Help! My Little One Has Diaper Rash!
So, you've changed your baby's diaper frequently, you've applied butt cream, you've made sure the area is wiped dry, but nothing seems to work, right?
As a mom who has been there with my own daughter, I know it is so hard to see our little one's cute little bottom so red and sore and even harder to see them cry in pain. We feel so helpless and guilty when we keep trying to find a way to heal it, but it just seems the rash is just getting worse. First, it is important to know that it is very common in babies, and diaper rash alone is not a sign of parental neglect.
What Causes Diaper Rash?
Diaper rash often happens when a wet diaper with urine or poop isn't changed frequently enough and the skin becomes irritated or infected. Even when we change the diaper thoroughly and frequently, urine and poop, and even products can irritate a baby's skin. When kids have diarrhea, it is extremely common and hard to prevent diaper rash. Their adorable little bottom becomes a breeding ground for bacteria (staph and strep) and yeast/fungal (Candida) infections. Other common causes are chafing or rubbing; the introduction of new foods, as this causes changes in the stool; trying new products like wipes, creams/lotions, or detergents as they may irritate the baby's sensitive skin; baby's skin may be naturally sensitive, and antibiotics - as they kill good and bad bacteria. Breastfed babies are also at increased risk of diaper rash infection when mom takes antibiotics.
My Magic Mix That Works Like a Charm!
I'm not kidding. It works
Having a raw, blistery genital area can absolutely impact your child's sleep. I know I wouldn't be comfortable and able to sleep if my bottom was on fire.
This is my go-to solution to help my daughter and I want to share it with you to help your little one feel better, fast! You'll see improvements in as little as 2- 3 applications and within 24-36 hours! (depending on severity of the rash, it may take longer to go away completely though)
Directions:
1. TREATING THE RASH:
-Use wet and dry toilet paper NO WIPES! to wipe away the soiled area and dab dry.
-I recommend keeping a cup of clean water on the changing table until the open wounds of the rash clears.
- Pat dry with a toilet paper or baby washcloth. DO NOT RUB. As this rubbing motion often hurts their sensitive skin.
- Start with a barrier layer of 1% Hydrocortisone Cream* (plain, no aloe!) on the infected area. On top of the hydrocortisone cream, add a layer of Lotrimin, an antifungal cream. Apply these creams 2x a day. Use for 5 days but you should see improvement within about 2 applications or 24-36 hours. ** Note, dab on and apply gently. This may sting baby's rash the first few applications but it is temporary and it helps clear up the infection.
- Use your preferred butt cream at all other diaper changes until cleared. I find that using Aquaphor Ointment and then a layer of Aquaphor Butt Cream 3-1 works best.
2. BATH TIME:
Add 1-3 tablespoons of baking soda to a warm bath 3x a day, no more than 10 minutes at a time. Baking soda can be an effective treatment for itchiness, redness, and swelling caused by the diaper rash's fungal infection.
3. WHAT TO EAT:
If your child has diaper rash due to diarrhea, following a BRAT diet helps calm their stomach.
Banana
Rice
Apple Sauce
Toast (also white potatoes and regular pasta (not whole wheat))
Avoid fibrous foods like fruits and vegetables for the time being.
My Own Secret Tip to Stop the Diaper Rash Burn
Just applying the creams can help eliminate the rash, but it isn't going to immediately stop your little one from being in pain. So, here are my tips on what you can do NOW to help comfort your little one until the rash goes away and help it go away faster.
You'll notice we start with toilet paper and do not use baby wipes. Have you noticed the second you open the diaper and go to wipe your child, they scream and try to stop you from wiping them? This is because using wipes have chemicals that burn and irritate when applied to a skin rash. I even tried Water Wipes but they still have a chemical composition. Using wipes during this process can actually cause more discomfort and make the healing process take longer. My pediatrician recommended the Lotion Mix but my secret tip is using toilet paper dry and wet to clean until the rash is gone! Super simple right?!
When to see a doctor:
If you don't see improvements after a few days of home treatment, call your doctor. They may give prescription medication.
If it gets worse despite trying the home remedy above.
If it bleeds or oozes
If your baby has a fever.
Prevention Tips
The best way to prevent diaper rash is to keep the diaper area clean and dry. Here are some simple prevention tips to decrease the risk of developing diaper rash on your baby.
Change diapers frequently and often. Don't let them sit in dirty diapers, especially poopy diapers.
After wiping, be sure the diaper area is dry. Gently pat the skin dry with a clean towel or let it air dry. Don't put a clean diaper on a wet bottom.
Consider using ointment regularly.
Be sure the diapers aren't too tight. Being too tight can decrease airflow and increase the risk of chafing. (or too loose, we don't want leakage either!)
Go diaper free! Give your child's bottom open-air time. This is risky and potentially messy, so I recommend getting a Puppy Pad to put them on to catch any messes.
Be sure to wash your hands frequently, before and after diaper changes to prevent spreading bacteria to or from your hands.
Does your little one have a diaper rash? Try these tips and you'll have your little one's adorable little tushy back to normal in no time! Be sure to come back and comment on how it worked for you!
**The bath and cream concoction was advice from my pediatrician and the toilet paper tip is from my own personal parenting experience. Talk to your pediatrician before using creams in case your child has any allergic reaction.