Diaper rash signs,symptoms and self help
Diaper rash is extremely common. Probably every baby has it sometime in infancy.
Some babies seem more prone to diaper rash because of inherently sensitive skin. Generally it is fair-skinned children who tend to be more sensitive.
Diaper rash is one of a number of primary irritant contact dermatitises.
That is, it is an inflammation of the skin due to direct exposure to an irritating agent.
The redness and swelling are the result of increased blood flow and greater amounts of moisture in the skin cells.
The fatty junctions between cells are replaced by water, the cells are stretched apart, and the normal protective barrier of the skin is broken.
The body deals with this situation by bringing in increased amounts of white blood cells to prevent or fight infection.
Signs and symptoms of diaper rash
Redness in the diaper area
Slight swelling of the reddened areas
“Thickening” of the skin, with shiny areas and deepened skin lines
The inflammation is caused by a combination of factors: irritating chemicals, moist heat, and mechanical abrasion.
The irritating chemicals are the urea in the Urine Itself, intestinal enzymes which are present in feces, and ammonia, which is produced in the diaper when urea is broken down by bacteria
. Leftover detergent or chemicals in cloth diapers can also act as irritating agents. Moist heat is produced by the baby’s urine and sweat in conjunction with body heat.
The heat and humidity are sealed in by rubber pants or the plastic outer layer of disposable diapers. A yeast infection is caused by a fungus called Candida albicans which is normally found in low numbers around the genital area and mouth. Self-help There is no one correct procedure for treating diaper rash. The doctor Parents should call on the doctor when the rash becomes raw, bright red, or infected—or if the baby is very uncomfortable.
They prevent evaporation, which is both cooling and drying.
Mechanical abrasion produced by too vigorous scrubbing with a washcloth or towel or stiff, scratchy diapers can add to the problem when the skin is already irritated.
Treatment involves eliminating the causal factors, and varies depending on the severity of the rash.
Parents have to alter their diapering routines until they find what works best for the baby—and for them.
The goal of all changes is to minimize exposure to irritating substances, eliminate bacteria from the diapers and keep the affected areas dry.
The doctor will determine whether the rash is infected with bacteria and/or yeast and, if so may prescribe an antibiotic ointment to lower the number of bacteria, or mycostatin to lower the number of yeast.
The doctor may also prescribe a corticosteroid cream to reduce the swelling and redness, and give the skin a chance to heal.