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Toddler Diaper Rash
The average American baby spends about 25,000 hours in diapers during the first year of his life. Almost 6000
diapers are changed during this time. No wonder the use of a toddler diaper, despite manufacturer’s claims, will
affect a baby’s sensitive skin. The most frequently reported problem arising from the use of toddler diapers is the
diaper rash that often accompanies them.
Diaper Rash
Diaper rash produces a redness and inflammation of your baby’s skin around the genitals, buttocks, and the inner
thighs. If left untreated, diaper rash may harbor parasites like bacteria and fungi that may result in an infection
that is characterized by yellow patches and fever. Yeast infections can also occur in babies and toddlers, and will
appear primarily in the skin folds.
Causes of Toddler Diaper Rash
The primary cause of diaper rash in toddlers is moisture that remains on the baby’s skin when the new diaper is
applied. Infrequent diaper changes that leave a little one sitting in a dirty diaper for too long can also cause a
rash to appear. Other causes of diaper rash include a child’s allergic response to certain diapers (especially
disposable diapers), a reaction to the detergent used for washing cloth diapers, or a reaction to something new in
your child’s diet. Some toddlers develop diaper rash due to diarrhea that results from antibiotics.
Treating Toddler Diaper Rash
Keeping the baby dry and clean is the best way to treat diaper rash. Diapers should be changed frequently. Leave
the baby diaper-free for as long as possible, since exposure to air quickens the healing process. Some over the
counter medicines, especially lotions containing zinc oxide, are also helpful in relieving the symptoms of diaper
rash. To treat the allergic rash, simply change the detergent or cleaning agent used for washing cloth diapers. If
the rash persists for more than five or six days, take your toddler to a pediatrician who may prescribe topical
medication.
Preventing Toddler Diaper Rash
To prevent diaper rash, you need make sure your baby stays dry inside his diaper. Change the toddler diaper as soon
as the child wets or soils. Do not put a fresh diaper on a child until he is absolutely dry and clean. Apply a thin
layer of some protective ointment, but never use powder or corn starch because these are harmful to the child’s
lungs. It is also a good idea to leave a new diaper slightly loose to allow air to circulate around your child’s
bottom.
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