Care for infants requires the implementation of many specific measures, one of which is preventive care with the treatment of diaper rash. Diaper rash in newborns is a very common phenomenon, which all mothers have to face sooner or later, without exception. This can happen, despite the careful care and proper quality of the product used. Thus, it is almost impossible to avoid such an unpleasant problem. For various reasons, it appears in absolutely all babies. In our article, we will explain why diaper rash appears in newborns, and also find out how to treat such irritations on the skin and what is recommended to be done as part of prevention.
Reasons for the appearance
The causes and symptoms of diaper rash in newborns will be discussed below.
It is no secret that the skin of newborn babies is very thin, and at the same time also sensitive, and therefore easily vulnerable. It is in this regard that it requires special care with daily protection. Even minimal friction with excess moisture can trigger an inflammation process called diaper rash. As a rule, they arise precisely in those places in which the skin undergoes prolonged interaction with moisture and friction. Typically, these areas are skin folds in the groin, neck, between the buttocks, lower abdomen and behind the ears. What diaper rash looks like in newborns can be seen in the photo above.
Excess moisture can erase the natural lubricant, which makes the skin extremely vulnerable to various fungi and bacteria, which facilitates the penetration of various infections into it. In the process of movement of the baby, friction occurs, which only exacerbates the already unhealthy state of the inflamed skin.
Grades of diaper rash
In total, three degrees of diaper rash in newborns differ. Initially, only slight reddening of the skin can be observed without any noticeable violations of their integrity. In the event that the necessary measures are not taken, the situation may worsen and move to the second degree, which is characterized by the appearance of pronounced redness, which is accompanied by small cracks, which gradually begin to acquire a wetting character.
The third degree of diaper rash in newborns is characterized by the strong redness of the damaged areas of the skin. Pustules can appear in these areas, and if nothing is done in this situation, the skin condition is likely to be complicated by the additional accession of fungal and microbial infections, and at the same time the development of eczema. Diaper rash, in turn, gives babies not only discomfort, but also extremely painful sensations in the form of itching and burning. Against the background of such symptoms, the child will become very restless, lose his appetite and sleep poorly.
Types of diaper rash
Specialists distinguish several types of diaper rash in newborns. The most common phenomenon is the development of diaper or contact dermatitis, expressed in the appearance of a wetting rash, which will have a red color. The occurrence of flat and at the same time dry crusts on the skin surface of a newborn is also possible. Such diaper rash can occur as a result of a reaction to a number of chemicals present in diaper fabrics, diapers, and in addition, detergents intended for washing.
Another type of diaper rash is impetigo. The habitat of this species, as a rule, is located in the inguinal region, where it is always warm and at the same time moist and regular friction of the folds against each other is carried out. In the event that the child is very often in diapers, the air will not be allowed to flow into his butt, which will cause it to start to swirl. And combined with urine and feces, all this will create an ideal environment for the appearance and development of impetigo.
Meanwhile, in addition to everything, diaper rash in newborns can occur against the background of allergic reactions to new products that are introduced by the mother into the baby’s diet. In such situations, the child may experience red rashes on the ass near the anus. This type of rash is also called an allergic ring. It is for this reason that young mothers should be very careful when introducing a new product.
Seborrheic eczema can also occur as a result of allergic reactions. It usually takes the form of a large red spot, which is located in the groin or lower abdomen. The skin in these areas of the baby, as a rule, becomes rough, and at the same time still oily and slightly swollen to the touch.
Diagnosis and treatment of diaper rash in newborns
Diagnosis includes visual inspection and history taking. If there is no positive dynamics, the doctor may prescribe a referral for a smear on the microflora. It is taken from the affected skin.
Diagnosis of diaper rash in newborns is usually not difficult. However, the manifestations may be similar to an allergy that may result from a reaction to new hygiene products. In addition, diaper rash must be differentiated from atopic dermatitis and prickly heat.
Now we will understand what treatment should be in case of diaper rash on the skin.
