towel to dry it. Girls need to be washed and dried especially carefully - only in the direction from the pubis to the anus, and in no case vice versa - there is a high risk of intestinal infections.
Does friction bother your baby?
Very often, diaper rash appears where the baby’s skin comes into contact with seams on clothing or with hard folds. Wear clothes made of natural cotton, it is best if the seams are external - this way nothing will irritate the baby’s delicate skin. Choose diapers that are sized so that the elastic bands on the waist and legs do not squeeze the skin or rub.
Allergies to care products and food
Excessive care on the part of parents can harm no less than carelessness. Incorrectly selected creams and powders, instead of soothing and softening the skin, only irritate it more.
When buying children's cosmetics, pay attention to their composition - the ingredients must be natural and hypoallergenic. Not only allergies to the components of creams and powders, but also food allergies can aggravate the problem with diaper rash. All together sharply worsens the baby’s condition, and treatment is carried out under the supervision of both an allergist and a dermatologist. A nursing mother should be careful with what she eats - infants instantly react to changes in maternal nutrition.
Normal overheating
Diaper rash often occurs due to too high indoor temperatures or too warm clothes outside. The most comfortable temperature for a baby is no higher than +22 degrees. Always dress your baby according to the temperature; do not bundle him up - he feels the heat just like you. Do not overdo it with wrapping your child for fear that he will freeze.
Bacterial and fungal infections
This type of diaper rash is the only one of all that requires drug treatment. However, such cases are very rare.
According to the famous pediatrician Komarovsky, the main cause of diaper rash is the improper functioning of the sebaceous glands; improper care is a secondary, but nevertheless aggravating effect.
In mild stages of diaper rash there is no need to treat, it is enough to take all the measures given below. Mild forms of the disease occur in every infant during the first months of life simply due to the characteristics of biological processes in the body. Treatment of diaper rash in newborns is easy to do at home. Drug therapy will be required if rashes and redness begin to spread throughout the body and itching appears.
How to properly care for your child's skin?
- After baths or washing, treat all folds on the child’s skin with oil or a special cream with a water-repellent effect.
- If you notice that your baby is allergic to the material from which the diaper is made, change the brand.
- Do not ignore the diapers on which the baby sleeps. Keep them dry and change them regularly. The ideal option is disposable diapers or oilcloths with a fabric base. This way the skin will not rot.
- Do not wash baby clothes with regular powder; use special products for this purpose that do not contain allergens. Always rinse your linen and clothes thoroughly, iron them both inside and out. According to Komarovsky, it is recommended to dry diapers in sunlight, and not on a radiator or a rope in the kitchen.
Treatments
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Diaper rash appears very quickly - sometimes it is enough to spend several hours in a damp diaper. However, despite the fact that the baby’s skin is hypersensitive to any irritants, it recovers no less quickly from damage. To cure diaper rash of 1-2 degrees, only 2-3 days are enough. A few simple rules will help you avoid problems in the future. So, what is included in therapeutic care:
- Regular change of underwear and diapers;
- Mandatory hygiene procedures after each bowel movement;
- Thoroughly wipe dry after any contact with water, please note that you cannot rub the skin with a towel - only blot it;
- Rinse well and treat all folds on the skin with oil or rich cream;
- Taking air baths is the simplest and most reliable method of treating diaper rash. After the bath, let the baby lie naked on his back or tummy. Make sure that the temperature and humidity levels in the room are maintained;
- As soon as the areas most vulnerable to diaper rash are washed and well dried, you need to apply a protective cream to them and let it absorb - after this procedure you can put on a clean diaper. The cream accelerates the healing of damaged skin areas and additionally protects it from the influence of harmful substances.
If after a day of all these procedures there is no effect, and the irritation is still as strong, you should move on to radical measures - the use of special drugs. The purpose of these medications is to relieve inflammation and soften the skin to relieve itching.
The principle of choosing the type of drug is extremely simple: weeping sores must be dried, and peeling skin must be moisturized and softened. If you apply too greasy ointments to weeping wounds, this will only worsen the situation - the film formed by these products will not allow the skin to breathe and will slow down healing.
Therapeutic baths
To dry wet wounds, you can bathe the baby in a bath with regular water added to it. Dilute several crystals of potassium permanganate (3-5 pieces are enough) in a glass of water and strain the solution through gauze folded several times. This is necessary so that the crystals do not get into the bath and the baby does not get burned. Potassium permanganate will not only dry wounds, but also speed up their healing - it is a powerful antiseptic.
Oak bark in the form of a decoction has a similar effect on the skin. To prepare this remedy, take crushed bark, which is sold at any pharmacy. For 1 liter of boiling water use 4 tbsp. tablespoons of the dry mixture, simmer the resulting solution in a water bath for 30 minutes. Wait for the finished broth to cool to body temperature and pour it into the bath. Bathe your baby for 5-8 minutes.
Baths with water are an equally good method of combating diaper rash. After bathing, you need to thoroughly dry and dry the skin, and then apply baby cream to problem areas.
Important: if you are going to use herbal baths as treatment and prevention, use herbs only after the approval of your pediatrician. Please note that many plants are strong allergens for a newborn baby. It is good to lubricate the skin around the pustules with weak solutions or water-based methylene blue.
Ointments
Tannin ointment and special mixtures based on talc, zinc oxide, glycerin and distilled water have healing properties. Such a “talker” can be made to order for you directly at the pharmacy. Before using any medication, be sure to consult your doctor - not all medications are suitable for treating small children, and some children may be allergic to one or another component of the drug.
If, upon examination, you find diaper rash on your baby’s neck or see that the redness has spread behind the ear, you need to act quickly to prevent the diaper rash from developing to more severe stages. So, how to treat diaper rash?
Bepanten
With the help of the drug, not only skin irritations, but also cracks with ulcers are successfully treated. The medicine contains vitamin B5, which improves the regenerative functions of the skin by strengthening collagen fibers. The ointment must be applied to clean and dry skin. The first results will be visible within 1-2 days; diaper rash will completely disappear within 7 days.
Weleda
This cream is one of the most popular products. It has a calming effect and heals microcracks in the skin. It is important that the cream does not clog pores and allows the skin to breathe, maintaining normal moisture circulation. The product does not dry out the baby's skin, unlike powders. Apply the cream 5 times a day to the affected areas. Noticeable improvements are visible already on the third day of using the drug.
Pantestin
Effective ointment based on D-panthenol. The product easily and quickly penetrates the skin, accelerating its healing. The ointment should be applied to clean and dry skin of the baby once a day. After 7 days of use, you will see that there will be no trace of diaper rash.
"The Tender Nature of a Baby"
This product was developed by specialists specifically for infants, taking into account the characteristics of their skin. The fact is that the skin of newborns is very sensitive, and the work of the sebaceous glands has not yet been established. The effect of the drug makes itself felt 5-7 days after regular use.
