How To Prevent Diaper Dermatitis?

Diaper dermatitis is a very common inflammation in babies. It appears in the area of ​​skin that is always in contact with the diaper, but it can also appear in the rest of the body. It can appear in different ways, but in general it is an irritation in this region, which is complicated by the presence of feces and urine.

To recognize whether it is in fact dermatitis, one should look for redness in the baby’s genital region and buttocks. Some swelling may also appear, or there may be a rise in temperature in the affected skin region. In the same way, it is frequent the appearance of small blisters or reddish spots that, even located in small regions, can sometimes spread to the thighs and even to the belly.

This inflammation can be prevented by taking some measures at the right times. Dermatitis appears around twelve months of age and not all babies have this inflammation. However, it is very important to prevent the onset because it is an inflammation that can cause serious complications for the baby. Dermatitis is recurrent in cases where there is diarrhea or when the plastic diaper is more aggressive.

Consequences of diaper dermatitis

In most cases, diaper dermatitis is easily resolved, as the pediatrician can prescribe steroid creams, fungicides, or antibiotics that will help to quickly eliminate the inflammation. However, in some cases some complications may appear that require greater care.

To prevent the consequences of dermatitis from being more serious,  the inflammation needs to be treated from the beginning. As it spreads, it becomes harder to heal.

In this regard, it is known that among the factors that trigger this problem is the maceration of the region. If we add dermatitis to this problem, the consequences can trigger, for example, an infection by bacteria.

Moisture and irritation of the skin in the diaper region can activate the bacteria present, which will develop quickly, causing an infection in the dermatitis itself. This complication causes yellowish sores to appear.

Another serious consequence and a little more common than the infection is the contamination produced by a type of fungus known as thrush. This infection causes an overpopulation of this organism in the region affected by dermatitis. It causes the lesions to become reddish and purplish, and sometimes these lesions heal.

Measures to prevent diaper dermatitis

Despite being a frequent and easy to treat inflammation, it is not necessary to wait for it to appear. Thus, it  is preferable and possible to take measures to prevent the onset of inflammation. In this sense, the measures to be taken must be consistent and respect the recommendations indicated by the experts.

Considerations in this regard include respecting hygiene rules and using products made especially for babies. Among the measures necessary to avoid the consequences of diaper dermatitis, the following advice is recommended:

• Be aware of the need to change the diaper because it is risky to let the baby dry when dirty. In addition, at the time of exchange, it is recommended to clean the area carefully, without using soap or perfume.
• As for the products that can be used, talc is an option. But only when the skin is not ulcerated. Washing with baby cleansing milk is also a good option.
• If the baby has already shown a propensity for dermatitis, it is advisable to leave the baby without a diaper for a few hours a day. It is also recommended not to tighten the diaper too tightly in order to avoid intense friction.

• The use of moisturizers should be considered, through formulations that provide an adequate level of hydration.
• Avoid wearing diapers that make it difficult for the skin to breathe. This involves carefully choosing the diapers that offer the best quality in this regard. Most diapers are designed to allow the skin to breathe and to prevent friction and moisture. That’s why it ‘s important to choose the right diaper for your baby.
• Apply water-based creams that have components with an astringent function. These products must be applied after cleaning the area. They act as a barrier between the diaper and the skin, preventing the appearance of irritation.