Your child may likely get a diaper rash during infancy or toddlerhood. The term "diaper rash" describes a skin irritation that develops in the diaper-covered region. The buttocks, upper thighs, lower belly, or genitalia may exhibit redness or rashes as symptoms. Even though nappy rash isn't dangerous and would often get healed after three or four days of appropriate treatment there are a few important things to know like how to prevent and treat nappy rash can help you keep your baby's pain and suffering to a minimum while avoiding problems like skin infections.

Why rash?  

It's crucial to understand what causes diaper rash before discussing how you can stop it from happening. Diaper rash is caused when wearing a nappy on for excessively long hours. Even though diapers offer 12 hours of protection against dampness and leakages, it is important to check whether the diapers allow air circulation or has the breathability feature designed in it. When a wet nappy (after being fully filled) is worn for too long, moisture is left on the skin, and the urine's composition start hurting the baby's delicate skin. Wearing a nappy with stools for long is equally risky as the faeces can cause the skin to develop irritation. Once the skin's protective barrier is compromised, it becomes even more vulnerable and would get aggravated resulting in discomfort and redness providing a pathway for further infection.

How Can Diaper Rash Be Prevented? 

Change diapers often to avoid poop and urine from irritating the skin, and keep your baby's skin as dry and clean as possible to prevent diaper rash.

Try the following advice: 

●      Check whether the diaper is full by observing the wetness indicator.

●      Change your baby's dirty or wet diaper pants quickly, and thoroughly clean the area.

●      Luke warm water should occasionally be used to wet your baby's bottom in between nappy changes. Water from a plastic container or a hand scoop   can be gently applied to your baby's bottom.

●      Before you change another diaper for your infant, let the skin dry and give some free air for around 20 minutes.

●      Allow the skin to dry naturally or pat dry instead of rubbing the skin.

●      To avoid rashes, select the correct size of diaper.

●      Change diapers if your baby has pooped.

●      If you see light redness developing on your baby’s skin it is an indication that the skin needs some natural air.

Some newborns with sensitive skin may benefit from using diaper cream or ointment after each diaper change, although not all babies will require this.

Consult your doctor for the recommended cleaning methods when using cloth diapers. Use just the prescribed amount of mild detergents, and after washing, run a second rinse cycle to get rid of any remaining soap or detergent that can irritate your baby's skin. Avoid dryer sheets and fabric softeners since even simple products might irritate the skin. 

Some newborns develop a rash after moving to a different brand of diapers. Although doctors don't advise any specific brand, opt for best baby diapers without colors or fragrance if your child has allergies. Water and a wash cloth would work just as well as baby wipes for some infants who are sensitive to them.

 When Should I Contact a Physician? 

Consult your doctor if your kid develops sores on their skin or if it worsens. Also, get medical attention if your kid is becoming more fussy than normal, your infant has a fever or pus leaks from the rash. Depending on your baby's rash, the doctor may use an antifungal or antibiotic cream or suggest other adjustments to your diapering practice. The doctor may occasionally prescribe a moderate ointment or cream to treat an allergic reaction-related rash if those modifications are ineffective for a few days.