Many mothers in order to eliminate diaper rash immediately begin to use powders and baby creams, which is fundamentally wrong. Baby cream very often contributes to the fact that the affected skin surface begins to get wet, which causes additional attachment of various infections. Powders, of course, somewhat reduce wetting damage, but they do not contribute to quick healing. It should be emphasized that each degree of pathology should be treated differently.
So, how to treat diaper rash in newborn babies?
In particular, against the background of the first degree of diaper rash, treatment as such is not required. To eliminate redness, just follow the hygiene of the child. To do this, you need to systematically change the diaper and prevent the newborn from being in wet diapers. As an alternative, you can turn to the use of disposable diapers, changing them every two, maximum three hours.
What else is the treatment for diaper rash in newborns?
Immediately after each diaper replacement, it is important to thoroughly wash the baby, and then dry his skin, paying special attention to the folds. Dry it with soaking movements. In addition, air baths should be carried out for fifteen minutes, which are especially good for treating diaper rash. Air baths should be done five times during the day. At the end of the procedure, the baby's skin folds are lubricated with a special diaper cream. Preference should be given to high-quality cosmetics that are designed for delicate and sensitive baby skin.
In the event that the appearance of redness became a reaction to diapers, it is necessary to try to replace the manufacturer of these products. And if within a couple of days the skin condition does not improve after the measures taken, you will need to turn to the use of medicines. For example, Panthenol Spray is suitable. This is a time-tested medicine that contains dexpanthenol. In the body, this active component is converted into "Vitamin B5", which stimulates skin regeneration.
Treatment of diaper rash with the help of the drug "Panthenol Spray"
"Panthenol Spray" is considered the original drug that is approved for use in infants. It is produced in Europe, and it does not contain any potentially dangerous components for the delicate skin of children. Unlike any cream, the spray can be easily applied to the skin, it is quickly absorbed and does not leave greasy spots.
Given the fact that this drug is very popular among mothers, it currently has a lot of fakes on pharmacy shelves. Most of these fakes are not medicines, therefore, such preparations may contain substances that are dangerous for the skin of children, which are called parabens.
In this regard, when choosing a spray in a pharmacy, it is extremely important to pay attention to the packaging: an emoticon is drawn right next to the name of the spray. Before using such medicines, it is very important to consult a doctor first.
All parents should know what to do and how to treat diaper rash in newborns.
Treatment for extreme diaper rash
In the event that the process of treating diaper rash in babies is successful, then the redness on their own will disappear on the second day, leaving only thin crusts that will quickly disappear on their own.
But if diaper rash persistently and for a long time does not disappear, moreover, they have a tendency to further spread with the development of pustules and cracks, you should consult a doctor, since such symptoms indicate the development of a third degree of skin ailment. Such diaper rash is extremely difficult to treat, in connection with this, prevention plays an important role along with timely treatment of mild degrees of skin irritation. Typically, in such situations, infections of various etiologies are still added to the skin lesions, which requires the use of anti-inflammatory ointments along with antibacterial agents.
The causes and treatment of diaper rash in newborns should be familiar to all young parents. In severe cases, in addition to the above measures, so-called "talkers" are widely used, they are prepared in pharmacies with a prescription. Typically, the composition of such mixtures includes drying components in the form of zinc oxide and talc, along with the emollient component - glycerin. In addition, in the event of wetting injuries, the doctor may prescribe lotions using solutions of tannin, silver nitrate, and rivanol. Such solutions are sold in pharmacies by prescription.
It should be emphasized that in no case can drugs that are made on a fat basis be used on a wetting wound, since they contribute to the appearance of a film that inhibits the healing process. During therapy, you can not use old grandmother's recipes. Especially you can not turn to the use of starch, as it hardens and rolls into lumps, causing even more damage to the skin. In addition, it can create a favorable environment for the propagation of pathogens.
As part of the additional treatment, the doctor may include a course of procedures using ultraviolet radiation on the affected areas of the skin. Pustules are usually treated with a solution of brilliant green. Immediately after diaper rash on the skin ceases to get wet, the affected areas can be smeared with zinc paste. A bactericidal emulsion is also suitable for this. In addition to external treatment, the baby needs to provide good nutrition.
What else to treat diaper rash in newborn babies? The drugs are presented below.
