What is diaper rash?

Diaper rash is any rash that develops within the diaper area. Children with a mild case of diaper rash experience red skin. In more severe cases, there may be painful open sores. The red skin and sores are normally found around the groin and inside the folds of the upper thighs and buttocks. Most babies experience diaper rash, and for the most part the rash is not serious.

What are some of the causes of diaper rash?

• Too much moisture
• Chafing or rubbing
• Urine, stools or both touch the skin for long periods of time
• Yeast infection
• Bacterial infection
• Allergic reaction to diaper material

When skin stays wet too long, it starts to break down. When the skin is rubbed, it also damages more easily. Moisture from a soiled diaper can harm a baby’s skin and make it more prone to chafing. When this happens, a diaper rash may develop.

Diaper rash occurs more often when:

• Children get older
• Children are not kept clean and dry
• Babies have frequent stools
• Babies begin to eat solid foods
• Children are taking antibiotics

How to avoid & treat diaper rash

• Do not use products that contain alcohol or fragrances since these can irritate skin
• Try to expose the skin to air whenever possible
• Change the diaper frequently to ensure the skin is clean and dry
• Give an oatmeal bath or soak to help soothe the skin and ease your child’s discomfort
• Instead of using wipes, try use a small squeeze water bottle with warm water to clean the bottom and pat dry with a soft, clean disposable towel
• Apply diaper rash creams like: Butt Paste, Balmex, Desitin, A+D Ointment, Aquaphor…

If your child’s skin does not improve within two to three days she may have a yeast rash and should be seen by your pediatrician.

Over-the-counter treatment creams

• Desitin
• Balmex
• A+D
• Triple Paste
• Lotrimin
• Zinc oxide based products

According to our Illness Policy, children with diaper rashes can continue to come to school as scheduled and will we assist with the necessary treatment.

If your child will be out for any reason, please call or email us by 10:00 a.m.

818-992-1942 • [email protected]

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Jenni Rice - Owner & Director

I hope you like this post. I love helping parents, teachers and children learn, grow and become better people! Everyday I'm delighted to spend my day in the place I love with the people I love. If you don't know me already, please read my Teacher Feature.

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