Sanson
The drug is applied to the neck or behind the ear; it copes well with weeping wounds, drying out the skin. The product has an anti-inflammatory effect. Apply the cream several times a day to problem areas of the skin (maximum number of times - 5) until diaper rash disappears. Use the product as a preventative measure for several days after treatment.
L30.4 Erythematous diaper rash
Causes of diaper rash in newborns
In fact, the main causes of diaper rash in newborns depend on the parents themselves. So, when the child begins to be swaddled and put on a diaper, access to fresh air is blocked. The baby may overheat and sweat. As a consequence, this pathology develops. Therefore, parents need to take more careful care of their baby.
The main cause of inflammation is excess moisture. Toddlers “go to the toilet” quite often. The main cause of development may be diarrhea. Even with the most ideal diapers, it is difficult to avoid this phenomenon. No matter how well they absorb excess moisture, it still remains. When urine comes into contact with bacteria excreted from the baby's stool, ammonia is formed. This is a rather aggressive chemical substance, which can cause pathology. Even if you change diapers frequently, the risk of inflammation always remains.
Another reason for the development of the disease is friction or sensitivity to chemical compounds. So, this pathology can appear due to friction of the diaper on the skin, this is especially dangerous if the child has increased sensitivity to chemical compounds. A negative reaction may well be caused by fragrances that improve the smell of diapers or detergents. Even skin care products can cause a negative reaction.
New products often become the cause of the development of this pathology. The risk increases during the introduction of new complementary foods or simply other products. New food can change the composition of stool and influence intestinal function in a certain way. If a woman is breastfeeding, then the baby’s body is able to react to the foods that she consumes.
An infection can easily develop under a diaper. After all, a warm and humid environment is the best place for the growth of fungi and bacteria. Therefore, the child’s skin must be carefully monitored.
Symptoms of diaper rash in newborns
The main symptoms of diaper rash in newborns appear depending on the stage of the disease. So, there are three degrees of pathology.
The first stage is characterized by slight hyperemia of the skin. At the same time, its integrity is not violated.
The second stage, as a rule, manifests itself in the form of bright red eroded areas with multiple microcracks. Sometimes pustules and other rashes appear. At this stage, it is necessary to be wary and begin appropriate treatment.
The third stage is the most difficult. Pathological areas have pronounced hyperemia, weeping cracks and even detachment of the epidermis. At this stage, the baby can easily become infected with fungi or bacteria with the further development of microbial eczema. Inflammatory lesions in the second and third stages are accompanied by pain, itching, burning and significantly affect the baby’s well-being. He is constantly restless and cries. The child may suffer from fever, deterioration of sleep and appetite.
Diaper rash in newborn boys
As a rule, diaper rash in newborn boys is no different from that which occurs in girls. The places of their manifestation are the same. So, often areas of weeping appear in the groin area, in the axillary folds, on the legs, arms and neck.
When the first symptoms appear, treatment should be started immediately, regardless of what gender the patient is. After all, this pathology appears the same way. It is also possible to prevent the development of inflammation of the skin. To do this, it is necessary to carry out all preventive measures. Change diapers more often, treat the baby’s skin and let it “breathe” as much as possible.
Diaper rash in newborns can occur for various reasons. Even in cases where the child is carefully cared for. After all, changing foods changes the functioning of the intestines, new bacteria appear and therefore this pathology can develop. No matter how expensive and good diapers are, they cannot save you from inflammation of the skin.
Diaper rash in newborn girls
Diaper rash develops in newborn girls due to poor care. After all, many mothers, when purchasing super-class diapers, think that they can save them from many problems. In fact, everything is not like that. Even despite the high degree of absorption, moisture remains. This leads to the development of this disease. You need to change the diaper often. It's best to let your skin breathe and not wear it all the time.
It is also necessary to monitor the baby’s nutrition. Changing products also changes the condition of the stool. Thus, new bacteria appear, which, when reacting with urine, turn into ammonia. Chemical exposure to a baby’s skin is unacceptable. Therefore, it is still worth introducing complementary foods carefully. A young mother must also take care of her own health, because the food she eats also affects the child’s body.
It is important not to start the development of wet areas. At the first stage, the simplest hygiene procedures can help. In later stages it will be necessary to treat with serious medications.
Diaper rash in newborns in the groin
Diaper rash often appears in the groin of newborns, because this is the most common place for infection to spread. This area contains a large amount of fat deposits. It is because of them that the skin rubs against each other, resulting in areas of weeping.
If the damage is minor, then it will not require special treatment. Ointments or creams are not entirely suitable for a baby’s skin. Because they will not be able to breathe under their layer. It is necessary to make sure that the skin breathes. This is especially important after feeding and swaddling. In this case, baths of string and chamomile will help perfectly.
These herbs are great for rubbing reddened areas. To carry out this process you will have to use cotton swabs. After which it is recommended to apply a protective ointment, for example, zinc, to the skin. It can save the skin from irritation and friction. If the inflammation does not go away, then baths of a light pink solution of potassium permanganate come to the rescue. It is advisable to add a decoction of tannin or oak bark to them.
It is important to wash things with special children's products and be sure to rinse them. After bathing the baby, pat dry with a napkin or towel. And you shouldn’t forget about daily air baths.
Diaper rash on the butt of a newborn
Diaper rash occurs on the bottom of a newborn quite often. Because this is where a large accumulation of moisture is located. Constantly wearing a diaper leads to unpleasant phenomena.
To carry out high-quality prevention, it is worth paying more attention to the hygiene of the child. So, the diaper should be changed often, not every hour, but still. In addition, there is no need to hope that an expensive diaper can save you from all troubles. All the same, no matter what its degree of absorption, the moisture remains. In a warm and humid place, bacteria develop much faster and thereby lead to the development of this pathology.
It is always necessary to monitor the condition of the child’s skin. It is necessary to make special baths from chamomile decoction. In more serious cases, resort to the help of potassium permanganate. There are many methods to get rid of diaper rash in newborns. The most basic of them is the ability to obtain air. Therefore, there is no need to wear a diaper all the time.
Diaper rash on the neck of newborns
Weeping areas on the neck are not so common. The main place of development has always been the groin area. After all, it is there that there is a constant accumulation of moisture due to wearing a diaper.
Why do they appear on the neck? In fact, everything is very simple. Larger babies are susceptible to this phenomenon. The fact is that there are quite a lot of folds on the child’s body, and it is in them that areas of weeping are formed. Friction of the skin against each other leads to this phenomenon. Moreover, if the treatment process is not started in time, the condition may worsen. As a rule, cracks and even purulent inflammations appear.
There is no need to worry; it is important to start eliminating redness of the skin in time. First of all, you need to include baths using chamomile decoction in your daily hygiene procedures. A weak solution of potassium permanganate will also cope perfectly with the problem of redness. In addition, the baby’s skin should always be wiped and baby cream should be used in places where inflammation may occur.