Other drugs
Here are a few names of creams that can lubricate the baby's skin:
- For mild forms of damage, Drapolen is effective. It has a disinfectant, calming, soothing effect on the epidermis.
- Universal cream for newborns - Weleda. Suitable for daily care, nourishes and protects the skin from dryness.
- It contains extracts of chamomile and calendula, sesame seed oil, lanolin.
- Successfully destroys microbes and renews Pantestin cells.
- Relieves irritation, dries Sanosan dermis.
- Also, daily skin care can be carried out with diaper rash cream - “Bepantenom”. You can choose a lotion or ointment from the same series.
Treatment of diaper rash: what should be bathing?
In addition, as part of the treatment of diaper rash, it is recommended to bathe the baby in a solution of potassium permanganate. In this case, the water should have a pinkish color. It is best to dilute a certain amount of potassium permanganate in a glass dish and wait for it to completely dissolve. Next, pre-filtered through several layers of gauze, add to the bath for bathing the baby.
In the event that the child has no allergic reactions to plants and herbs, instead of potassium permanganate, it is better to use a decoction made from oak bark. For its preparation, four tablespoons of the bark are poured with a liter of boiling water and the product is kept in a water bath for thirty minutes, after which it is filtered and added to the bath. Such a decoction is used for sitz baths, while the water temperature should not exceed 36 ° C. The procedure is carried out for eight minutes. Then you need to thoroughly dry the skin, paying particular attention to folds. Then they must have air baths. It should be noted that air baths with the development of the third degree of diaper rash should be performed as often as possible. Causes of diaper rash in newborns should be considered.
If they appear against a background of an allergic disease that affects the skin, desensitizing medications in the form of Suprastin or a one percent hydrocortisone ointment will probably be required.
With the treatment of diaper rash, the child should not be pulled. You also need to ignore the various methods of struggle that suggest supposedly "knowing" people. In this situation, it is very important to correctly determine the source of diaper rash in order to conduct appropriate treatment. Against the background of diaper rash, it is necessary to ensure regular and proper skin care for the baby along with proper and competent nutrition, which is especially important if the child is allergic. After all, food allergies, combined with diaper rash, can greatly worsen the condition of the baby. Often in such situations, you need to go for a consultation with an allergist or dermatologist.
We reviewed the list of the best remedies for diaper rash in newborns. But in addition to therapy, the prevention of the appearance of such irritations on the skin is no less important. Consider the main preventive measures.
Prophylaxis
Careful, and at the same time regular hygiene is the best prevention of diaper rash. The main measures to prevent diaper rash in babies include the following recommendations:
- Conducting daily air baths from five to ten minutes.
- Conducting daily bathing in warm water with the addition of potassium permanganate.
- Mandatory thorough ironing of the child’s laundry.
- The use of special means for rinsing and washing children's things.
- Drying your baby’s clothes is best in the sun.
- Hygiene products should be of high quality, whether it be dusting powder, cream and so on.
- You need to regularly change the diaper. You can not allow a long stay of the baby in wet diapers. Diapers should be changed at least eight times during the day, and diapers should be replaced every three hours.
- Try to use gauze diapers.
What else does the prevention of diaper rash in a newborn child mean? You should also mention napkins and creams. You can not replace the full washing of the child using wet wipes, especially if the baby went "big." It is important to note that the composition of some wipes can cause allergic reactions. Therefore, such a hygiene product should be used only in exceptional cases and with extreme caution. In addition, you should not very often lubricate the skin with cream during the day, otherwise it may “forget” about its natural protective functions.
To prevent the occurrence of diaper rash, which occurs against the background of allergies, and is also the result of dyspepsia or dysbiosis, often occurring during teething or complementary foods, in addition to following the above recommendations, an analysis should be made before or during pregnancy for the presence of allergic intolerance to food products. During such a study, specialists study immunoglobulins, which are antibodies that trigger acute allergic reactions.
According to the results of this study, a sheet with three columns is issued. In the red column will be entered products that are prohibited during pregnancy and lactation. , , . , , , , . , , . . ?
Expert Advice
( ) , , . , , .
, . . , , .
, . !