How to Treat Diaper Rash

from wikiHow – The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Diaper rash (also known as nappy rash in the UK) typically happens when you combine the extremely sensitive skin of a baby with the moisture, chemicals, and rubbing that occurs on the bottom of a diapered baby.[1] There are several treatments which range from store bought medicines to home made herbal treatments which can provide your baby some relief. Different methods and chemicals work for different diaper rashes. Experiment to see what works for your baby.

Steps

1. Keep things clean and dry as often as possible.[2] Wash off your baby’s bottom with warm water. Resist the temptation to wipe the area if possible. A bulb syringe can be used to spray water to the sensitive spots. Gently remove any remaining poop with a dab of a baby wipe or wet cloth.
2. Let the baby air dry. If you must towel dry, dab gently.
3. Apply diaper cream. Various diaper creams are available without a prescription. Zinc oxide is an ingredient in many creams and can be effective alone to treat a moderate rash.

Tips

• Avoid having the baby wear diapers as much as possible. Air flowing reduces diaper rash.
• The instructions here are designed to treat “contact diaper rash” which is the most common diaper rash. Other types of diaper rash such as Intertrigo, yeast rash, impetigo, seborrhea, and allergy ring require specific treatments not covered here.[3]

Warnings

• Should you notice the condition worsening, contact a doctor.
• Only use steroid creams if prescribed by a doctor. They can create other health problems. [4]

Things You’ll Need

• Vitamin E Capsules
• Diaper Cream
• Bulb Syringe
• Hot Water
• Washcloth

Related wikiHows

• How to Make Your Own Diaper Cream
• How to Change a Diaper
• How to Change the Diaper of a Fussy Infant
• How to Treat Heat Illnesses and Heat Rash

Sources and Citations

• Mayo Clinic
• AskDrSears.com

1. ↑ http://www.askdrsears.com/html/8/T081400.asp
2. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diaper-rash/DS00069/DSECTION=5
3. ↑ http://www.askdrsears.com/html/8/T081400.asp
4. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diaper-rash/DS00069/DSECTION=5

Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world’s largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Treat Diaper Rash. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Tag:Treat Infant Rashes|Infant Rashes|

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