Baby has diaper rash

Red buttocks: what is diaper rash?

Diaper rash (also called seat dermatitis or more commonly, “red buttocks”) refers to skin irritation in the infant. Very common (almost one in two children has it), the condition occurs mainly between 7 and 12 months, when the baby’s skin is still fragile. It is four times thinner than that of an adult and its sebaceous glands are still immature. The lipid film supposed to protect the horny layer is therefore clearly insufficient. As a result, the skin dries up very quickly, and anything can cause friction and irritation.

Note also that teething can lead to diaper rash, because it is often accompanied by loose, acidic stools.

But do not panic, diaper rash can be treated well, and some precautions to limit the inconvenience. Also note that there are two forms of erythema, that of the folds and that of the protruding parts of the buttocks, up to the sex.

Causes of infant diaper rash

Diapers are one of the sources of irritation in Baby. Indeed, the buttocks of your little one can suffer from being so well protected, perhaps a little too caulked … It is more precisely prolonged contact of the skin with the feces and urine contained in its layer, which causes diaper rash.

And if the layers are supposed to decrease maceration, they can also be source d’inflammation, by their tightness, and friction, especially if they are not changed frequently.

Other circumstances can be at the origin of this irritation: negligence in baby’s hygiene or the use of too aggressive care (wipes, perfumed milks…). Certain conditions can also be involved: diarrhea, digestive candidiasis, nasopharyngeal infections. The taking antibiotics is another possibility to take into account.

What are the symptoms of diaper rash?

” This acute irritative dermatitis begins with redness (dry or oozing), with or without the presence of small pimples. It can be located on the inside of the thighs, on the buttocks and the pubis forming a “W”, explains Jean-François Stalder, professor of dermatology at the University of Nantes. In this case, it touches all the parts in contact with the layer. Another localization: the dermatitis can sit in the folds of the groin and on the genitals, drawing a “Y” (on the bulges at the root of the thighs, the sexual organs (labia majora in the little girl, purses in the little one). boy) and pubis) ”. Here it affects the parts in contact with the feces.

Left untreated, irritation can cause cracks or ulcers with pain. Other complications can occur in the form of superinfection or an extension of the diaper rash.

Infant diaper rash: when to consult?

If the inflammation worsens, it is essential to see a doctor, especially if diaper rash appears in the first six weeks of life your baby, if he has a fever, loss of appetite, and the erythema persists despite your care. 

If you observe papules, pustules and an oozing at the level of the folds appear, consult your doctor promptly. It could be a yeast infection or infection. 

Diaper rash is sometimes associated with Lily of the valley, which is characterized by small white particles in baby’s mouth. A consultation with your doctor is necessary. 

Water paste, cream: how to treat diaper rash in infants?

“Apply a light layer of water-based paste (treatment rich in thermal water which forms a protective shield between the epidermis and the acidity of the stool), healing cream or zinc-based treatments, on the bottom and bottom. top of the buttocks. The ointment forms a film which protects the baby’s skin from the friction of the diaper, ”advises Jean-François Stalder.

Severe erythema or yeast infection: when treatment is necessary

If the erythema does not go away after two or three days or if it spreads, don’t take a risk and see your doctor to avoid complications. Indeed, it may be a superinfection or a mycosis which will require antibiotic treatment.

How to differentiate diaper rash and yeast infection?

A baby’s red bottom can also appear as a result of a yeast infection.

If your baby has a yeast infection, other symptoms appear, such as: 

• Collars on the periphery of irritated areas, that is, small reliefs on the edge of red spots, like small warts.
• These manifestations are generally associated with a inflammation of the anus.
• If in addition baby has a lily of the valley in the mouth (a problem which is also caused by a yeast infection). 

Diaper rash: how to prevent it and avoid recurrence?

“The solution to prevent diaper rash: change Baby after each bowel movement and as soon as the diaper fills a little. This will allow you to fight against maceration and thus avoid any aggravation such as superinfection ”, suggests Jean-François Stalder. The ideal is to change the child, at least six to eight times a day.

During the bath, use an ultra-rich soap, liquid or in bar, then rinse it and dry it by dabbing so as not to irritate its skin. You can possibly rewash it after passing the saddle. When it comes to urine, a little water is enough. On the other hand, avoid giving him a complete toilet after each change, which is more with antiseptic soap which increases irritation.

Apply a drying product and, if necessary, protective and insulating cream to facilitate healing before putting on a new layer.

Talc, diapers: do’s and don’ts

“Do not apply talc to his skin, it maintains the maceration instead of preventing irritation,” concludes Professor Stalder.

To avoid friction on the skin, consider using suitable diapers, which are neither too small nor too large.

Finally, during episodes of diaper rash, leave her buttocks in the open air as often as possible so that her skin can breathe. To prevent leaks, you can cover his seat with a light cloth during the day, loosely, and during naps and at night, lie your baby on a diaper without tying it up. If you caught the problem on time, these few steps may be enough.

Diaper rash: are there natural treatments?

To treat baby’s red bottom, it is recommended that you change your child’s diaper regularly and gently wash your child’s bottom with hypoallergenic soap. 

Do not use no talc after washing, which promotes maceration. 

After each change, remember to dry your baby’s bottom well by tapping, without rubbing, so as not to increase the irritation.  

For the girls, clean back and forth to avoid bringing the fecal matter back to the genitourinary area and clean well at the folds. 

Important: leave baby’s bottom in the open air as often as possible. 

Avoid using disposable wipesbecause they may contain alcohol or other products that could be irritating to your child’s skin. 

During periods of diaper rash, it is advisable to do not put on tight clothes to baby. 

The 5 effective natural products against diaper rash

If you want to treat baby erythema naturally, here are some tips. These grandmother’s remedies do not dispense with the classic treatment. If baby’s diaper rash does not go away with care, see your doctor.

Shea butter 

Shea butter, thanks to its composition rich in fatty acids and vitamins, has soothing functions to relieve baby’s skin from redness and irritation. 

Shea butter can be very effective in treating diaper rash because it forms a protective barrier between baby’s bottom and diaper, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. 

It can also be applied for prevention twice a week. In practice: heat the butter in your previously washed hands, and massage the affected areas. 

Green clay poultices 

Known for its many virtues (softening, soothing, absorbent, healing and bactericidal), green clay can also be effective in treating diaper rash. 

You can use it as a talc after each change, or if the inflammation is too important, you can mix it with plain water to obtain a paste to apply as a poultice on the baby’s bottom. 

Baking soda 

If you have baking soda in your cupboards, get it out! It could help you relieve your baby’s seat, thanks to its cleansing properties, which act against the acidity produced by baby’s urine. 

Instructions for use: in baby’s bath, add two teaspoons of baking soda per liter of water. 

Coconut oil 

Rich in lauric acid, coconut oil has antibacterial, antifungal properties, perfect for relieving pain. They also help in healing. 

Olive oil 

Present in many liniments, olive oil will be your ally for take care of baby’s bottom. This oil forms a protective film between the diaper and baby’s skin, isolating it from moisture and friction of the skin against the diaper. 

In any case, ask your doctor for advice.