How to treat diaper rash?
Most parents are familiar with diaper rash, as one of three babies suffers from the phenomenon.
The skin under the diaper area becomes to be red and irritated, causing discomfort for the baby.
The rash appears on the skin parts which are underneath the diaper, mainly effects the groin folds and around the anus;
With the known symptoms of rash and irritation causes discomfort for the baby and crying.
What causes diaper rash?
There are various causes for diaper rash, all join together in a chain reaction – Starting with rising humidity level as result of sweat and baby’s discharge.
The rising humidity level under the diaper causes the Ph levels to rise, making the skin soft and sensitive.
The softening occurs as the stratum corneum layer (epidermal layer which protects the skin) is damaged.
As this layer is damaged, the skin doesn’t perform its function as a buffer protector between the body and the external environment.
As the skin gets to this situation its becomes extremely sensitive, each friction or rubbing of the diaper against the skin will damage the skin.
Adding in the body discharge and the situation worsen.
Naturally our skin is covered with different types of bacteria and fungi, while our skin is healthy they do not cause harm but as it gets damaged those bacterias penetrate the deeper layers of the skin and causing infections.
Many parents use wet cleansing wipes, as they are sure it cleans and sterilize the skin,
however those wipes might do the opposite when the baby suffers from diaper rash.
The clothes chemical composition might aggravate the rash and parents should avoid using it on irritated skin.
Diaper rash is a common among babies, there is no population group that is more likely or less likely to suffer from the rash – Each baby (wearing diapers) might develop the rash.
Home remedies
Before we speak on treatments and remedies we must focus on prevention.
We can prevent the problem or reduce it if we change the diapers often;
as well the baby should be diaper-less as much as possible, this will allow ventilation and rest for the skin.
Personal hygiene is very important but as mentioned not using wet wipes, water and baby soap will do the job.
As well you can find some natural creams to give the skin extra protection.
If the rash has appeared you can use special skin creams,
those will form a protective layer which allows the skin to dry and heal.
There are various products, with different components, which show good results as:
zinc oxide, dexpenthenol, lanolin and others.
Those remedies can be purchased at the pharmacy.
If you seek for more natural remedy, you can wash the baby in bath containing aromatic oils which relaxes the skin.
Within 3-4 days the problem should disappear, if not seek for a medical attention.
