| Diaper rash can be caused by a lot of things. It can be | | | | 5. Ointment helps. Using a pediatrician-recommended |
| brought about by a reaction to the baby's own stool | | | | diaper rash cream or ointment helps create a |
| and urine or the soap used in washing the baby's | | | | protective barrier in the skin. Among the most widely |
| diapers. But regardless of what might have really | | | | prescribed diaper rash creams/ointments are A and D |
| brought on the condition, the fact remains that diaper | | | | ointment, Diaparene, Desitin and zinc oxide. Be sure to |
| rash can cause a significant amount of discomfort for | | | | dry the skin before applying these. |
| you and your baby. To treat diaper rash effectively | | | | 6. Powder magic. Dusting the baby's bottom with |
| and to say goodbye to it permanently, read the | | | | powder also helps a lot in protecting your baby's skin |
| following tips: | | | | from irritants. Just be careful when you apply powder |
| 1. Say goodbye to diapers (well, at least temporarily)! | | | | since it can be a possible health hazard, especially if |
| What causes diaper rash? The answer? What else | | | | the baby accidentally inhales it. As a safety precaution, |
| but diapers! When your baby's bottom is sore from all | | | | sprinkle a small amount of powder on your hand first |
| those uncomfortable rashes, it is best to take his or | | | | before you apply it on your baby's skin. Go for |
| her diapers off frequently. This will prevent the baby's | | | | cornstarch-based powders. |
| stool and urine from making contact with the already | | | | 7. Hang them out to dry. Why not try an old wives' tale |
| sore skin and aggravating the condition some more. If | | | | trick? It was said that if you hang your baby's diapers |
| you are worried about making a mess once the | | | | to dry out in the open air, diaper rash can be |
| baby's diapers are off, you can keep him (or her) on a | | | | prevented. Well, there is nothing to lose if you give it a |
| rubber mat covered with a washable cloth while you | | | | try! |
| air his (or her) bottom. | | | | 8. A little vinegar might do the trick. Your baby's urine |
| 2. Stay clean and dry. The most effective way to | | | | can be very alkaline in nature that it can irritate and |
| prevent diaper rash or to treat an existing one is to | | | | burn the skin as much as an acid can. So, the next |
| make sure that your baby is always clean and dry. | | | | time you wash your baby's diapers, add a little vinegar |
| The microorganisms that cause skin infections just | | | | to your rinse water (about half a cup will do the trick!). |
| love the moist and warm environment under those | | | | This will counterbalance the alkalinity of your baby's |
| diapers! | | | | urine and prevent further damage. |
| 3. Steer clear of commercial baby wipes. Most | | | | 9. Throw those plastic pants away! Wearing plastic |
| commercially available baby wipes contain irritating | | | | pants is a big no-no! It tends to keep the moisture |
| ingredients such as alcohol and other chemicals. These | | | | locked in and worsen an existing infection. The rule of |
| can further irritate the rash. The best way to go is still | | | | thumb in treating a diaper rash - let it dry! |
| by using the traditional hypoallergenic soap and water | | | | 10. Make a change. If you have tried almost anything |
| in cleaning up your baby's bottom. | | | | and the rash still does not clear up, try changing your |
| 4. Air it out. When you change your baby's diapers, | | | | detergent. It might just be the culprit. |
| make sure that you dry out his (or her) bottom | | | | However, if you notice that the rashes have become |
| completely with a clean towel. It will also be of great | | | | very red, raw or sore looking or if you notice blisters, |
| help if you will leave the skin exposed to air for a few | | | | pus or crusty patches, it is best to have your baby |
| minutes before putting on a new diaper. | | | | examined by your pediatrician. |