About this topic
Diaper rash is a problem seen on the skin under a babys diaper. The skin becomes red and sore. Any skin around the diaper area that touches the diaper can develop a rash. Rashes in this area can be due to pee, poop, or other irritants. This is very common no matter what kind of diaper you use. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do to care for your child.
- Check the babys diaper each hour. Change the diaper often, especially if it is wet or dirty from pee or poop. When the skin comes in contact with the stool, it can cause redness and rashes.
- Avoid using baby wipes to rinse your baby's skin. Wash with soapy warm water with a mild, unscented soap. Rinse the diaper area with plain warm water and let the skin dry.
- Gently put on an ointment or cream by patting it on the skin. This cream will help to heal and prevent the diaper rash. It protects and keeps moisture away from your baby's skin. Rubbing may hurt the skin and make the rash worse. Be gentle.
- Do not use talcum or cornstarch powders.
What follow-up care is needed?
If the rash does not improve in 2 or 3 days, or if the rash gets worse, call the babys doctor. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to heal and prevent diaper rash. These might contain zinc oxide or petroleum such as Vaseline. Be sure to follow your doctors advice. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Your babys activity will not be limited. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Keep the diaper area clean and dry. Allow area to dry before putting on a new diaper. Do not rub the area when drying. It may bother the skin.
- Put the diaper on loosely to avoid rubbing.
- Change the diaper as soon as possible when wet or soiled.
- Leave the diaper off for a short time.
- Use a mild soap to wash diaper area and rinse well.
- Be careful when using baby wipes.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher
- Open sores, boils, or pus draining on rashes
- Your baby is not eating and sleeping normally
- Rash does not get better within 2 to 3 days
- Soreness of the skin gets worse
- Your baby is irritable
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you about your child. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my childs condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my child's skin.
- I can tell you what I will do if my child has open sores or the rash does not get better within 2 to 3 days.
Where can I learn more?
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/diaper-rash.html ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/fungal/diaper_rash.html# ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