There is hardly anything worse for a mother than when her baby constantly cries and loudly complains of terrible pain. Even if you think a “wonderful bottom” is completely normal, you should still make sure that any redness doesn’t develop into diaper dermatitis. Diaper dermatitis is extremely painful and can be slow to heal. We have compiled answers to the five most important questions about diaper dermatitis for you.
What is diaper dermatitis?
Diaper dermatitis is an inflammatory skin rash in the diaper area. It often starts with redness in the diaper region and can gradually progress to swelling, sores, and blisters. Almost every baby experiences this type of skin inflammation at least once. The main cause is thought to be contact with ammonia in urine, which damages the natural acid mantle of a baby’s skin. The moist, warm environment inside the diaper also provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and the yeast Candida albicans.
What are the causes of diaper dermatitis?
Have you ever ridden a really long distance on your bike? Then you probably know how much constant rubbing can stress the skin between your thighs. Now imagine all of that happening inside a sealed diaper that is constantly moist and filled with a mixture of urine and stool. This unpleasant thought helps you understand how diaper dermatitis develops. Moisture in the diaper causes the skin to swell and disrupts its natural barrier function. In this environment, germs, bacteria, and fungi can thrive and penetrate the skin. Diaper dermatitis often occurs when babies are teething. If your baby has acidic stool or concentrated urine, the likelihood of developing diaper dermatitis also increases significantly. Medications and intolerances to diaper materials and ingredients in skincare products can also contribute to diaper dermatitis.
How can you recognize diaper dermatitis?
Is your baby’s skin in the diaper area very red, swollen, or oozing? Have blisters, flakes, or crusts formed that spread from the buttocks and heal poorly? Has your baby been crying more often lately and seems restless? Then your baby is probably suffering from diaper dermatitis. But don’t worry: the sooner you start treating diaper dermatitis, the milder it is likely to be. If you begin the right therapy promptly, you can often prevent bleeding spots and weeping pimples.
How to properly treat diaper dermatitis
To say this upfront: If you notice blisters on your child, if the skin is bleeding, or if your little one has been cranky and crying for days, you should definitely see a doctor or ask your midwife for advice. However, if you recognize the first signs of diaper dermatitis early, you can usually start treatment yourself. If you suspect diaper dermatitis, change your child’s diaper frequently and, ideally, let them kick around diaper-free for a few minutes several times a day. Avoid moist cleaning wipes and perfumed lotions during treatment. After the rash has healed, it may be worth considering switching diaper and wipe brands. LILLYDOO offers especially gentle options that are free of fragrances and other irritating ingredients.
Since diet has a significant influence on the composition of stool, you should offer your baby a low-sugar, gentle diet in case of diaper dermatitis. If the pediatrician has identified bacteria or a fungus as the cause, they will prescribe an antibacterial or antifungal medication for your baby. If you apply a cream with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as zinc, cod liver oil, or dexpanthenol to your baby’s diaper rash, the sore bottom will likely heal quickly.
How can you prevent diaper dermatitis?
Even if things go wrong occasionally, you should let your child kick around without a diaper for a longer period each day. Change the diaper frequently and regularly use a barrier cream, applying it thinly during diaper changes. If diaper dermatitis occurs more often, take a closer look at your household’s eating habits and consider how you can support a low-sugar diet for you and your baby. Why not skip the extra portion of breakfast cereal and choose low-acid fruits instead?
