Most men seem okay with changing diapers until the wife or whomever is changing the diaper whips out the ointment and squeezes it on a man’s finger! It can be intimidating – what do you do with this ointment and why is it so important? Well here are some of the benefits of diaper ointment and making your wee-babe as comfy as possible. Did we mention Le Top makes a baby collection in boy, girl and unisex styles? They are awesome for gifts too – and super soft on the skin, another benefit to keeping your baby comfy! 🙂
The BASICS:
Skin wetness is the common denominator underlying the various causes of diaper rash. Urinary wetness increases skin friction, raises the skin pH, makes the skin less cohesive, and makes it more permeable. These effects combine to intensify the action of stool enzymes or other irritants that then inflame the skin. Diaper rash ointment prevents, treats and comforts your baby’s bottom after it becomes sore, red, itchy or irritated after a wet diaper. There are two types of ointment, petroleum and zinc oxide, and both are useful for certain symptoms. Keep the area dry and healthy with a generous dose of diaper ointment every few diaper changes.
TYPES OF RASHES:
Friction Rash: This is the most common form of diaper rash, and affects almost all babies at some time. It’s common on areas where friction is most pronounced; such as the inner thighs; or under the elastic of diapers that are too tight.
Irritant Rash: This is most conspicuous on the exposed areas, such as the round part of the buttocks. It tends to not appear in skin folds and creases. It’s generally the result of contact with stool enzymes or irritants such as harsh soaps, baby wipes, detergents, or topical medicines.
Intertrigo: Moist heat causes this common type of diaper rash that occurs deep in the skin folds. The skin looks thin, as if it has lost several layers.
Allergic Rash: This rash looks like poison oak! Ah!
KEEP THE RED AWAY!
Petroleum jelly or zinc oxide ointments are useful for preventing diaper rash. They protect your baby’s bottom by creating a barrier between the diaper and the skin. The ointment may not have disappeared by the next diaper change, but it is important that you don’t remove the ointment. Cleaning the diaper area is fine, but excess cleaning can irritate the skin. Allow the diaper ointment to do its job by not rubbing it off at each diaper change.
Some popular over-the-counter ointments are:
- A + D
- Balmex
- Desitin
- Hydrocortisone
- Zinc Oxide Paste
- Butt Paste
- Aquaphor
To aid the healing of diaper rash, do what you can to increase airflow to the diaper region. These simple suggestions may help:
- Let your child go without a diaper for short periods of time.
- Avoid using plastic or tightfitting diaper covers.
- Use larger than usual sized diapers until the rash goes away
While your baby has a diaper rash, avoid washing the affected area with soaps and disposable, scented wipes. Alcohol and perfumes in these products can irritate your baby’s skin and aggravate or prolong the rash.
What does it treat?
Diaper ointment is also useful in treating diaper rash. Diaper rash can present itself as red, scaly, bumpy, and may even include blisters. Applying diaper rash ointment at the first sign of diaper rash can prevent the rash from getting worse. If a diaper rash is ignored and left untreated, it can worsen quickly. Diaper rash is especially prevalent in babies who have diarrhea or who do not get frequent diaper changes.
Take note!
Talcum powder and corn starch are not beneficial as diaper ointments, although they are considered traditional cures. The talcum powder can disperse when shaken onto the baby’s skin and can make its way into the baby’s lungs, says Baby Center. Cornstarch will sometimes have the opposite effect on a diaper rash, making it worse. This is especially true if the baby has a yeast-based rash, frequently found on babies who are taking antibiotics, nursing babies whose mothers are taking antibiotics, or babies struggling with oral thrush.
Another non-ointment natural tip to ease diaper rash?
How to do it: Instead of cleaning your baby’s bottom with premoistened wipes, hold her over the sink and let warm water wash over her inflamed skin. Then dry her off using a blow-dryer set on cool.
Why it works: Washing with plain water and drying with air feels good on sore skin. In addition, it speeds healing by decreasing friction on the area. Exposure to the chemicals in baby wipes will only make the irritation worse.
If your baby does have a rash and you’ve already used the suggestions above, they may have a yeast infection and need a prescription from your pediatrician.
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