How to Treat Diaper Rash

Diaper rash develops on the genitals, on the buttocks, and in the skin folds of the buttocks and thighs. Sometimes the rash spreads to the abdomen.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Diaper-rash Ointments
• Diapers

1. Clean the affected area thoroughly.

2. Apply diaper rash cream.

3. Change the diapers often - every hour, if possible.

4. When convenient, remove the baby's diaper and let her bottom be exposed to the air as much as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Call a doctor if you suspect the rash is caused by a bacterial infection, yeast infection or diarrhea.
• Call the doctor if the rash has pus-filled sores or blisters, doesn't go away within 48 to 72 hours, or spreads to other areas.

[richberningmd]

on 6/1/2009 Some good suggestions by others here. Most experienced parents learn to recognize diaper rash. You'll see "satellite" lesions (aka bumps) on the outer edge of the really red areas. If the normal treatments don't help definitely have your pediatrician take a look. Sometimes the rash isn't typical diaper rash but instead eczema or an allergic reaction to the diaper material or detergent (clothe diapers). I also like to recommend opening the diaper to expose the rash to air, and then coating the diaper rash as mentioned above. First put on the Nystatin or other prescribed ointment, then layer Eucerin or some other thick cream over that one.

[yaknell]

on 10/11/2008 Yes! A baby having a yeast infection is very serious. be sure to know what it looks like and have the doctor give a prescription.

[JaneElizabeth]

on 9/5/2008 http://www.vegfamily.com/babies-and-toddlers/mamas-own.htm

I make my own baby wipes (you can too! with the link above). It's nice to make them yourself, and it's free of those gnarly chemicals that could further irritate diaper rash.

I just branched out and started using TruKid's Hero Stick. It's like a natural neosporin. It's loaded with plant herbs and it's been doing a phenomenal job on the diaper rash. Two days and just about clear! Great product with happy ingredients.

[mmcphee]

on 4/27/2007 be very careful using corn starch. What may look like a diaper rash may actually be a yeast infection (quite common). Using corn starch will feed the yeast and make the rash worse, not better

on 8/14/2006 Be careful using medications such as Neosporin on diaper rash, as broken skin can increase absorption of the active ingredients and be dangerous for babies! Like many others, I have found all OTC diaper creams to be ineffective. The regime that works for my little guy is wiping with paper towels soaked only in water, baking soda bath, then completely air drying his bottom (even for just 15 minutes), and finally applying a thick layer of Lansinoh pure lanolin, the type sold for breastfeeding mothers to use for nipple soreness. This regime works wonders!

The first part cleans and dries baby's skin, the second part aids healing.