One of the most tender places in newborns is skin. That is why up to 80% of parents face the appearance of various irritations, redness and diaper rash on it. Their occurrence is associated with the vulnerability of the skin to temperature and humidity changes.
It is important to know how to treat diaper rash in babies, what remedies to use in order to effectively eliminate not only the external symptoms, but also the very cause.
Causes, photo diaper rash
Diaper rash occur in babies regardless of gender. Diaper dermatitis occurs when the baby’s skin is exposed to moisture, overheating, or rubbing for a long time. As a result, an active inflammatory process develops, which is manifested by redness on the skin. Diaper dermatitis can form on different parts of the body, but in 80% of cases it can be found in the folds:
- behind the ears;
- on the neck;
- on the folds of the arms;
- under the knees;
- in the groin area;
- on the buttocks.
Treatment of diaper rash should begin immediately, otherwise the slight reddening of the skin will develop into a pathology that is accompanied by the formation of cracks, itching and pain that gives the child discomfort. Additionally, dermatitis begins to get wet, complicating the treatment process and increasing the recovery time.
In order to prevent the occurrence of diaper rash, it is necessary to know what exactly contributes to their appearance. Specialists (pediatricians, dermatologists) identify the following factors that should not be allowed:
- Continuous or prolonged overheating: the optimum temperature in the baby room is +20 degrees. This will help avoid the use of multiple layers of clothing, which is a frequent cause of the temperature violation. The baby will not sweat, it will prevent the occurrence of irritation on the skin.
- Incorrect use of diapers (prolonged stay in a wet diaper) - in this case, the skin comes in contact with urine, which leads to a "greenhouse effect." As a result, the natural protective barrier of the skin very quickly decreases. It is recommended to change the diapers after each bowel movement, diapers - every 4 hours.
- Violation of personal hygiene - it is important to promptly bathe the child. When changing diapers or diapers, warm water and baby soap are required to cleanse the skin of impurities. After bathing, allow the skin to dry, then wipe it with a soft towel.
- Friction, the use of uncomfortable clothing - diaper rash and irritation occur in the place where the seams are in contact with the skin. It is recommended to wear things that are made of natural materials (cotton), and the seams are on the outside of the product. The size must be correct and correspond to the height of the baby.
- Allergic reaction - it is caused by all of the above reasons, as well as the use of creams, lotions, powders. For this reason, the selection of children's hygiene products should be approached very responsibly, you can first consult with a specialist. All children's cosmetic products should be made from natural ingredients and belong to the hypoallergenic group.
- Food allergies - this type of negative reaction to stimuli is associated with the ingestion of components in the gastrointestinal tract, which cause problems with digestion or are unsuitable for humans. As a result of a protective reaction from the immune system, irritated areas are formed on the skin.
Diaper rash and irritation caused by excessive moisture.
That is why it is necessary to maintain the optimum temperature and ensure that the room is not too dry or very humid.
Diaper rash can become a symptom of infection penetrating into the body, therefore, when this pathology appears on the skin, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Diaper rash classification
Dermatologists distinguish the following types of diaper rash:
| Type of diaper rash | Description of the problem |
|---|---|
| Diaper dermatitis | In this case, skin rashes and hyperimemia occur in areas where prolonged contact with the wet surface occurs (fabrics, clothing, diapers, diapers). The main zones are the lower abdomen, thighs, buttocks. |
| Allergic ring | Large irritation zones appear on the skin. Rash bright. Places of education: the skin of the buttocks and the place around the anus. In 70% of cases, the problem is the result of introducing a new product into the child’s menu. |
| Seborrheic Eczema | On the skin there is redness in the form of a large spot. It is rough, it appears excessive fat. Places: lower abdomen, groin area. Sometimes there is swelling. |
| Intertrigo | Pathology is noted in the fold zone. The main reason is high humidity. The skin is red. |
| Impetigo | The disease begins after exposure to the skin infection (staphylococci and streptococci). The main manifestation of irritation is the formation of pustules on the affected area, which merge with each other. Over time, they form crusts. The main site of the rash is the buttocks. |
| Candidiasis | This type of diaper rash appears in babies after exposure to the skin of a fungal infection. Rash spotty, reddish. The main zone is the groin area. |
Effective therapy prescribed by the doctor after the examination.
Symptoms of diaper rash in newborns
In order to promptly consult a doctor and begin treatment, you will need to know which signs indicate the beginning of diaper rash. Visually, at the first stage, you can see that the affected skin becomes red, blisters, pustules, or rash appear on it (depending on the form of the pathology). Edema or erosion may also occur. The main symptoms, which is determined by diaper rash:
- itching;
- tingling;
- child restlessness;
- pure crying;
- sleep disturbance.
Dermatologists distinguish several main stages of the development of diaper rash in babies:
- Initial stage - a slight reddening can be observed on the skin. There are no cracks or other manifestations of integrity damage.
- The second stage begins when the treatment is a bit late. In this case, the redness increases, the rash becomes more extensive. The skin loses its integrity - small damages, cracks, sometimes erosion or pustules appear. The damaged areas are rough when feeling. There is discomfort due to itching and pronounced pain.
- Severe stage - the red in the affected area is bright. There are not only cracks, but also moist eruptions, sores. The pain becomes strong, burning is added to the itch. The child becomes restless, disturbed sleep, in some cases, even the appetite.
If you do not start treatment, the risk of infection in the body through the damaged areas of the skin increases.
How to treat diaper rash
The treatment is enviable from the stage of diaper rash development. At the initial stage in 99% of cases, special effects are not required. Hygiene rules must be observed. To eliminate the manifest problems, it is enough to use ordinary baby cream or powder. If irritations have passed into the second stage, then a consultation with a doctor will be required, the results of which will determine the correct therapy.
Creams and ointments containing panthenol work most effectively. Also recommended:
- holding air baths;
- timely hygiene;
- changing the diaper every 2-3 hours (if possible they should be discarded).
Top creams rating
Creams must be made from natural ingredients, without hormones and antibiotics. Among the best creams emit funds:
- Weleda is a completely natural and hypoallergenic composition. It works gently, it restores the skin well, if it already has damage. Used to treat prickly heat. The average cost of the drug is 550 rubles. Feature - can be applied to the diaper.
- Sanosan - works quickly and effectively eliminates diaper rash, as it contains olive oil and panthenol. Feature - dries the skin, therefore, is used in the treatment of weeping dermatitis. The average price is 200 rubles.
Ointment
For the treatment of diaper rash, zinc ointment is used to relieve redness, pain and itching. Effective in the initial stage of the disease. The ointment, containing zinc oxide in its composition, is also a good solution (it should not be hormonal for treating babies).
Bepanten
The drug actively eliminates diaper rash and regenerates the skin. It helps to get rid of allergic rashes, restores damaged skin. Due to the content of dexpanthenol there is no risk of burns during use. The average price for a tube of 30 grams is 450 rubles.
Prevention
It is recommended to prevent the occurrence of diaper rash:
- frequent diaper changes (every 4 hours or after a bowel movement);
- timely and proper hygiene;
- conducting daily air baths;
- maintaining an optimal microclimate in the room.
It is also recommended to choose clothes from natural fabrics. Before putting it on, it should be ironed to get rid of any wrinkles that can damage the skin during friction.
Getting rid of diaper rash goes quickly, if you follow all the recommendations of the doctor. If timely implement hygiene measures, the baby will always be healthy and cheerful.