Diaper rash under the arms of a newborn
Why do areas of weeping appear under the armpits of a newborn and how to deal with this phenomenon? In fact, they can appear at any time. Sometimes even compliance with all preventive measures cannot protect the baby from the harmful effects of redness of the skin.
Under the arms, this phenomenon occurs due to the constant friction of the skin against each other. As you know, the most common places for the development of this pathology are skin folds. What to do in this case? It is necessary to carry out a number of preventive measures. It is advisable to include baths with a weak solution of potassium permanganate in hygiene procedures. Chamomile infusions should not be ignored either. Areas that are prone to redness need to be treated in a special way.
In addition, if diaper rash does occur in newborns, you should try to remove it using more gentle methods. If you have severe redness, you cannot do without consulting a doctor and using medications.
Weeping diaper rash in newborns
Weeping diaper rash occurs in newborns at more severe stages. In this case, it is necessary to use only medications. It’s just worth noting that they should be non-greasy. Under no circumstances should you treat weeping inflammations with oils or ointments. They cover the damaged area with a film and prevent healing.
For several days, lotions should be applied to wet surfaces. They need to be made from a 1-2% tannin solution, 0.25% silver nitrate solution and 0.1% rivanol solution. Only the attending physician can prescribe these medications! You cannot resort to such therapy on your own!
After the weeping disappears, zinc paste is applied. An emulsion with bactericidal substances has also proven itself well. It is important that the baby receives adequate nutrition during treatment. Under no circumstances should you do anything yourself.
Severe diaper rash in newborns
What are the dangers of severe diaper rash in newborns, and why does it occur? The fact is that in the later stages they are difficult to treat. You need to think about this problem at the moment when inflammation appears. The third stage is the most difficult in itself.
Purulent inflammation occurs on the skin, and detachment of the epidermis is observed. All this is very serious and under no circumstances should the development of a severe stage be allowed. Timely prevention and elimination of the problem at the initial stages will save the situation.
In the final stages, weeping wounds may appear. In this case, it is necessary to resort to the help of medications. These should be non-greasy products. The fact is that ointments and oils cover the inflammation with a special film, which slows down the entire healing process. Under no circumstances should you start treatment on your own. Here everything is done under the supervision of the attending physician.
Diagnosis of diaper rash in newborns
Diagnosis is usually made based on a visual examination of the skin. There is no point in carrying out any tests or procedures. After all, all the redness is visible.
The examination is carried out by a pediatrician or dermatologist. In some cases, microscopic examinations are performed. As a rule, they include skin scraping for fungi and bacteriological culture. This procedure is carried out only in more serious situations.
Sometimes wetting occurs due to allergic reactions of the body. In this case, an examination is carried out by a pediatric allergist. Naturally, it is necessary to determine what contributed to the development of such a reaction.
In any case, you shouldn’t deal with wet areas on your own. It is better to see your doctor once again to determine the nature of the development of the disease. In this way, its reoccurrence can be prevented.
Treatment of diaper rash in newborns
Only minor redness can be removed with fresh air and hygiene; in other cases, comprehensive treatment of diaper rash in newborns is necessary. Naturally, in the early stages you can resort to the help of chamomile decoctions and a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
After each washing and drying, it is recommended to use Desitin cream. This is a very good product, although it has a very unpleasant odor. All due to the fact that the composition includes cod liver oil. Despite this, the ointment perfectly protects the baby’s skin during sleep.
Let's also consider Bepanten cream. It also promotes rapid healing of wounds. You can use talc or starch. Only in this case a side effect occurs. The products can clump in the area of inflammation and thereby rub them even more. Therefore, it is best to use special ointments.
The main thing is not to start treatment on your own. It is worth consulting your doctor. It is important to start the healing process on time. The integrated use of baths, decoctions and liniments will help perfectly in this matter.
How to treat diaper rash in a newborn?
In this case, everything depends on the stage of development of inflammation. So, in the first stages, the best way to get rid of inflammation is fresh air.
If possible, you should always keep your baby “half naked.” That is, don’t wear diapers so often, especially if the child is at home. Dry skin that is exposed to air will heal faster.
When the baby is sleeping, you should try to remove his diaper. It is better to put a diaper or oilcloth on it. If the baby is used to diapers, and it is more convenient for parents, it is worth changing it as often as possible. Even at night! You should definitely try diapers from different manufacturers. After all, sometimes the skin reacts differently to them.
You should use protective creams that create a so-called barrier. Zinc ointment can produce a waterproof layer on the skin. This will protect your baby from excess moisture.
You should constantly wash your child with warm water and wipe him dry. If this is not possible, then you should wipe the baby with a damp cloth. You should not use disposable wipes or other means, they can worsen the situation.
How to treat diaper rash in newborns?
First of all, it is worth noting that under no circumstances should you use disposable napkins and other tricks. At this stage, comprehensive treatment should be carried out.
So, even the most ordinary creams and liniments are perfect. It is important that they are not greasy. In this case, a film may form on the pathological area, which complicates the healing process.
Lotions should be made, preferably made from a 1-2% tannin solution. You can wipe the child with a damp cloth, which has previously been soaked in chamomile decoction. It is important to pat your baby dry after any bathing or drying procedure!
In general, it is better to use complex treatment. So, it is advisable to bathe the baby in a weak solution of potassium permanganate and chamomile. Naturally, the result should be secured with special creams and ointments. But under no circumstances should they be used without the knowledge of a doctor.
Bepanten
Bepanthen is an excellent preventative and therapeutic agent. It is used both to prevent inflammation and to treat chafed and irritated skin. In addition, it effectively fights inflammation, abrasions and diaper dermatitis. Therefore, its spectrum of action is quite wide.
The main active ingredient of the drug is provitamin B5. It is able to accelerate mitosis, as well as regulate cellular metabolic processes and increase the strength of collagen fibers.
The cream is quickly absorbed and thereby contributes to the effective replenishment of endogenous pantothenic acid reserves. Bepanten has excellent moisturizing and regenerating properties. The cream is highly safe and has no side effects. That is why it is recommended for children to use it.
The product must be applied after every diaper change. This is naturally done on cleansed and dry skin.
Baneocin
Baneocin is used only in severe stages. Because this powder fights complex inflammatory processes.
Baneocin is not only effective, but also affordable compared to other ointments and creams. The powder can be used to treat wounds and is done painlessly. For a small child this is very important, because he already experiences unpleasant sensations.
It is worth noting that this product is supplied both in the form of liniments and powder. Baneocin has a good anti-inflammatory effect. The powder can be applied to the treated wound and no discomfort will be observed. If the condition of weeping is satisfactory, then one use of the product will be enough. When the process is difficult, you need to apply the powder after each swaddling.
