Currently, the main treatment for diaper rash is to use a barrier cream or ointment containing ingredients such as zinc oxide* and petroleum jelly, which act both as a physical barrier between the skin and the irritant and as an absorbent to soak up moisture. Thicker barrier creams and ointments are usually recommended for treating a diaper rash. Some may contain vitamins A and D to promote healing.
Many common non-prescription diaper rash products contain zinc oxide. In general, the more zinc oxide a product contains, the thicker the product will be. Zinc oxide in concentrations up to 40% is suitable for treating a diaper rash. Lower concentrations (i.e., below 15%) can be used daily to prevent diaper rash.
Avoid using products with ingredients that may irritate the skin, such as certain fragrances or lanolin. Your child's doctor may recommend a topical antifungal product (such as clotrimazole, miconazole, or nystatin) to treat an infection on the skin caused by yeast (i.e., Candida). Avoid using topical steroid products (such as hydrocortisone) unless otherwise directed by your child's physician. Other measures you can take to help treat your child's diaper rash include:
- changing the diaper often
- cleaning the skin gently with mild soap and water and keeping it dry
- avoiding products that may irritate the skin or cause pain (such as alcohol-containing wipes)
With an effective treatment, your child's diaper rash should clear up after several days. If it doesn't, or if your child has a fever or worsening symptoms (e.g., blistering, becoming inconsolable, or appearing lethargic), seek medical attention as soon as possible.
The following tips can be used to help prevent or reduce the chances of a diaper rash:
- It has been shown that breast-fed babies tend to experience fewer diaper rashes than bottle-fed babies.
- Use diapers that draw moisture away from the skin.
- Expose the diaper area to air and apply barrier cream with the first signs of redness.
- Avoid using products that expose your child's skin to irritating chemicals (e.g., diaper wipes with alcohol, fragrances, fabric softeners, detergents).
- Change the diaper often, including throughout the night.
- Avoid using powders such as talcum powder and cornstarch. Talcum powder may cause respiratory problems in your child, and cornstarch may promote a yeast infection.
- Rinse your baby's bottom with warm water and a mild, unscented soap after each diaper change, and air- or pat-dry the area thoroughly. (Allow the area to air-dry for as long as possible.)
- Avoid using tight-fitting diapers and rubber or plastic pants, since they retain more moisture.
- Wash reusable diapers carefully to remove all the germs. Be sure to completely rinse out any soap or detergent.
- Use a barrier cream or ointment such as petroleum jelly or zinc oxide to prevent skin irritation. Be sure to thoroughly dry your baby's bottom before you apply these products.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after each diaper change.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2022. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Diaper-Rash