Prevent diaper rash with steps

Diaper rash is an inflammation of the baby's skin in the area covered by the diaper, and generally occurs on the buttocks. The skin that has this rash will appear reddish. Diaper rash usually results from a skin reaction after continuous contact with urine and feces.

Most babies who wear diapers have experienced diaper rash. This rash is generally harmless. However, this rash can be discomforting so that your baby is likely to become more cranky.

How can you prevent diaper rash in babies?

According to the health website and research organization from the United States, MayoClinic, keeping baby's skin clean and dry is the most effective method in preventing diaper rash. The trick is to do the following things.

• Change dirty diapers immediately and do it as often as possible.
• Clean all parts of the skin that are often covered by diapers thoroughly, especially when changing diapers. Included in every skin fold, yes.
• Don't let your baby always wear diapers. Baby's skin also needs good air circulation in order to "breathe". The more often the baby's skin is free from diapers and is exposed to air, the less risk of diaper rash.
• After washing, gently wipe your baby's skin until it is dry before putting on the new diaper.
• Avoid using powder. The powder can irritate the skin, as well as irritate your baby's lungs.
• Adjust the size of the diaper for your baby. Don't use diapers that are too tight.
• Avoid using soap or wet wipes that contain alcohol and fragrances. The alcohol and chemicals in it can irritate and make the rash worse.
• Apply a diaper rash prevention cream every time you change your baby's diaper. Topical creams that generally have basic ingredients zinc oxide and lanolin is also useful for treating and protecting baby's skin from diaper rash.
• Use diapers that are one size larger while your baby is healing from diaper rash.
• Wash your hands before and after changing diapers.
• If the baby uses cloth diapers, wash the diapers thoroughly and avoid using clothes fragrances.

Diaper rash generally resolves without medical attention from a doctor. However, if your baby's diaper rash doesn't get better or gets worse, it's best to get your baby checked by a doctor.

The doctor will ask about the symptoms and factors that might trigger the diaper rash. Such as changes in diet, types of baby products and diapers used, how often to change diapers, and the health condition of your baby.

After knowing the cause of the rash in your baby, the doctor will recommend several types of drugs to treat it. These types of medications can include mild steroid topicals, such as hydrocortisone ointments, antifungal ointments, and oral antibiotics.

Disposable diapers or cloth diapers?

Choosing the right diaper is generally a dilemma for parents. Much research has been done, but there is still no clear evidence as to which type of diaper is best for preventing diaper rash.

Disposable diapers and cloth diapers have their advantages and disadvantages. If certain brands of disposable diapers cause irritation of your baby's skin, change to a different brand.

Likewise, if the detergent you use to wash cloth diapers causes a rash on the baby, replace it with another product. Either way, the most important thing is to keep baby's skin dry and clean.

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