Are you finding it difficult to treat diaper rash in babies?

Is your baby’s tiny little bottom covered with little red bumps? 

Don’t let that alarm you.

In fact, most babies are prone to developing a rash at some point during their first year.

Diaper rash is normally very mild, with a few prickly red spots. In severe forms of the condition, the rashes can become tender bumps that could spread to the baby’s thighs or towards the tummy.

A diaper rash can cause your baby a lot of pain and discomfort. In addition, if not cared for properly, it could also lead to infections.

Here’s all that you need to know about treating and preventing diaper rash in your baby.

What causes diaper rash in babies

The most common cause of diaper rash is a soiled diaper, which has been left on baby for far too long. 

Continuous exposure to wetness and the chaffing of the diapers against your baby’s delicate skin make those chubby little bottoms more vulnerable to persistent rashes.

How to identify a diaper rash

Diaper rashes appear as patches of redness or dryness on the baby’s bottom.

You might also notice flaking of the skin or swelling, and you’ll find that the affected area is warm to your touch.

How to treat diaper rash in babies

Diaper rash is a common condition and can be treated by taking the following precautions:

Keep Baby Clean

Clean the genital area well with every diaper change. You can keep cotton balls and use some warm water to clean the area. 

You can also use baby wipes for convenient, easy cleaning. Avoid using wipes that have alcohol and parabens, as these can do more harm than good to your baby’s skin.

Keep baby clean and dry by changing his/her diaper frequently, even if you need to get up in the middle of the night to do so.

The more regularly you change your little one’s diaper, the less likely the baby will develop a rash.

Keep Baby Dry

Pat the skin dry before putting on a fresh diaper. Clean it gently avoiding rubbing.

If possible, give a break of five to ten minutes in between diaper changes. 

You can also let your baby stay without a diaper when he’s indoors or when he’s sleeping, as exposure to air will help heal the rash faster.

Baby powder is also effective in getting rid of excess moisture.

Stop the Itch

Diapers that are too tight can rub against your baby’s delicate skin, potentially causing rashes. So, find the right size for your little one. 

Use a diaper rash cream after every diaper change. This helps form a protective layer on the skin and prevents skin irritation from the baby's stool and urine. 

If you notice that the diaper rashes don’t disappear over the next couple of days, then it’s best to consult your pediatrician.

There are normal diaper rashes, and then there are fungal diaper rashes that need to be treated with prescription medicine. 

Don’t fret too much about the diaper rashes. They will soon disappear once your baby is potty trained. 

Here’s to happy babies! :)

Check out the Baby Care section for more blog posts on baby's health, diet, and so on.

Explore the Himalaya Wellness blog for more useful articles.