Diaper Rash

Being parents is the most fascinanting part of life. Cute, little babies once enter a person's life, it changes forever. The new born gradually learn  from walking to speaking, all the basic activities that he would have to perform in his day to day life. The kids are also taught to maintain hygiene and also have clean body.

But before that stage arises for the new born to learn the basic steps, the newborn's care has to be done by the parents themselves. The hygiene part is utmost necessary for the kid to stay rash free.

0.1.1.  

0.1.2. Is diaper cause or solution of the problem?

Science has provided a solution for hygiene, Diapers, a particular kind of fibrous material which can soak up water and keep the areas dry. But diapers, while giving a solution to the situation, have also led to a few problems. he baby's skin is very soft and needs special attention while handling harsh objects. Diapers, being artificial materials, result in rashes.

Most babies getting rashes is not a serious matter. Diaper rashes occur inside the diaper area making the skin turn red. It also happens sometimes that painful sores may open. The usual areas for rashes to occur are the genitals, and the folds of the thighs and buttocks.

0.1.3. What Causes Diaper Rash?

It was believed earlier that the rashes were caused due to teething, improper diet or the ammonia content of the urine. However, it has been found out that rashes occur not due to any of the above, but due to presence of excess moisture, rubbing, longer duration of urine in contact with the skin or by certain kinds of bacterial or viral infections. Majority of the babies between 4 to 15 months of age develop rashes. The frequency of diaper rashes increases during the age of 8 to 10 months. Also, if the babies’ have BMs several times a day or the stools/urine stays in the diaper over night or for a longer period of time, they often develop rashes.

0.1.4. What can I do for diaper rash before I see the doctor?

If the baby has got diaper rash, the parents should make sure that :

• the area is kept as clean and dry as possible. The wet or solid diapers should be changed immediately.
  
• the area is cleaned by gently sprinkling water and then washing with a soft cloth. It often relieves the baby's pain.
  
• Make the area dry before you apply any ointment or cream.
  
• Protective ointment or cream containing zinc oxide or petroleum jelly should be applied over the rash area.
• Rubbing or scratching of the area has to be prevented as it might lead to more damage.
• If the rashes are not to go within 2 or 3 days of time, the pediatrician is to be contacted for proper treatment as the rash might further lead to blisters or pus-filled sores. Use of creams with steroids also helps but should be used under the pediatrician’s supervision.

0.1.5.  

0.1.6. What type of diapers are better to prevent diaper rash?

Diapers are usually available of two types, cloth and disposable materials. The cloth diapers can be cleaned and reused however, the disposables are to be thrown after every use. The cloth diapers should be washed properly with pre soaking them in hot water and also avoiding the use of fabric softeners as they might also cause rashes on the skin. Disposable diapers are always recommended as they result in fewer rashes. However, the most important thing to keep in mind is to change the diapers as often as possible.

So, if the baby is clean, you can definitely look at him/her smiling happily and enjoying.