DIAPER RASH TREATMENT TIPS

The best treatment for a diaper rash is to keep the diaper area clean and dry. This also helps prevent new diaper rashes. Lay your baby on a towel without a diaper whenever possible. The more time the baby can be kept out of a diaper, the better.

Other tips include:

• Change your baby's diaper often and as soon as possible after the baby urinates or passes stool
• Use water and a soft cloth or cotton ball to gently clean the diaper area with every diaper change. Do not rub or scrub the area. A squirt bottle of water may be used for sensitive areas.
• Pat the area dry or allow to air-dry.
• Put diapers on loosely. Diapers that are too tight do not allow enough air flow and may rub and irritate the baby's waist or thighs.
• Using absorbent diapers helps keep the skin dry and reduces the chance of getting an infection.
• Always wash your hands before and after changing a diaper.
• Ask your doctor or nurse which creams, ointments, or powders are best to use in the diaper area.
• Ask if a diaper rash cream would be helpful. Zinc oxide or petroleum jelly-based products help keep moisture away from baby's skin when applied to completely clean, dry skin.
• Do not use wipes that have alcohol or perfume. They may dry out or irritate the skin more.
• Do not use corn starch on your baby's bottom. It can make a candida diaper rash worse.
• Do not use talc (talcum powder). It can get into your baby's lungs.