Diaper Rash

What is diaper rash?

Diaper rash is a type of irritant dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) that is localized to the area covered by the diaper, in infants. Diaper rash is also called diaper dermatitis, napkin dermatitis, ammonia dermatitis, and Jacquet dermatitis or just eythema (redness of the skin).

Is diaper rash a sign of neglect in caring for the child?

No. Diaper rash is quite common in infants for whom diapers are used. Parents may mistake the rash to represent poor care of the child. Parents need to understand that this is due to an allergic reaction and sometimes an infection.

What are the treatments advised for diaper rash?

The ideal treatment for diaper rash is to avoid the agents, which lead to the contact irritation and secondary infected by skin bacteria or yeast. If a rash has developed, simple cleansing with water and soft cloths is less irritating to the injured skin than disposable wipes. Frequent application of commercially available ointments containing either petroleum jelly or zinc oxide, provides an effective barrier against skin irritants. The irritated skin should ideally be left exposed to the air. This can help effectively clear up diaper rash. If the doctor diagnoses an infection in the diaper area, topical antibiotic ointments may be prescribed.

Are cloth diapers better than disposable diapers in preventing a rash?

Parents sometimes wonder whether diapers should be used and whether switching from disposable to cloth diapers will lessen the likelihood of contact type diaper rash. But the fact is that the absorbent gel material found in most of the disposable diapers draws moisture away from the skin area, thus helping to promote a healthy diaper area.

How should an allergic rash be treated?

When there is an allergic reaction to any of the components found in disposable diapers or wipes, eliminating the causative agent by simple cleansing of the skin with water, or switching over to another brand of disposable diapers or cloth diapers can control the condition.

How useful are creams containing cortisone?

A minimally concentrated hydrocortisone cream is useful in certain cases. But excessive usage of hydrocortisone cream, whether they are of high or low concentration, may cause secondary side effects. They should be used only under the guidance of a pediatrician or skin specialist.