Diaper Rash in Infants
Signs:
- skin irritation in the diaper area.
- Redness
- Swelling
- Rash, blisters
- Moist sores
In any case, touching the affected skin can be very painful, and a baby with diaper rash may be more restless, have difficulty eating and experience disrupted sleep.
Causes:
- Prolonged exposure to moisture: The skin becomes more irritated in a wet environment due to urine and feces.
- Friction: Ill-fitting diapers can cause friction and irritate the skin.
- Teething: Teething often leads to reduced immunity and increased skin sensitivity.
- Certain foods in the infant’s or mother’s diet (while breastfeeding) – for example, acidic fruits – can make feces more irritating.
- Genetic factors: Some children naturally have more sensitive skin, which is more prone to diaper rash.
Warm and humid environment in diapers promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi. After prolonged irritation, a yeast infection caused by Candida albicans may occur. Its characteristic signs include a bright red rash, well-defined red patches and red bumps with white tops.
Solution:
- Allow the child to spend more time without a diaper to let the skin dry. Choose a diaper of the right size that absorbs moisture well—preferably a cloth diaper.
- Change the diaper regularly, preferably immediately after it gets soiled.
- For gentle cleansing, use cloth wipes and a lavender lotion like Petit&Jolie BilliesBox Lavendel Lotion.
- Use a protective and nourishing diaper cream, creating an additional layer of moisture protection
Most often, cosmetic products for diaper rush treatment include such ingredients as:
- Lanolon
- Beewax
- Sesame oil
- Zinc oxide