If we talk about the ointment, it has the same properties. Apply it after each diaper change to clean, cleansed skin.
Fukortsin
An excellent antifungal and antiseptic drug is fucorcin. This solution is for external use only. It is actively used to treat abrasions, scratches, as well as cracks and erosions of the skin.
Fucorcin should only be applied with a cotton swab or swab. The affected areas are wiped 2-5 times a day. To enhance the effect of the drug, the treated area should be soaked in cream for newborns after drying.
The medicine is really good, there is no need to doubt its effectiveness. It should be noted that it does not require application after every diaper change. To notice a positive effect, 2-5 times of application to the skin is enough.
Some doctors recommend using the drug for this pathology of candidal origin. But this must be done with extreme caution. In general, fucorcin is an excellent solution for combating major skin problems.
How to lubricate diaper rash in newborns?
Not many people know what to lubricate the affected skin of a child in order to achieve a good effect. So, special creams and liniments come to the rescue. It is important that they are not greasy.
The fact is that fatty ointments can leave a film on top of the wet areas. This impairs the healing process. Therefore, you should not use any means yourself. There is always a risk of making the situation worse.
Thus, cindol, bepanten and desitin are considered good ointments. All of them are designed to combat various inflammations of the skin. Thanks to their gentle composition, they can also be used by children.
A good method of getting rid of this pathology is to use sunflower oil, which will be heated in a water bath. This is a good folk recipe. But it still requires the approval of the attending physician.
Oils
What oil should be used to achieve a good effect?
One of the best remedies in this matter is sea buckthorn oil. You can buy it at any pharmacy. To get rid of skin redness and remove the pathological process, you need to apply oil after each diaper change. If the affected area is on the arms, legs or neck, then you should apply a napkin generously moistened with oil to this area. Redness and irritation will begin to gradually go away the next day.
Regular sunflower oil also helps cope with this pathology perfectly. But before using it, it is advisable to boil it in a water bath. Application methods are similar. Every time after changing a diaper, the skin should be wiped with oil. If the inflammation is located in other places, then a napkin soaked in oil is applied to the affected area.
Vaseline and olive oil also have similar effects. It is important to constantly repeat the procedure, but not to overdo it.
Ointments
Specialized liniments can also have a positive effect. Today there are quite a lot of ointments to combat skin inflammation. This allows you to choose a truly high-quality and effective drug.
So, zinc ointment is good. It is important to know how to use it correctly. The product is applied to the baby’s cleansed and dry skin in a thin layer. This procedure must be repeated every time you change a diaper or change a diaper. Zinc ointment is also used to prevent the development of weeping areas. It should be used in the same way, but no more than 3-5 times a day. The medicine will help relieve discomfort in the form of itching and burning.
Tsindol ointment also has a good effect. But it must be applied in a special way. So first it is recommended to bathe the baby in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Then dry the child and treat the inflamed areas with liniment. It is important to shake it before use and leave the baby naked after application so that it is completely absorbed into the skin. During the day, the procedure is carried out as necessary. So, if the baby sweats or the diapers are wet, everything repeats.
Today there are a huge number of different ointments. But all of them can be used only after the approval of the attending physician.
Crema
This cream can be called universal. Because it can have a positive effect on both adults and children. The affected area must be thoroughly rinsed with warm water and left open for a while. You need to let the skin dry on its own. After which the cream itself is applied in a thin layer and left in the air again. Only after the liniment has been absorbed can the child be dressed.
So, the child should be periodically bathed in chamomile decoction and a light solution of potassium permanganate. This will get rid of existing problems with the skin, such as rashes and redness. In addition, it will prevent their development in the future.
It is important to alternate diapers. Moreover, we are not talking only about changing the company itself. So, you can use disposable diapers, alternating them with cloth and gauze. In this way, you can detect the main irritant that can provoke redness.
It is always necessary to wash your baby after changing a diaper. It is also important to wipe the child dry. So that wet skin does not come into contact with clothing and friction does not occur. You also need to watch your diet. After all, new food has a special effect on the child’s intestines, which completely changes its functioning. All this, when in contact with urine in a diaper, can lead to ammonia. By the way, this is a powerful chemical that can cause irritation.
In general, you should always keep your baby clean. Hygienic procedures are the best preventative methods. In such circumstances, diaper rash in newborns is not at all scary.
The skin of a newborn is very vulnerable and thin. Infection can easily penetrate into it; when overheated, moisture quickly evaporates from it. Therefore, children's skin requires proper care and treatment, otherwise it will be impossible to avoid problems. Diaper rash is the most common of them.
Diaper rash is a non-infectious skin lesion in the skin folds. They arise due to external and internal factors. Diaper rash can become infected and become inflamed. In medicine, this problem is referred to as interhidrosis dermatitis. As a rule, it is characteristic of infants with a sedentary lifestyle, more often in children who are overweight.
Where do they appear?
Lesions are localized in the following places:
- Groin. Diaper rash in this area can occur in both girls and boys. The reason for this is constant friction of the skin and the appearance of areas of weeping.
- Buttocks. The problem often arises from moisture under a disposable diaper. It can be solved by paying special attention to the baby’s hygiene.
- Neck. This phenomenon is rarely observed. It occurs in large children with a large number of folds on the body.
- Armpits. The cause of the problem is skin friction.
Degree of skin damage
3 degrees of damage have been defined:
The child's skin itches and hurts, so he behaves anxiously and is capricious.
Kinds
- The most common type of diaper rash is contact dermatitis. In this case, weeping red rashes or dry, rough crusts appear on the skin. This dermatitis is a consequence of the use of detergents, low-quality clothing, and diapers.
- Another type is impetigo. This problem appears more often in the groin, because it is constantly damp and the skin folds rub against each other. The diaper cannot provide the skin with proper breathing, and it stools. Added to this problem is the constant contact of the baby’s skin with urine and feces, which is an ideal environment for the development of inflammation.
- Diaper rash can also be caused by food allergies. A rash appears around the anus, which doctors call an allergy ring. A nursing mother must strictly monitor her diet and introduce complementary foods to her child according to all the rules.
Reasons for appearance
There are many reasons for this problem:
Diagnostics
Diaper rash in newborns: how to treat and how to diagnose the problem any mother should know. A pediatrician or a dermatologist can diagnose skin rash.
If you don’t know how to treat diaper rash in a newborn, consult a pediatrician! This is done after a visual examination of the child’s skin. In difficult situations and a serious course, there is a need for a more in-depth microscopic analysis that identifies fungi and bacteria. If it is assumed that the nature of diaper rash is allergic, then consultation with an allergist is necessary.
Treatment of diaper rash and redness
How to treat diaper rash in newborns depends on the degree of skin damage. Stage I does not require special treatment or use of medications. All you need is more careful hygiene, regular diaper changes and air baths.
