Chafing and diaper dermatitis in infants is very common during the first few years of life. What causes skin chafing in infants? How do I prevent it?
Chafing is a small reddening in the area of an infant’s urethra and anus. If a parent notices such a change on the skin of a toddler, he should react as soon as possible so that it does not turn into a diaper rash.
If parents do not react to diaper rash, it can quickly develop into diaper rash. A characteristic symptom of diaper rash is erythema and pimples.
The main causes of nappy rash in a newborn are
Your baby’s skin is very delicate, so the diaper should be changed every two to three hours at the most, and after every bowel movement.
Every time you change a diaper you should wash your baby’s bottom and intimate area very carefully. The best way to do this is to use lukewarm boiled water and sterile compresses. If the infant has skin problems, chamomile infusion or a bit of emitter can be added to the water.
After washing, you need to dry the bottom very thoroughly with a paper towel. This should be done by gently touching the baby’s skin.
After washing and drying the skin, apply an anti-burn cream or ointment, which will have a protective function. When choosing a cosmetic, it is worth paying attention to its composition. A good preparation should contain:
If changes occur, such as:
Respond as quickly as possible by applying over-the-counter creams or going to your healthcare provider. Do not allow erosions to develop.
If a flare-up has already occurred, apply zinc oxide ointment after every diaper change. If persistent nappy rash problems persist, consult a dermatologist or allergologist.
Fresh air has a regenerative effect on the skin, so leave your baby without a diaper as often and as long as possible. This will help the sores heal faster. When airing the bottom it is worth protecting the base with a waterproof underlay.
The bottom should be aired after being washed, and before putting on a diaper it should be oiled with ointment for sores.
There is no single universal brand of diapers that suits all babies. Therefore, it is worth trying available products by trial and error. You should choose for your baby diapers, which:
The best way to wash delicate baby skin is with lukewarm boiled water. Moisturizing wipes are very convenient, but they contain a lot of chemical ingredients that can cause allergies.
If your baby’s skin is dry, it is more susceptible to irritation and chafing. That’s why it’s a good idea to moisturize delicate skin with cosmetics containing emollients.
In case of problems with chafing the toddler can be relieved by baths with the addition of:
If the cosmetics used bring the expected results, do not change them for others. Allergy is a very individual matter and can happen even when using very expensive and recommended cosmetics.
Main photo: Picsea, source: unsplash.com
