Diaper Rash
* Change Frequently
- Change diapers frequently to prevent skin contact with stool.
- It may be necessary to get up once during the night to change the diaper.
* Rinse with Warm Water
- Rinse the baby's skin with lots of warm water during each diaper change.
- Wash with mild soap (such as Dove) only after stools. (Reason: frequent use of soap can interfere with healing.)
- Avoid using diaper wipes alone. (Reason: They can leave a film of bacteria on the skin.)
* Increase Air Exposure
- Expose the bottom to air as much as possible. Attach the diaper loosely at the waist to help with air circulation. When sleeping, take the diaper off and lay your child on a towel. (Reason: dryness reduces the risk of yeast infections.)
* Anti-Yeast Cream for Bright Red Rashes
- If the rash is bright red or does not respond to 3 days of cleansing and air exposure, suspect a yeast infection.
- Apply Lotrimin cream (OTC) 2 times per day. (U.S.)
* Raw Skin - Warm Water Soaks and Lotrimin
- If the bottom is very raw, soak in warm water for 10 mins 2 times per day.
- Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to a tub of warm water.
- Then apply Lotrimin cream (Canada: Canesten cream).
* Pain Medicine if 3 months or older
- For pain relief, give acetaminophen every 4 hours OR ibuprofen every 6 hours, as needed.
Caution: avoid ibuprofen until 6 months of age
* Reasons To Call Back
- Rash becomes worse