It is also recommended to use skin protectants. To relieve redness, you can use both regular baby cream and ointments containing panthenol, cetrimide and benzalkonium. Baths with herbal decoctions are also shown.
In degree II, the same measures are carried out, and the skin is treated with drying agents:
For pustular lesions, the lesions are treated with brilliant green or fucorcin.
If diaper rash is of an allergic nature, then disinhibiting drugs are used, as well as ointments based on steroid hormones.
Stage III damage is the most difficult to treat. In this case, lotions with theanine solution and silver nitrate are used. After eliminating weeping, you can use zinc or antibacterial ointments, as well as synthomycin emulsion.
What not to do
Diaper rash in newborns: how to treat it at home is something that mothers often think about. Among the many folk remedies for diaper rash, there are those that only worsen the problem.
Methods that are best not to use include:
- First of all, you should contact your local pediatrician to establish the correct diagnosis.
- The child's skin should always be clean and dry. We need to promote this in every possible way.
- Air baths will help the baby's skin become saturated with oxygen. You just have to leave the baby to lie down completely naked for 15-20 minutes. The effect of the procedure will be significant.
- If the problem worsens, diapers should be changed at least 8 times a day.
- Everything that comes into contact with the baby's skin should be rinsed thoroughly after washing and dried in the open air.
Diaper rash in newborns: what to treat, advises the famous doctor E.O. Komarovsky. He strongly recommends doing everything to ensure that such a problem simply does not arise.
To do this, it is necessary to ensure ideal air parameters in the room in which the child is located:
At the same time, the child should not be cold. You can wear warm clothes, but they must be made from natural materials. If skin irritation occurs, it is best to use special preparations. But prevention is much more effective.
Therapeutic baths
To reduce skin inflammation, you can use bathing in herbal decoctions. The main condition is the absence of allergies to a particular herb.
Relieves inflammation and heals the skin:
- chamomile;
- series;
- calendula.
An oak bark bath is prepared as follows: 4 tbsp. bark is poured with a liter of boiling water and left to brew for 30 minutes. The strained broth is added to the baby bath. The water temperature should be no more than 36 degrees. Bathing lasts about 7 minutes.
Some pediatricians may recommend that the mother bathe the baby in a manganese solution. But in the presence of other effective means, manganese has lost its relevance, since careless use can cause skin burns. This option is suitable for children with herbal allergies.
The bath is prepared in this way: several crystals need to be dissolved in 50 ml. water. This strong solution should be gradually poured into the bath, achieving a faint pink color. You need to make sure that the crystals do not get into the water, otherwise they can burn your skin.
A bath of string or chamomile is effective. You need to take 3 tbsp. herbs per 10 liters of water. The required amount of herb must be boiled in a liter of water and the strained solution poured into the bath.
Diaper rash rubbish
Bolts, which can only be bought at pharmacies, are used to dry out irritations. The most famous chatterbox is zindol, which consists of zinc, talc and glycerin. This product denatures protein and creates a barrier on the skin that protects against external irritants. 
The suspension should be applied to clean and dry skin. Shake the product thoroughly before use. Lesions can be treated using cotton pads. The mash is left for several hours, after which it is thoroughly washed off with running warm water.
Serious diaper rash is treated with talkative masks, which are left overnight, covered with a gauze bandage. The product is used on the area under the diaper as a preventive measure.
Lotions
This procedure is effective. For weeping irritations, bandages with a 2% solution of tannin, silver nitrate and rivanol should be applied for 2-4 days. This composition can be purchased at a pharmacy with a doctor's prescription. After eliminating the weeping process, zinc paste and various emulsions can be used.
The following decoction can be used as a lotion: 3 tbsp. Dried eucalyptus should be poured into 1 cup of boiling water and the liquid should be heated in a water bath for 5 minutes. A cotton swab soaked in the broth must be applied to the affected areas.
Talc
The powder can be used when the child is at least 2 months old. It is better to use creams earlier. Talc absorbs excess moisture, dries the skin, relieves itching and inflammation. The product can be used as a preventive measure. 
When buying talc, you need to choose a homogeneous product without lumps and odor.
The powder comes in this form:
- liquid talc upon contact with the skin turns into a powder that absorbs moisture;
- powder reduces skin friction and fights excessive moisture.
For the hygroscopic effect, the powder contains starch. Zinc heals wounds, and the presence of herbs soothes the skin and is ideal for the area under the diaper. 
You cannot use powder together with a fatty cream, because these products have the opposite effect: the cream moisturizes, and the talc dries. The powder should only be applied to clean and dry skin.
Iodine solution
To prepare the solution, add a drop of iodine to one glass of water. You need to moisten a cotton pad in this solution and wipe all the folds of the child’s skin. 
After this, you need to dry the folds with a soft towel and do not put any clothes or diapers on the baby for about an hour. This solution can dry out inflammation and get rid of diaper rash.
Starch
Using starch on baby skin is a bad idea.
It gets clogged in the pores and forms lumps on the skin. In addition, it is a favorable environment for the development of bacteria, which worsens the situation many times over.
For some, this treatment is the only effective method. But you should not use starch under the diaper and in places that are not exposed to air. Severe diaper rashes and wet spots should never be sprinkled with starch.
Streptocide
This drug has an antimicrobial effect. It is indicated in cases of ulcers and severe diaper rash.
Streptocide powder is used as a powder, but after using it, the skin must be moisturized with a rich cream.
The second and third degrees of diaper rash are treated with silver nitrate and then the affected area is powdered with streptocide.
This remedy is prohibited for use in diseases of the kidneys and liver., urinary system, thyroid gland and allergies.
Oils
Since ancient times, skin inflammations were treated with vegetable oil boiled in an enamel bowl.
You can use different oils:
- fir;
- olive;
- sunflower.
It should be applied in a thin layer twice a day. You can also use pharmaceutical oils, for example, the drug "Vitaon Baby", which consists of essential oils. It has an antimicrobial effect, relieves inflammation and heals wounds. The product relieves itching and activates the immunity of skin cells.
Ointments for diaper rash in newborns
Ointments are an excellent remedy for diaper rash. They soften the skin and accelerate its regeneration.
The most effective drugs are:
Diaper rash creams
Creams are a fairly effective remedy for diaper rash.
The most famous drugs are:
Diaper: pros and cons
Despite the fact that disposable diapers have saved many parents from unnecessary hassle, there are also their opponents. There is an opinion that the use of diapers can bend a child’s legs, and tight swaddling straightens them. This fact has not been scientifically confirmed and is a myth.
The harm of diapers regarding reproductive function is one of the common opinions. In fact, diapers do not in any way affect a boy’s health, but as for a girl, if diapers are used incorrectly, cystitis can actually occur. Insufficient hygiene may well lead to diseases of the genitourinary system. 
