Diaper rash is more common than you think

• April 27, 2024

The inflammation Y redness of the baby's skin that affects those parts of the body covered by the diaper is very common among infants, can cause pain on contact and affects the same both genders . It is estimated that more than 35% of babies suffer from diaper rash sometime between 4 and 15 months of age, although the incidence is usually higher when they suffer from diarrhea, begin to eat solid foods or during teething, because the stools become more irritating.

Experts say that the best diaper is not the most expensive or the most absorbent, but the one that changes more times. In this sense, the inflammatory process that the baby's skin suffers from contact with stool and the urine , extremely irritating agents, is related to excess moisture, lack of ventilation and alteration of the pH of the baby's skin.

Diaper dermatitis caused by candida

According to the pediatricians of the National Institutes of Health of the United States, diaper rash can also be caused by the infection of a yeast or fungus called candida , very common among children, which is found in the environment and grows better in hot and humid places, such as under a diaper.

Fungal-related dermatitis is more likely to occur in babies who do not stay clean and dry, who are taking antibiotics themselves or their mothers while breastfeeding, or when the baby has more frequent bowel movements. Other causes of inflammation are related to diapers that are too tight, rub the skin, or reactions to soaps and other products used to clean fabrics.

Prevention and cure of diaper rash

The best treatment for a dermatitis is to keep the diaper area clean and dry. This also helps prevent new irritations. It is highly recommended to ask your pediatrician about the type of cream or ointment that is most suitable for your child's skin. Never replace wipes special to clean the baby by others, such as cleansers that contain alcohol or perfume and can further dry or irritate the dermis. In all cases, use water and cotton to gently clean the diaper area avoiding rubbing the irritated area. Also, do not use cornstarch on your baby's buttocks, as it can worsen diaper rash on candida; Do not use talc, because it can get into your lungs.

It is advisable to place the diapers looser, because if they are too tight they do not allow enough air and can rub and irritate the baby's waist or thighs. If you use cloths, avoid plastic underpants on the diaper, and do not use softeners because they can make the rash worse. When washing cloth diapers rinse them 2 or 3 times to remove all the soap if your baby already has a rash or has had it before.

Video Medicine: Best Diaper Rash Creams - How Much Time It Will Take To Heal Diaper Rash (April 2024).