Diaper Rashes and You

Your baby wakes up crying for you to change it's diaper. You dread this but you know that it has got to be done. You get the wipes and diaper ready for diaper duty. You take your baby's diaper off just to realize that her little tush is red. You think to your self, oh no, not a diaper rash.

You may be wondering what the cause of a diaper rash is or what you could do to simply just soothe your aching child from the pain that it is suffering. You start to think back at what could have caused it and what you preventive measures that you have taken to keep this from occurring.

Diaper rash or nappy rash, is a generic term applied to skin rashes in the diaper area that are caused by various skin disorders.

Generic rash or irritant diaper dermatitis is characterized by joined patches of erythema and scaling mainly seen on the convex surfaces, with the skin folds spared.

Diaper dermatitis with secondary bacterial or fungal involvement tends to spread to concave surfaces as well as convex surfaces, and often exhibits a central re, beefy erythema with satellite pustules around the border.

Ever since diapers where invented, diaper rash has become more common. All though, diapers are a very handy invention for holding babies waste in a relatively convenient, clean, and healthy way.

There are a number of different entities that fall under the label of diaper rash. Friction rash is the most common for of diaper rash, and affects almost all babies at one point or another. It is most common on areas where friction is most pronounced, such as the inner thighs, or under the elastic of diapers that are too tight. It can go away as quickly as it came, and it responds well to frequent diaper changes, airing out, and protective barriers.

Irritant rash is the most conspicuous on the exposed areas, such as the round part of the buttocks. It tends to spare skin folds and creases. It's generally the result of contact with stool enzymes or irritants such as harsh soaps, baby wipes, detergents, or topical medicines.

Allergic rash may occur with an irritant or rash or by itself. It also tends to occur most on exposed areas. The rash will look a lot like poison oak.

Intertrigo is mostly caused by moist heat and occurs deep in the skin folds. It usually causes the skin to look thin, as if it has lost several layers.

Seborrea rash is a salmon-colored, greasy rash with yellowish scales that are also worse in the skin folds.

Psoriasis is also another form of a rash that doesn't necessarily look distinctive. Psoriasis usually accompany the diaper rash, though, such as pitting of the nails or dark red areas with sharp borders and fine silvery scales on the trunk, face, or scalp.

There are a number of rare diseases that characterize a diaper rash. Some of these rare diseases are congenital syphilis, hostilities x, zinc deficiency, wiscott-aldrich syndrome, acrodermatitis enteropathica, or jacquet's dermatitis. These are uncommon, but should be considered in prolonged, severe rashes that are unresponsive to the appropriate therapy.

The common denominator underlying the various causes of diaper rash is simply skin wetness. Even skin lesions of systemic illnesses tend to concentrate in areas where the skin is already damaged.

Yeast is by gar the most common type or organism found in a diaper rash. The organism is quite prevalent and thrives in warm, moist skin. Yeast involvement should be suspected in any diaper rash that has not improved dramatically with 72 hours of appropriate therapy. Current or recent antibiotic use makes a yeast infection even more likely, since this reduces the amount of the skin's good bacteria that fight infection. Classically a yeast rash is beefy red with sharp raised borders and whites scales. Small satellite lesions surround the main rash. Even without the classic pattern however, yeast is often present.

In preventing a diaper rash you should change diapers often, removes dirty diapers promptly. You should also consider rinsing your baby's bottom with water as part of each diaper change. Patting your baby dry with a clean towel may also help with aiding against diaper rash. You should never over tighten diapers or use diapers with elastic edges. When possible you should let your baby's bottom air dry, this is a natural and healthy way to let it dry. Consider using ointment regularly. Also you should always wash your hands well after changing your baby's diapers to prevent the spread of germs or yeast to other parts of your baby's body.

The best treatment for diaper rash is to keep your baby's skin as clean and dry as possible. If your baby's diaper rash persists during home treatment, your doctor may prescribe an anti fungal cream or possibly a mild hydrocortisone cream. Diaper rashes usually require several days to improve and can continue for weeks. If the rash persists despite prescription treatment, your doctor may recommend that your baby see a dermatologist.

Diaper rash is usually easily treated and improves within several days after starting home treatment. If your baby's skin doesn't improve after a few days of home treatment with over the counter ointment and frequent diaper changes, then you should talk to your doctor. Sometimes, diaper rash leads to secondary infections that may require prescription medications. If your child has a rash that is accompanied by a fever, blisters or boils, a rash that extends beyond the diaper area , pus or weeping discharge, or has a rash that will not respond to home treatment then you should seek medical advise.

Always remember that diaper rashes are the most common rash of all infants and usually occur between the ages of nine and twelve months. If you are not certain on what to do about your babies diaper rash the you should seek medical advise.