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Diaper Rash. There are a few different causes that I am aware of, and there are some very effective ways of treating these rashes. I am not a doctor however, and when in doubt always check with your pediatrician. The following information is from my experience working with children.
The rashes are ususally big red blochy areas on the buttocks and surrounding areas. (if the rash has small red dots seek medical assistance right away, it could be a yeast infection, impetigo or worse).
One cause of diaper rash is food alergy. Highly acidic foods that are notorious for causing rashes are strawberries, tomatoes, oranges and juices. Not all children will have a reaction to these foods, but if there is a reaction, diet is a good place look first.
Another cause is teething. Some children develop symptoms such as rash in the diaper area, runny nose and fussiness. Again not all children will display all or any of these symptoms.
The best care for a diaper rash is to keep the area as clean and dry as possible. Here are some suggestions.
The rashes are ususally big red blochy areas on the buttocks and surrounding areas. (if the rash has small red dots seek medical assistance right away, it could be a yeast infection, impetigo or worse).
One cause of diaper rash is food alergy. Highly acidic foods that are notorious for causing rashes are strawberries, tomatoes, oranges and juices. Not all children will have a reaction to these foods, but if there is a reaction, diet is a good place look first.
Another cause is teething. Some children develop symptoms such as rash in the diaper area, runny nose and fussiness. Again not all children will display all or any of these symptoms.
The best care for a diaper rash is to keep the area as clean and dry as possible. Here are some suggestions.
- Change the child as often as possible. We change every hour to hour and a half (or when needed).
- After changing, let the area "air: out (fan or keep diaper off for a minute).
- Apply an ointment which forms a barrier between the child's skin and wetness (Creamy Desitin works best in my opinion (some do not like the smell and if you use the regular, instead of creamy, it will not glide on as easily -- that can really be traumatic to a child with a rash!). Some others: A&D ointment, or Boardeaux's Butt Paste is great; it forms a barrier and smells like cinnamon. Some even use a powder over the paste. I have found this works well, (but is not necessary if you use the cream).
- Another very helpful treatment (and I like using this for children who have chronic rashes), is filling a sanitary spray bottle with warm water and apple cider vingegar or white vinegar (one teaspoon per 16oz.) and spraying the affected area; wiping with a clean cloth or paper towel (instead of wipes).
- If it is suspected that the diet may be the cause, temporarily change the child's diet to "trusted" (foods the child has a history of not being alergic to), and bland foods with low acidity). Gradually reintroduce new foods one at a time and look for reactions.
I will keep adding to this post as I find more information. Please feel free to add comments and your experiences.
