Thursday 21 May 2015

Diaper Rashes Can Happen To Babies & Adults Both

Diaper Rashes
Diaper rashes are not only quite common in babies, but adults can also have the same. It can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Diaper rashes can be caused due to several reasons and it has several treatments as well. In this blog, we'll tell about this annoying problem and the steps to prevent and cure it.

Is Diaper Rash a big deal?
To put it simply, diaper rash is a kind of allergy or rash that is caused when the victim's skin reacts adversely to his or her diapers. This rash includes the skin's redness, soreness, tenderness as well as allergic reactions. Diaper rash can occur to anybody who is using a diaper, no matter what his or her age is. The severity of the problem can range from a few prickly red spots in a small area to tender red bumps that spread to the tummy and thighs. But no matter what the severity is, it is entirely curable.

7 Crucial Symptoms of Diaper Rash
  • Bright red rash that gets bigger.
  • Fiery red and scaly areas on the scrotum and penis in boys.
  • Red or scaly areas on the labia and vagina in girls.
  • Pimples, blisters, ulcers, large bumps, or pus-filled sores.
  • Smaller red patches (called satellite lesions) that grow and blend in with the other patches.
  • Older infants may scratch when the diaper is removed.
  • Diaper rashes usually do not spread usually beyond the edge of the diaper.
Causes of Diaper Rash

The causes of Diaper Rash can be many starting from unsuitability to the diaper's material to wetness caused by urine, etc. Here are some of the common ones.
  • Wetness – Wetness due to the accumulation of urine and faeces is the number one cause of diaper rash. When urine mixes with bacteria from stool it produces ammonia which can be very harsh. That is why it is essential to change diapers regularly and not to leave it on for too long. But don't think leaving a diaper overtime is the only cause of rash, it can occur even if the victim's skin is over sensitive.
  • Diaper unsuitability - Babies with sensitive skin can get a rash just by rubbing their skin against a diaper or if they’re allergic to the fragrance of the disposable diaper. In case of cloth diapers, detergents used to clean them might cause sensitivity to the skin or it may also be that the lotion or powder you use is not suited to the baby’s skin.
  • Solid food – It has been noticed that babies have greater susceptibility to diaper rash when they start eating solids. This is because their food intake changes their stool composition, which in turn may react on the baby's skin if lying in the diaper for so long. Breast-feeding mothers need to be careful as what they eat might affect the child's bowel movements, which may result in diaper rash.
  • Infections – We all know bacteria and germs multiply in places where there is plenty of moisture. This makes the diaper, an ideal spot for them, and they in turn cause rashes. The cracks and folds of the baby's skin are particularly susceptible to such bacterial infection.
How to treat a diaper rash?

Avoid diapers for the time-being. Allow the baby's skin to breathe a little both in order to cure the rash quickly and prevent it from occurring again. Keep him in cot lined with waterproof cloth or let him play on the floor in a designated area so that only that particular area is dirted.

Rinse diapers well. Pat your baby's skin dry instead of rubbing it. Use warm water while cleaning the baby. Remember the diaper may be used when it's necessary, not when you find convenient.
Use a liquid barrier film. A barrier film protects the victim's skin from unwanted contact with liquids or other irritants.

Avoid talcum powder. Talcum powder irritates baby's sensitive skin, further aggravating it and leading to diaper rash. If your baby is suffering from diaper rash, avoid using talcum powder on his body till the problem is completely cured.

Breastfeeding the baby for long periods can boost your baby's resistance to infections and make him less likely to need antibiotics, which can contribute to diaper rash.

Diaper rash can occur in adults as well

Sometimes, adults who are incontinent may need a diaper as well. And, just as with babies, adults can fall victim to diaper rashes too. In adults, skin irritation may be caused by dampness, warm barrier environment, bad hygiene, incontinence or infection. The treatment is the same as with kids, don't wear diapers all the time, allow the skin to breathe, keep the area as clean as possible and avoid harsh detergents while washing the diapers.

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