Famous pediatrician E.O. Komarovsky speaks very positively about this hygiene item. The doctor also confirms that there is no connection with the development of infertility and other myths. With proper use of quality diapers, no health problems can arise.
What happens if diaper rash is not treated?
Diaper rash in newborns: how to treat it and what are the consequences of advanced lesions - any mother should know.
There is no need to ignore diaper rash and hope that it will go away on its own. In fact, this problem carries some danger for the baby. In addition to constant itching and pain, due to which the child cannot sleep peacefully, there is a risk that an infection may develop in the affected areas.
Skin folds are an ideal place for bacteria to grow, especially in humid environments. If the problem is not solved immediately, ulcers and cracks may appear. The spread of infection is very dangerous for a child’s body. Therefore, you need to react instantly.
Prevention of diaper rash
To prevent skin problems in a newborn, there are several rules:
- You need to strictly observe hygiene and regularly wash the child, and then dry the skin thoroughly;
- The child should be regularly given the opportunity to take air baths without clothes (at least 15 minutes a day);
- oilcloths for protecting furniture should be fabric-based;
- washing children's underwear should be done only with proven products that do not cause allergies;
- the first complementary foods must be introduced gradually, according to generally accepted rules, in order to exclude food allergies.
With the right approach, diaper rash in newborns can be completely avoided, but if it occurs, the child’s mother has enough means and options to treat the baby.
Article format: Vladimir the Great
Video: What to do with diaper rash in a newborn
How to treat diaper rash in newborns:
Absolutely every young mother experiences diaper rash in newborns sooner or later. However, someone, like me, solves it once and for all and forgets it like a bad dream, while others suffer until the baby grows out of diapers and even longer.
After reading today's article, you will learn the real reasons for the appearance of skin irritations and find out how to treat and how to treat diaper rash in newborns so that they do not appear again. By applying the acquired knowledge in practice, you will, without a doubt, be in the first group of happy mothers who said goodbye to skin problems in their babies.
Diaper rash in newborns is an area of skin characterized by redness, stickiness, and soreness. In advanced cases, it can lead to damage to the skin, the formation of bleeding wounds and ulcers.
In general, it’s better to see in the photo what diaper rash looks like.
Typically, diaper rash appears in the following places:
Why do they appear?
Contrary to common misconceptions, the cause of diaper rash is not that the mother or child ate something wrong.
The main causes of diaper rash in newborns are:
- The temperature in the room where the child is located is too hot (above 22 degrees).
A newborn's sweat glands are imperfect, so it is very easy to overheat. A disposable diaper placed on the baby creates an additional thick layer of clothing on the bottom. In fact, this is 30 percent of the baby's body surface, so this fact cannot be underestimated.
If you unwrapped the diaper, and the skin underneath is red or pink, that is, it differs in shade from the rest of the body, it means that the baby is hot, and the air temperature in the room needs to be lowered urgently! 
Otherwise, the occurrence of diaper rash will not be the worst consequence of a violation of the temperature regime. Systematic overheating of a baby is fraught with dehydration, heat rash, colic in the tummy due to thick gastric juices, a decrease in the local immune system and a decrease in resistance to viral infections due to drying out mucous membranes.
- Dry air in the room where the child is (air humidity below 40%).
Skin hydration is a key indicator responsible for its ability to withstand adverse factors. If the skin has a sufficient lipid (fat) layer that retains the required number of water molecules, such skin is resistant to various damaging factors.
If the skin is dry, fragile and irritated, its integrity is very easy to break.
Skin moisture is ensured, firstly, by well-humidified air with humidity parameters of 40-60%, and secondly, by sufficient fluid intake into the body.
We can control the first parameter using a hygrometer - a special device for measuring air humidity. The second is by controlling the frequency of urination. Normally, a newborn walks a little every hour, and the urine is light and odorless.
- Prolonged contact of urine and feces with the baby's skin.
This situation is possible in several cases.
Firstly, with irregular diaper changes, when the baby is in a soiled and overfilled diaper for a long time.
Secondly, by refusing to use disposable diapers and replacing them with diapers. In this case, diapers cannot absorb dirt efficiently and contact with the delicate skin of feces and urine simply cannot be avoided. 
Thirdly, when using low-quality disposable diapers, which also do not cope with the function of good absorption of dirt, and, in addition, do not allow the skin to breathe.
- Extremes in hygiene: too rare or, conversely, excessive.
With infrequent washing, everything is clear: it’s not good when the baby is not so clean that crusts of dirt, sweat, feces and urine form in the folds and under the diaper.
It’s another matter when the baby is soaped in all places several times a day. It would seem that this is only beneficial? It turns out not. Soap instantly washes away that same protective lipid layer, making delicate baby skin completely defenseless to damaging factors.
- Tight elastic bands that cut into the baby's skin, synthetic clothing that is tight.
All this can aggravate skin problems.
Treatment and prevention
Treatment of diaper rash in newborns is based on eliminating the causes of its occurrence, and not treating diaper rash itself.
Diaper rash is not a disease in itself, but a consequence of improper child care.
In order for diaper rash to disappear and no longer appear, you need to:
Important! Pay special attention to your baby's clothes. For example, the so-called bodysuits (as in the photo below), which are found in boys and girls, create tension in the fabric just in the crotch area, literally pressing the diaper with all its contents into the baby’s delicate skin. As a result, skin irritation cannot be avoided.
What to smear
In order to temporarily alleviate the condition of a child’s skin, it is worth using an ointment based on dexpanthenol (commercial names Bepanten, Panthenol-D, Dexpanthenol, etc.).
These products are also commercially available in the form of creams. The cream differs from the ointment in its lighter texture, it is absorbed faster, but also requires more frequent application.
For advanced diaper rash, it is wise to use products in the form of a spray (Panthenol-spray for wound healing burns).
In the vast majority of cases, when eliminating the causes of diaper rash, the listed remedies are sufficient.
However, in some situations, in the presence of severe diaper rash that does not disappear for a long time, the doctor prescribes additional local corticosteroid drugs (local hormones).
If this does not help, special dermatological agents and even ultraviolet irradiation are used.
Modern medicine does not recommend using zinc ointment (zinc paste), so beloved by our grandmothers, to treat skin irritations in newborns. The thing is that through damaged skin the product is instantly absorbed into the blood and can have a toxic effect on the immature children’s liver and kidneys.
It is not allowed to use solutions of brilliant green (brilliant green), iodine and manganese to treat irritations due to the risk of adding chemical burns and alcohol poisoning to diaper rash.
The baby's folds, neck and areas behind the ears should be wiped with a cotton pad moistened with warm drinking water, and then lubricated with special baby oil.
