Seeing our little ones in pain is not easy. Especially, when there isn’t much we can do about it. So, when they have a diaper rash, it makes them cranky, irritable and miserable. It also has a negative effect on momma! Don’t worry, we’re going to try to get to the bottom of everything, so to speak.
How Do Antibiotics Cause a Diaper Rash
Diaper rashes are quite common with babies and are primarily caused by friction against the skin due to moisture. It can result in red, shiny rashes or white bumps on the exposed areas of baby’s skin.
There are varying degrees of diaper rashes ranging from mild to severe. It is important to get a rash healed up as soon as possible before the rash becomes any worse. There are a couple ways you can naturally help a rash heal.
When a baby takes antibiotics (either directly or through the mother's breast milk), then all of the bacteria that helps keep his yeast growth in check may be getting depleted. Without this bacteria, your baby can quickly develop a yeast infection diaper rash.
Ways To Heal a Diaper Rash
You should always talk to your doctor any time you think something is off about your baby’s health.
Your baby’s doctor can check for other symptoms that may point to an infection or another serious illness. If the rash is mild and there are no other symptoms, he may either prescribe an ointment or recommend over-the-counter ointments or home remedies.
There are many home remedies available online, but not all of them are safe for your baby. Before you try any suggestions found online, simply call your baby’s doctor first to make sure it will be okay to try out.
1. Corn Starch
Okay, so there are a couple different methods to go about helping heal baby’s nasty little rash. The first one you can get right out of your kitchen, cornstarch. Follow these steps:
Step 1: After you’ve removed your little one’s diaper, gently cleanse the area. Make sure the soap you are using is mild and free of perfumes and dyes. These can serve as irritants to the sensitive skin and can make things worse. Remember to get the little creases of baby thoroughly.
Step 2: Once you’ve lathered and soaped your baby, gently wash the suds away. Again, take extra care to remove the soap from the folds and little creases.
Step 3: Now, you want to gently pat them dry with a soft cloth. Be careful not to rub because this can cause discomfort.
Step 4: Once you’ve dried them, allow baby to air dry for a few moments, making sure all exposed skin and irritated areas are dry. It is important to remember to make sure the skin is 100% dry because cornstarch can worsen the situation otherwise.
Step 5: Make sure baby is completely dry on all surfaces. Sprinkle cornstarch liberally over the affected areas.
Step 6: If the areas are bad enough, you can make a paste by adding petroleum jelly to cornstarch. Petroleum jelly is a natural barrier against moisture. When mixed with the cornstarch it works as a double threat. The jelly will protect against moisture while the starch dries the area out. Spread liberally over all the affected areas.
Step 7: Secure diaper back in place but not too tightly.
You need to repeat this every time you change baby’s diaper. If the skin is still super irritated, you can also put the cornstarch in the fridge for a few minutes to cool it. The cooling sensation will ease the warm irritation of the rash. Just don’t leave it in there for too long because too cold could cause extra discomfort.
If you choose this method, it is best to repeat each of these steps every time baby gets a diaper change.
2. Going All-Natural
Sometimes going natural is better. The steps for this are super simple and easy!
Place a towel or a blanket on the floor, bed, or wherever they can have plenty of room. Follow steps 1-4 from above. After cleaning your baby thoroughly, allow the air to dry him completely.
Fresh air, when irritated skin is exposed to it, helps aid in the healing. This can be done a couple times a day. It dries out the irritated areas. Diaper rashes thrive in warm moist areas with little air exposure so plenty of air exposure may help your baby heal.
3. Use A Hair Dryer
Another method doesn’t necessarily require any pastes, putties or other medicated ointments. Once again, repeat steps 1-4 from above. Then all you have to do is use the low cool setting of your hair dryer. The cool air will soothe irritated skin while the air will dry the skin completely.
Once the skin is 100% dry, apply ointments or cornstarch. If the area is bad with broken sores and bleeding, you need to consult your doctor before applying any kind of medicines.
If this is the method you decide to go with, then it will need to be done every time you change your precious little one’s bottom.
4. Over-the-Counter Ointments
With so many options for diaper rash ointments on the market, it is hard to know exactly which ones work the best. I’ve included a few of the top choices for creams in no particular order, but always check with your baby’s doctor first.
Boudreaux’s Butt Paste this works great because it is paraben and preservative free. It also relieves on contact.
Aquaphor Baby This is another product that is preservative free. It’s also fragrance-free. Often there are perfumes in ointments that can cause baby added discomfort.
Angel Baby Bottom Balm If you want to go the organic, way, then we suggest trying Earth Mama’s organic diaper balm. This cream allows the skin to breathe while healing at the same time.
Time to Call the Doctor
It is never easy to see our little ones in pain. If you’ve exhausted all methods and the diaper rash continues to get worse, it might be time to give your baby’s doctor another call.
While diaper rashes might not seem like a huge issue, if left untreated, diaper rashes can lead to other problems such as infections. Signs that it’s time to call your doctor can be any or all of the following:
Fever
Swelling of the irritated area
Blisters
Weeping sores
Puss
The rash begins to worse
If any of these signs are present, take baby to the doctor because secondary infections can occur. These secondary infections can be in the form of fungal infections or yeast infections. If this is the case, your pediatrician may prescribe the baby with an antifungal cream.
To Wrap Up...
I want to say thank you for stopping by. I sincerely hope that I have answered all of your questions and helped solved your baby’s diaper rash situation. I know it’s hard when our babies are uncomfortable.
Do you have questions or comments? Please, feel free to leave them in the comment section below and I will do my best to get you the most accurate, up-to-date information.
References
James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. (10th ed.). Saunders. ISBN 0-7216-2921-0
"What is diaper rash: What causes diaper rash?". MedicalBug. Retrieved 12 August 2018
