Baby skin rashes are very common. In most cases, they are not a cause for alarm. Babies have super sensitive skin, which is why the rashes develop quickly even with the slightest of discomfort.
The redness and irritation are a part and parcel of diaper rashes. However, some babies do develop them more frequently than others. That’s why it’s very important for you to understand why your baby is experiencing a stubborn diaper rash.
There can be many reasons behind those skin rashes such as switching to a new soap, allergies, tight diapers, or an infection. And you need to ensure that you deal with them quickly because it can flare up quite fast.
So in order to give your baby the best skin rash treatment, let’s first look at why your baby is experiencing the rash.
7 Causes Of Baby’s Rash And Its Treatment
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1. Allergies
A stubborn diaper rash can be due to soap, perfume, fragrances, wipes, or dyes in diapers that can irritate your baby’s skin. Your baby can be allergic to a particular brand of the product that you are currently using.
How to remedy it:
Try to switch the brand or sample a new product to see if you notice the irritation in your baby’s skin.
2. Tight diaper
If the baby’s diapers are tight, they can also irritate your baby’s skin.
How to remedy it:
- If you find that the elastic on your child’s diapers are leaving red marks on their skin, try to loosen it up or move a size up. This will lower the moisture and irritation to the existing diaper rash.
- Always change your baby’s diaper during the night to keep excessive moisture at bay.
- Always keep the area clean and dry to help prevent diaper rash. Your child’s paediatrician can recommend creams that are available over the counter (OTC). They will help to treat the rash.
3. Yeast infection
Your baby’s diaper is warm, moist and it attracts yeast that can cause an infection. Actually, the fungus, Candida albicans, also known as yeast, is a common cause of diaper rash.
In the case of a stubborn baby’s rash, try to find out if they are suffering from a yeast infection. You can spot this if you notice red bumps or dots on the skin.
How to remedy it:
- Make sure you are changing your baby’s diaper frequently.
- Try to keep the area open for some time to allow circulation of air. This can help your baby’s skin rash heal faster.
4. Your baby started on solids
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Some babies get stubborn diaper rash when they start eating solid foods. This is an important milestone in your baby’s diet and it can cause changes in the digestive process and also the frequency of the bowel movement. Thus, causing a diaper rash.
Sometimes, a breastfed baby may develop a rash in response to something that a mum has consumed.
How to remedy it:
Do keep an eye on your baby’s diet. Check the foods that may be causing a skin rash. Maintain a record and then speak to your child’s doctor about it.
5. Detergent ingredients
When you are using a cloth diaper for your baby, be mindful to check that they are cleaned thoroughly in the laundry.
How to remedy it:
- Pre-soak the heavily soiled cloth diapers after you dump the stool.
- Follow this up by using hot water and rinse each batch of dirty diapers twice.
- Try to avoid laundry detergents or fabric softeners, as they may end up causing rashes on infants with sensitive skin.
6. Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD)
This disease is a common cause of rashes in children. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that while hand, foot, and mouth mostly occur in kids under the age of five years, anyone can get them. It is mainly caused by a virus called Coxsackie.
Some of the symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth include:
- Red rash on the skin near the hand, feet, and mouth
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
How to remedy it:
- In most cases, HFMD blisters don’t require any special treatment. You can wash them just like you wash the rest of your skin.
- Remember, the blisters on the palms and soles do not open. But those on the arms and other parts of the body can and this fluid is contagious to other people.
- You don’t need to cover the open blisters as they quickly dry over.
7. Impetigo
Impetigo is a common bacterial infection mostly reported in babies and children. This is characterised by itchy bumps and blisters on your baby’s skin (as a result of the infection). It is contagious and requires treatment.
How to remedy it:
- Daycare or nursery infants usually need to stay home until they are no longer contagious.
- The rash stops being contagious about 24 hours after starting the antibiotic treatment. Without any treatment, the infection can remain contagious for much longer and up to several weeks.
- In most cases, it is rarely serious and resolves without any complications.
These were some of the common causes behind your baby’s skin rashes. However, do understand that it may not be possible to prevent all kinds of rashes.
For instance, if a rash occurs due to an illness it will eventually go away when the baby recovers from it.
When To Visit A Doctor To Seek Baby Skin Rashes Treatment
While we understand it can be quite stressful to see your little one in pain, you should not take undue stress. Instead, try to reduce your baby’s exposure to allergens and other triggers to skin rashes.
- Always keep the skin clean and dry to prevent diaper rash
- See to it that the baby’s clothes are clean and dry and can help prevent moisture rashes from occurring
Sometimes, there is no apparent cause of skin rashes but the baby may be showing other signs of illness, such as fever. In this case, it is best to speak to your child’s doctor.
Parents or caregivers need to be aware of the different kinds of skin infections to identify the red flags. For instance, you should seek immediate medical attention if your baby is showing signs of meningitis. It is a severe and life-threatening infection.
Usually, the baby’s rash clears up with at-home treatment. But don’t ignore when there are symptoms like a stiff neck or a loss of appetite.
Your baby skin rashes treatment will vary depending on the underlying condition.
Source: Medical News Today
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