How to "rash"-tionally treat Diaper Rashes

This article will provide methods to treat and resolve diaper rashes. In addition, the parent will come away with a better understanding of diaper rashes, what causes them, and how to provide comfort to your child when they are irritable and restless.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Zinc Oxide
• Baby Powder
• Destin
• Tylenol Infant drops
• Motrin Infant drops
• Diapers
• Corn Starch
• Wipes (Fragrance Free)

1. Make a diagnosis of your child’s rear-end.
   The Symptoms to look for:
   A) Redness
   B) Child is irritable or flinches upon diaper changes
   C) Infrequent diaper changes
   D) Skin is swollen
   E) Cracked or dry skin
   F) Bleeding or Open Lesions (cuts)
   G) Antibiotic Use
   H) Diarrhea

2. 
    

   Consider the factors that may have caused the diaper rash and try to eliminate these factors or combat them with various creams or supplements. Below we will consider options to resolve and treat diaper rashes.

3. 
    

   One of the roots of all diaper rashes is infrequent diaper changes. The friction caused by wet skin often leads to irritated skin which can progressively worsen over time. Consider inspecting your child’s diaper every 2 hours and making it a point to change their diaper every 3 to 4 hours. With every diaper change apply a liberal amount of the various skin protectant creams found in your local pharmacy baby aisle (zinc oxide, destin, Boudreaux butt paste). In addition you can sprinkle some cornstarch or baby powder on top of the cream to absorb any excess fluid. If your child is taking antibiotics consider adding lactinex to supplement the normal skin flora being destroyed to reduce the incidence of diaper rashes. If the rash is extremely red or inflamed consider giving the child Tylenol or Motrin for comfort using their weight and age as a guideline. If the rash continues to worsen over the course of a few days call your pediatrician to make an appointment.
   
   In the end, preventive measures will ensure that you reduce your child's chance of recurrent diaper rashes. Frequent diaper changes and gentle cleansing are the most important prevention. Recognizing what may trigger your child to have a diaper rash and avoiding those things is equally as important. Bouts of diarrhea, antibiotic use, general illness,and insufficient cleansing can all be diaper rash triggers. You may also notice that certain diaper brands, perfumed diaper wipes, and some foods can also contribute to increased irritation. Its best to try to avoid triggers, but for those that cannot be avoided, preemptive treatment is recommended to help prevent or lessen the severity and duration of diaper rash.