Treatment of Diaper Rash and Prevention of Diaper Rash

What is Diaper Rash?

Diaper rash is a reddening of the skin in the diaper area and is caused by bacteria taking advantage of the warm moist environment inside the diaper. Diaper rash can and does occur on babies in all kinds of diapers.

What Causes Diaper Rash?

There are several different causes of diaper rash. From chemicals, to dyes and perfumes - which can be found in disposable diapers and also in some laundry detergents. Other reasons for a reaction or rash have to do with not changing your baby frequently enough, allergic reactions or acidic foods (among other things).

If you baby has diaper rash that has formed mainly at the opening of the anus, with a brightly colored red ring, it is most likely a reactionary diaper rash. The cause is most likely due to your baby having a reaction to a food. I have, with both my children, experienced this, I am very happy to help you work on it, and trouble shoot! (We ended up doing a total elimination diet with Zachary to get rid of it - I was nursing!)

Here are several suggestions to help you prevent diaper rash:

Change baby's diaper each time he/she is wet or dirty. Disposable diapers should be changed as often as cloth diapers. This is especially important with a dirty diaper. Changing this often usually means you will be changing your baby every 1-3 hours depending on the child.
Wash your baby's bottom with warm water at every diaper change. Some people also find it beneficial to use warm water with an antibacterial wipe solution for its anti-fungal properties.
Pat baby's bum dry, allow to air dry, or sun dry before putting on a new clean diaper.
You should also try to let baby spend some time each day without a diaper especially why she or he has the rash. (A waterproof play mat is a great way to do this with out messing up the carpets.) You can also, when using cloth diapers, choose fleece or wool covers, instead of pul or procare. Both of these materials are "breathable" and let air get to the tender tushy. Disposables are not at all breathable.
When using cloth diapers you will want to avoid scented detergents or fabric softeners in your wash. (Fabric softeners will also cause cloth diapers to repel water way which is another reason to avoid that choice.) Avoid any detergents that contain enzymes. Enzymes are not the best choice, you can read more about that in this article.

Treatments of Diaper Rash

If your baby does get a diaper rash, it is best to use (especially with cloth diapers) a cream that does not have "fish-oils" in it. Fish oils get into cloth diapers and cause build up. You can also cut up plain fleece to use as a liner to protect your diapers. (I just do this, cut up strips of old cheap fleece.)
Another thing to do once your baby has the diaper rash, is to try to make sure he has as much sun/air on his bum as possible. The sun has wonderful healing properties, and can heal a diaper rash quickly!
I have found however, that with these tips, and with the occasional powdering (though my now 23 month old is in love with powder so we use it at every change) we have NEVER had a rash or even the start of one, using cloth diapers! If you don't count the food allergy reaction.
After every diaper change you will also want to wash your hands well.