| A common, yet frustrating baby skin problem is diaper | | | | petroleum jelly on baby's dry bottom during diaper |
| rash. Diaper rash is a skin irritation typically caused by | | | | changes and after bath. If baby is particularly sensitive |
| irritants or excessive moisture in the diaper area. | | | | and prone to diaper rash, you may want to get into the |
| Diaper rash is especially common when baby starts | | | | habit of doing this at all diaper changes to prevent |
| eating solid foods, is teething, or is taking antibiotics. | | | | further outbreaks. |
| A mild case of diaper rash involves a simple, red rash, | | | | ~ Allow baby to go diaperless whenever possible. The |
| while more serious cases can actually include blistering, | | | | fresh air will keep baby's bottom dry and if he's |
| bleeding and open sores. There are several steps you | | | | recovering from a case of diaper rash, it will feel |
| can take to avoid diaper rash or to treat a mild case: | | | | wonderful to his tender skin. Just a few minutes of |
| ~ Change baby frequently -- it is important to keep | | | | fresh air can make a difference. |
| baby dry and clean. Cloth diapers need to be changed | | | | ~ If the rash does not clear up within a few days, if |
| more frequently than disposables. Remove soiled | | | | there is bleeding, blisters or open sores, or the rash is |
| diapers immediately. | | | | primarily in the folds of baby's skin, contact your |
| ~ Avoid using diaper wipes, especially those with | | | | pediatrician. The rash may actually be a yeast infection, |
| heavy perfumes and alcohol. Instead, use lukewarm | | | | or may be serious enough to require preion medication |
| water and a washcloth to cleanse the diaper area. Pat | | | | to aid the healing process. |
| dry or allow to air dry completely before putting | | | | Few babies are fortunate enough to avoid this pesky |
| another diaper on. | | | | condition altogether during their diaper days. However, |
| ~ If using cloth diapers, wash in a mild detergent - | | | | by keeping baby's bottom clean, dry, and away from |
| again, without perfume or bleach. If using disposables, | | | | known irritants, you can lessen the chances and |
| try changing brands for persistent rashes. | | | | severity of an outbreak. |
| ~ Apply a thin layer of diaper rash ointment or | | | | |