I do not recommend using powder in baby care. Based on my personal experience and judging by the reviews of moms on the Internet, this does not bring a significant improvement in the condition of the skin. However, it guarantees that the powder will roll in the folds and cause additional skin irritation. Rather than treating the skin with powder, it is much better to lubricate it with dexpanthenol ointment, and the folds with baby oil. Now you know how to remove diaper rash with medications.
Diaper rash in newborns and infants is a very widespread problem, and it’s not just about hygiene issues. With all the variety of cosmetic products for the care of children's skin, with all the efforts of parents to maintain dryness and cleanliness, diaper rash is not excluded. It is important to know how to distinguish them from dermatological diseases and what to do if your baby suddenly develops diaper rash.
What it is?
Weeping deep diaper rash and severe prickly heat often lead first to pyoderma - a bacterial inflammation of the skin. The damaged integrity of the skin is an excellent prerequisite for the attachment of bacterial microflora. In the most severe case, the bacterial infection becomes generalized and sepsis develops.
Why and how does it develop?
The water-lipid balance of the skin of children in the first year of life is imperfect, and therefore it can be disrupted at any time. It is excess moisture on the skin that is considered the main cause of diaper rash. Prolonged contact of the baby's skin with urine and feces is the most common prerequisite for the inflammatory process. The inflammation itself occurs in this case due to the effect on the epidermis of urea, ammonia and salts contained in the urine. In feces, the main danger is represented by two enzymes - lipase and protease.
If for some reason the baby has loose stools or diarrhea, everything becomes even worse - such feces are dangerous for the skin not only because of their enzymatic component, but also because of the presence of an acidic environment. With diarrhea, even brief contact of the skin with feces causes severe irritation in newborns and infants.
Most often, diaper rash develops from overfilled diapers, if parents rarely change this item of baby hygiene. Children's skin easily absorbs moisture and becomes oversaturated with it, and therefore diaper rash can also be caused by insufficient drying of the skin after bathing.
Salts that are harmful to the skin are also found in sweat.. Sweat glands in children work very actively; this is a feature of the first year of life. If parents are unfamiliar with it, they may mistakenly try with all their might to better heat the nursery, install a couple of heaters, and dress the child warmer. The work of the sweat glands becomes excessive as the child’s body tries to get rid of excess heat and release it outside. The salt environment of sweat affects the skin in much the same way as urine.
A real revelation for parents is the situation when the air temperature in the room is normal, and the child is not wrapped up, and diapers are changed frequently, but diaper rash still appears. In this case, the issue is most likely mechanical friction - a diaper in the groin area, a vest under the arms, a diaper on a baby’s neck can rub A. Deep folds of skin can also rub against each other - this is how localized inflammation occurs in the groin, under the knees, under the arms, between the legs and even between the fingers.
New complementary foods that have just been introduced into the baby’s menu can contribute to the development of diaper rash, and in this case the prerequisites will be allergic. A favorable background for the development of diaper rash is a period of illness - high temperature increases sweating, as well as periods of treatment, in particular with antibacterial drugs.
Even if it is not the baby who is taking antibiotics, but his breastfeeding mother, the baby is more likely to have skin problems because antibacterial agents easily pass into breast milk.
Doctors have long noticed that children who genetically have light skin and blond hair most often suffer from diaper rash. Dark-skinned babies are less likely to suffer from prickly heat, dermatological forms of allergies and diaper rash.
Particular attention to the prevention of diaper rash should be paid to parents of babies who are at risk for this pathology. Pediatricians include:
overweight or obese children;
children with allergies, especially those suffering from hereditary forms of allergies;
babies with diagnosed intestinal dysbiosis;
children currently suffering from gastroenteritis or intestinal infection;
children with pathologies of the kidneys and urinary system;
premature babies;
babies who are not breastfed, but bottle-fed.
Kinds
Only at first glance, all diaper rashes are the same. In fact, in order to quickly cure them, you need to clearly understand what type of skin inflammation belongs to.
Classification of diaper rash involves separating them into separate groups according to the root cause.
Diaper (diaper dermatitis)– manifested by inflammation and rash of varying intensity in the area covered by diapers, where there is contact with urine and feces. It most often appears on the buttocks, between the buttocks, in the groin area, on the scrotum in boys and the labia in girls, around the anus, in the lower abdomen. There are no rashes on the arms, legs, neck or back of the head.
Allergic(the so-called “allergic ring”) - manifested by the formation of an area of inflammation in the buttocks and anus. The rashes are bright red and small. They usually develop after changes in diet, if the baby gets an allergen in his food.
Folding(intertrigo) - affects only skin folds in the groin, on the thighs, between the buttocks, under the knees, in the armpits, in the neck, on the arms in the elbows. Harmful factors are excess moisture and mechanical rubbing inside the folds.
Seborrheic eczema– a large red spot spreading to the lower abdomen, groin, and genitals. The spot has clear boundaries. The skin in the affected area becomes rough and oily, and there is slight swelling.
Fungal (candidiasis)– Diaper rash can be based anywhere, but it becomes so due to the attachment of fungal organisms. The infection appears as medium-sized reddish spots with a whitish tint in the center, most often located in the groin and genitals.
Impetigo– diaper rash complicated by bacteria, most often streptococci or staphylococci. They look like pustules that tend to merge with each other; they quickly burst and leave unpleasant-looking dry crusts of a golden, brownish color. The most common location is the buttocks.
Symptoms and signs, differential diagnosis
Parents usually do not have any particular difficulties in identifying diaper rash. It is enough to remove the child’s clothes, diapers and diaper, and the clinical picture is obvious. And here it is important to understand in time what you are dealing with - impetigo or diaper dermatitis, seborrheic eczema or an allergic ring.
First of all, the mother should evaluate the nature of the rashes and compare them with infectious diseases. An infectious rash is almost always accompanied by a high fever. If a child is left without clothes for a couple of hours, the diaper rash will begin to decrease, fade, lighten, and the infection will spread further to other parts of the body. In the second case, you need to call a doctor at home and determine what kind of infectious disease has affected the baby and how to treat it.
The presence of pus and dry crusts always indicates the presence of a bacterial infection in the area of the inflammatory process. A whitish coating is a sign of a fungal infection.
In both cases, you need to consult a doctor and prescribe specific treatment (antibiotics, aniline dyes for bacterial damage and antifungal drugs for mycosis). In other cases, the mother can easily handle it herself.
The first one (aka easy). The skin is slightly inflamed, there are no wet areas, visually there are no damage, cracks or wounds on the skin. The child’s general condition has not changed – appetite and sleep are normal.
Second (middle). The inflamed areas have a bright red color, there are areas of erosion, the integrity of the epidermis is damaged, there are small cracks, and small pustules may be present. The child behaves restlessly.
Third (heavy). The affected area is large, there is swelling of inflamed areas of the skin, cracks and detachment of fragments of the epidermis, ulcers, and erosions. Signs of a bacterial or fungal infection may or may not be present. The likelihood of infection is very high. The child suffers from pain and burning, and the areas of inflammation are itchy. The baby’s health is disturbed, he cries, sleeps poorly or does not sleep, and refuses to eat. If the temperature rises, this is a sure sign of infection.
