Diaper rash: definition, causes and treatment for her baby
Does your baby have a rash and small pimples on the bottom? He or she may have diaper rash. This condition frequently affects children from 6 months to 1 year old and can last up to 15 months. Often benign, it is nonetheless painful. 10 to 15% of the reasons for consulting a pediatrician concern a problem of "red buttocks". But how to recognize and relieve a diaper rash? Let's take a look at the issue.
What is a diaper rash?
A diaper rash, commonly called "red bottom", is an inflammation of the baby's skin caused by prolonged contact with a soiled diaper. Diaper rash can also be caused by irritation from substances in some disposable diapers or the detergent used to clean cloth diapers. It is therefore not a childhood disease.
Your child can suffer from diaper rash as early as the third week of life. The occlusiveeffect of diapers creates a climate favorable to maceration and makes the epidermis more vulnerable. The prevalence of this skin irritation remains particularly high between 6 and 12 months of age. The inflammatory crisis usually lasts 2 to 4 days.
What are the symptoms of diaper rash?
If your infant has diaper rash, he or she will have the following symptoms:
- Very red, warm buttocks;
- Red patches of skin that may be lined with small pimples (papules);
- W-shaped irritation on the thighs, buttocks and genitals.
Ifleft untreated, the skin can become raw. In more severe cases, theinflammation may be accompanied by cracks orulcerations and affect the folds of the thighs and buttocks, the stomach and the lower back.
How do you treat irritation caused by breech dermatitis?
Irritant breech dermatitis usually heals within a few days without medical treatment. To relieve diaper rash, you can :
- Change your child's diaper as soon as it is soiled by stools or urine;
- Gently wash baby's bottom with a cotton ball soaked in warm water and mild soap;
- Dry the area by dabbing it with a clean towel;
- Apply an unscentedprotective cream based on zinc oxide, vaseline (petroleum jelly) liniment oléo-calcaire or lanolin to limit inflammation;
- Leave your child's buttocks bare for several minutes a day to allow the skin to breathe.
Do not use talcum powder, as this may increase the maceration phenomenon inside the diaper. If inhaled, this powder can also cause respiratory problems in infants. So avoid this product!
If your child is less than 6 weeks old or if thediaper rash worsens and is accompanied by signs of infection (pustules and fever), consult a health professional without delay.
Beware of "red bottoms" with Candidasuperinfection
Does your child still have a red bottom after 4 days and it seems to be getting worse? It's possible that he or she is suffering from diaper rash with a Candida.
What is Candida?
Candida Albicans is a microscopic fungus that lives in the mucous membranes of the human body (mouth, digestive tract, vagina). Its presence in the body is quite normal, since it participates in the proper functioning of the microbiota. However, if it proliferates, it can cause a local infection called "candidiasis", "mycosis" or "thrush".
How to recognize and act upon a Candida infection?
A Candida infection in the genital area can be distinguished by the presence of a scarlet red rash with small pustules, possibly covered by a whitish coating. It may also be accompanied by a fever.
If you have any doubts, make an appointment with your child's doctor or pediatrician as soon as possible to confirm the diagnosis. An antifungal medication in the form of a cream will be prescribed for fungal infections. This treatment should be applied to the lesions once or several times a day until they are healed. Don't forget to wash your hands carefully before and after each diaper change to limit the risk of contagion.
Our 3 tips to prevent diaper rash
Want to know how to prevent diaper rash in infants? Here are 3 effective tips to prevent baby's diaper rash.
1. Change baby's diaper regularly
As we've seen, changing your baby's diaper regularly is the best way to prevent red and inflamed bottoms. So remember to change your child's diaper at least 6 times a day and after each bowel movement. This will reduce the risk of maceration and make your baby's skin less prone to irritation.
2. Choose the right diaper for comfort
It is also important to choose a diaper that will respect your baby's bottom and provide better comfort. Ecological disposable diapers generally have a healthier composition. The cloth in contact with the child's skin is made from natural fibers that are much less irritating. Choose brands that have received an environmental label like the very demanding Nordic Swan Ecolabel.
You can also choose cloth diapers made from OEKO-TEX certified vegetal materials®, such as cotton or bamboo viscose. Their high absorbency will help keep baby's bottom dry and prevent rashes.
3. Potty train your growing baby
When baby is ready, encourage him to go to the potty on his own. This way, his diapers will be less often soiled and you'll limit the risk of diaper rash. To help your baby on his way to potty training, you can also suggest that he wear a training pants that are easier to remove and much more comfortable.
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Diaper rash FAQs
How do you recognize diaper rash in your baby?
If your baby has diaper rash, his or her bottom will be bright red and he or she will have a W-shaped rash on the pubic area, buttocks and upper thighs. He may also have red patches with small pimples.
What's the best cream to relieve "red bottoms"?
To relieve diaper rash, it is generally recommended to apply a protective, soothing cream formulated with zinc oxide, petroleum jelly or lanolin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on which ointment is best for your child.
How can you tell the difference between a diaper rash and a fungus?
A diaper rash is an irritation of the baby's skin due to prolonged contact with a diaper soiled with urine and feces. A fungus is an infection resulting from the proliferation of fungi naturally present in the body, such as Candida albicans. If your toddler has candidiasis in the area of the seat, he or she will suffer from a severe rash that may be covered with a whitish coating.
Is bedwetting normal after age 8?
Yes, your child may suffer from bedwetting after the age of 8 because of a regressive episode or a traumatic event in his life. It is important to target the origin of these episodes in order to propose adapted tracks with your health professional.