Diaper rash: definition, causes and treatment for your baby
Is your baby showing signs of redness and pimples on the diaper area? He could be suffering from diaper rash. This condition frequently affects children aged between 6 months and 1 year, and can last up to 15 months. Often benign, it is nonetheless painful. In fact, 10 to 15% of all consultations with pediatricians concern "red bottoms". But how can you recognize and relieve diaper rash? Let's find out.
What is diaper rash?
Diaper rash, commonly known as "red bottom", is an inflammation of baby's skin caused by prolonged contact with a soiled diaper. Diaper rash can also result from irritation caused by substances present in some disposable diapers, or by the detergent used to clean cloth diapers. It is therefore not a schildhood illness.
Your child can suffer from diaper rash as early as the third week of life. The occlusiveeffect of diapers creates a favorable climate for maceration, making the epidermis more vulnerable. The prevalence of this skin irritation remains particularly high between 6 and 12 months. The inflammatory crisis generally lasts 2 to 4 days.
What are the symptoms of diaper rash?
If your baby has diaper rash, he or she will experience the following symptoms:
- Very red and hot buttocks;
- Red patches sometimes bordered by small pimples (papules);
- W-shaped irritation affecting thighs, buttocks and genitals.
If leftuntreated, the skin can become raw. In the most severe cases,inflammation may be accompanied by cracks orulcerations, affecting the folds of the thighs and buttocks, the stomach and lower back.
How to treat irritation caused by diaper dermatitis?
Irritant diaper 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 absorb ent cotton soaked in warm water and mild soap;
- Dab the area dry with a clean towel;
- Apply an unscented protective cream containing zinc oxide, vaseline (petroleum jelly), liniment oléo-calalaire liniment oléo-calcaire or lanolin to limit inflammation;
- Leave your child bare-bottomed for several minutes a day to allow the skin to breathe.
Do not use talcum powder, as this may accentuate maceration at l. 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 ifdiaper rash worsens and is accompanied by signs of infection (pustules and fever), consult a healthcare professional without delay.
Beware of "red bottoms" with Candida superinfection
Is your child's bottom still red after 4 days, and does it seem to be sgetting worse? He may be suffering from diaper rash with superinfection by Candida.
What is Candida?
Candida Albicans is a microscopic fungus that lives in human mucous membranes (mouth, digestive tract, vagina). Its presence in the body is perfectly normal, since it contributes to the proper functioning of the microbiota. If it proliferates, however, it can cause a local infection known as "candidiasis", "mycosis" or "thrush".
How to recognize and deal with a Candida infection?
A Candida infection of the breech area can be distinguished by the presence of a scarlet-red rash dotted with small pustules and possibly covered by a whitish coating. It may also sbe accompanied by fever.
If you have any doubts, make an appointment as soon as possible with your child's doctor or pediatrician to confirm the diagnosis. An antifungal cream will be prescribed in case of mycosis. This treatment should be applied to the lesions once or several times a day until healed. Don't forget to wash your hands thoroughly before and after each diaper change, to limit the risk of contagion.
Our 3 tips for preventing buttock irritation
Want to know how to prevent diaper rash? Here are 3 effective tips to prevent irritation of baby's bottom.
1. Change baby's diaper regularly
As we've seen l, regular diaper changes are the best way to prevent red, inflamed bottoms. So remember to change your child's diaper at least 6 times a day, and after every bowel movement. You'll reduce the risk of maceration, and your little one's skin will be less prone to irritation.
2. Choosing the right layer for comfort
It's also important to choose a diaper that respects baby's bottom and provides greater comfort. Ecological disposable diapers generally have a healthier composition. The fabric in contact with baby's skin is made from natural fibers that are much less irritating. Choose brands that have been awarded an environmental label, such as the demanding Nordic Swan Ecolabel.
You can also opt for cloth diapers made from OEKO-TEX®-certified plant-based materials, such as cotton or bamboo viscose. Their high absorbency will keep baby's bottom dry and prevent rashes.
3. Potty training a 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 lhim along the path to potty training, you can also suggest that he wear training pants easier to remove and much more comfortable.
Diaper rash FAQ from l
How can you recognize diaper rash in your baby?
If your baby has diaper rash, his bottom will be bright red and he'll have a W-shaped rash on his pubic area, bottom and upper thighs. He may also have red patches dotted with small pimples.
What's the best cream to relieve "red bottoms"?
To relieve diaper rash, we generally recommend applying a protective, soothing cream formulated with zinc oxide, vaseline or lanolin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on the most suitable ointment for your child.
How can you tell the difference between diaper rash and mycosis?
Diaper rash is an irritation of baby's skin caused by prolonged contact with a diaper soiled by urine and feces. A mycosis is an infection resulting from the proliferation of fungi such as Candida albicans, which are naturally present in l. If your toddler suffers from candidiasis of the breech area, he or she will suffer from a severe rash, sometimes covered with a whitish coating.
Is it normal to wet the bed after the age of 8?
Yes, your child may suffer from nocturnal enuresis after the age of 8, due to a regressive episode or traumatic life event. It's important to pinpoint the origin of these episodes, so that you can work with your healthcare professional to suggest appropriate solutions.
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