How to Treat a Bad Diaper Rash

Take measures to treat your baby's diaper rash.

Most babies get diaper rash at some point during their diapering years. Usually it is not severe and clears up when the area is kept clean. Some rashes, however, can be very bad and require additional treatment. Use a few remedies to soothe your little one's bottom.

Instructions

1. Do not irritate the broken skin by wiping. If you had sunburn you would not want people to rub your inflamed skin, so treat your baby's inflamed skin the same way. Gently wash off the area with a bulb syringe and lukewarm water and gently pat it dry with a soft cloth.

2. Air out the rash. The area is irritated by being in a hot, moist environment, so do not immediately seal it up in a plastic diaper. After cleaning the area, put your child on his belly on a waterproof mat. This will let air circulate the diaper area and speed up healing time by helping the rash air out.

3. Apply diaper rash cream before you put a clean diaper on your baby. The diaper rash cream will help keep moisture off the broken skin and soothe it at the same time. For a moderate rash, use a cream that contains zinc oxide. If it is a very stubborn rash, it may be a yeast rash and require a Clotrimazole anti-fungal cream. Pure lanolin ointment also soothes the irritated skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your baby to the doctor if the rash blisters or bleeds. The baby could have an underlying problem that needs to be addressed by a medical professional.

References

• BabyCenter: Diaper Rash
• WebMD: Diaper Rash-Home Treatment