Lots of families will be entertaining lots of tots over the next few weeks. You may find yourself with a mini houseguest suffering some tushy distress. According to the American Academy of Dermatology there are several steps to take to prevent or treat classic diaper rash.br
- Change dirty diapers as soon as possible—even if they are just wet. This is the most important step of all.
- Be gentle when cleaning the diaper area. Use water and a soft cloth or alcohol and fragrance free wipes. If use a squirt bottle of water to clean the area for the gentlest treatment. And if possible, let the little tyke “air dry.”
- Apply a zinc oxide diaper cream. This is especially important if the skin stays red between diaper changes. If your baby has severe diaper rash, the dermatologist tells us, don’t be afraid to “layer it on like a frosting on a cake.” There is no need to remove the cream at every change. It can be removed at the end of the day.
- Call a doctor or board-certified dermatologist if the baby develops an infection. Signs of an infection may include fever, blisters, pus, and a rash that does not go away after treatment. Another sign of infection is if the baby is in pain and is hard to console.
--Sarah Hagerty