The first degree should not cause much concern. It is treated easily and quickly. In the second and third degrees, the child should be shown to a doctor.
Treatment
Diaper rash in newborns and infants should be treated after the type and degree of the disease has been accurately established. Recommendations to show the child to the doctor in case of severe weeping diaper rash exist not to complicate the life of mom and dad, but to ensure that the treatment is correct and accurate.
Sometimes it is necessary to determine the type of bacteria or fungus in order to prescribe the most effective remedy, and in this case, a microscopic examination of scrapings from the epidermis is carried out for fungi, bacteria and other microflora. And for allergic diaper rash above the second degree, you need to consult an allergist and a breastfeeding specialist if the child has not received complementary foods.
How to treat your precious child depends on the degree of diaper rash he has.
First degree - mild
With the first degree, nothing special is required from the mother. Changing your approach to hygiene and your baby’s lifestyle will help you quickly get rid of the problem. First of all, you need to check if the room is hot. If the air temperature is above 21 degrees, you need to bring it to 19-21 degrees Celsius. Adults may find this temperature insufficiently comfortable, but for a child it is ideal due to the peculiarities of thermoregulation.
Baby diapers need to be changed every 3-4 hours, that is, before each feeding, be sure to wash the child with warm water without soap, if there has been no defecation. After each bowel movement, the diaper is changed without delay.
The child needs air baths - staying without a diaper or diaper. Miliaria and diaper rash do not like the flow of fresh air, and this must be actively used. For children's skin, when the inflammation disappears, especially in the perineal area, you need to use a protective baby cream - it will help create a film on the skin that will repel excess moisture.
Heat rash and diaper rash cannot be cured with baby cream. It is always oily, it moisturizes and does not dry out, and therefore it is strictly contraindicated to combat existing diaper rash with its help.
Panthenol-based products will help remove the appearance of diaper rash on the skin - “Panthenol”, “Dexpanthenol”, “Dexpan Plus”, “Bepanten”, “D-Panthenol”, “Panthenol-spray”, “Heppiderm”, etc. Can be used folk remedies for bathing and care, they will be discussed separately. It is acceptable to use baby powder.
Second degree - average
For second-degree diaper rash, it is also important to bring the air temperature in accordance with the norms, not to wrap the child up, to exclude all possible allergens from his diet, air baths and frequent diaper changes will also be an integral part of therapy.
In addition, parents should treat affected areas of the skin with special drying preparations based on zinc oxide. These include special “talkers”, which are prepared according to a doctor’s prescription in any pharmacy with its own prescription department. Of the ready-made preparations, you should pay attention to “Desitin”, “Zinc paste”, “Tsindol”. You can treat areas of inflammation with methyluracil and tannin ointments. The effect of sunlight on the affected areas of the epidermis is beneficial.
If small pustules are detected, the doctor usually prescribes anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents - Levomekol, Baneocin (powder and ointment) in combination with drying drugs based on zinc oxide. After the inflammation has passed, prophylactic use of protective ointment or cream “Purelan” is recommended.
If diaper rash has developed due to a food allergy, antihistamines are recommended in an age-appropriate dose (Loratadine, Suprastin), and in severe cases, hydrocortisone-based ointment.
Third degree (severe)
Diaper rash of the third degree is the most difficult to treat at home. Such lesions require careful care and special medications. Medicinal lotions with solutions of tannin and silver nitrate are recommended. This is necessary so that eczema and ulcers stop getting wet. After this process is stopped, zinc paste and antibiotic ointments are prescribed.
In this case, parents need to strictly follow the processing technique and algorithm of actions:
the sore spot is treated with an antiseptic (Miramistin, Chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide 3%);
after waiting a couple of minutes, they are treated with aniline dyes (Fukortsin, brilliant green, methylene blue);
You need to treat the skin at least 3 times a day. Additionally, you need to comply with all the above requirements for hygiene, air temperature, air baths, and so on.
For skin wounds, ulcers and eczema, do not use powder or baby cream.
Folk remedies
To treat mild diaper rash, as already mentioned, you can resort to folk remedies. They are approved by pediatricians. There are many tips on how to quickly and easily get rid of diaper rash at home on the Internet, but not all of them are reasonable and rational, and some are even dangerous for babies. That’s why we divided them into acceptable and unacceptable.
What is possible?
For any degree of pathology, parents can arrange for the baby to bathe in a bath with the addition of a decoction of oak bark. A glass of oak bark is brewed with two liters of boiling water, steeped thoroughly and then the decoction (after filtering) is added to the bathing water. You should not make such a therapeutic bath a daily practice. It will be quite enough to take it once every 2-3 days.
With the same success, you can make baths with a string of chamomile.
It is allowed to wet diaper rash with a decoction of eucalyptus leaves. Two large spoons of plant material are brewed with boiling water in a volume of 200 ml. The prepared warm decoction (not hot!) is carefully applied with a cotton pad to the areas of inflammation and lubricated with it on the skin folds.
What can't be done?
Some recommendations from traditional healers can cause serious harm to a child. First of all, this should include advice on removing diaper rash with an iodine solution. Attempts to treat inflamed areas of the skin with iodine can lead to burns and an overdose of this product., as it can accumulate in the body. This is fraught with the most serious consequences.
Do not lubricate the skin folds, behind the ears and in the groin with Vaseline and sunflower oil., since it creates a strong waterproof film on the skin, which complicates the healing process of damaged epidermis. Sea buckthorn oil is acceptable, but only for mild forms of pathology.
It is forbidden to use starch and tooth powder instead of powder. It is strictly forbidden to use any recipes with alcohol tinctures.
Doctor Komarovsky's opinion
And under no circumstances should you violate these rules. Preventative treatment of the skin, according to Komarovsky, makes sense only in those places where contact of the child’s skin with urine and feces is implied.
Oddly enough, disposable diapers can help parents in preventing diaper rash if they are of high quality and have a layer that quickly turns liquid into gel. At the same time, the skin suffers significantly less. It is clear that a diaper will not protect against feces, but it is the combination of feces and urine that Komarovsky considers the most dangerous and traumatic for children’s delicate skin.
Dr. Komarovsky considers the treatment of diaper rash to be “working on mistakes” - parents should try to make the skin feel good and comfortable, the air humidity in the room was at 50-70%, and the air temperature did not exceed 21 degrees so that the child is dressed according to the climate and weather and does not sweat. If a walk in winter in thick and warm overalls still leads to the child sweating, it is important to immediately rinse the child with warm water without soap and change into dry clothes.
And, of course, all fabrics with which children's skin comes into contact must be natural, with a minimum amount of textile dye.
