What is Diaper Rash and How can you stop it

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Balmex for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Your sweet little baby is plagued with chronic diaper rash. What is it from? Is there anything you can do about it? Can you prevent it from occurring again? Read on to see what the common causes of diaper rash are- and how you just may be able to finally nip it in the bud.

What causes diaper rash?

Baby skin is truly unique and amazing. While it may look and feel perfect, it tends to have special needs because it is far more vulnerable to irritants compared to adult skin. The cause of diaper rash is usually when trapped moisture and friction irritates the skin. It continues over time, and the less-than-sanitary conditions of harsh urine and stool can make the irritation grow increasingly worse as time progresses. Diaper rash is most commonly a kind of contact dermatitis, which is a rash that occurs at the site of exposure to a substance capable of producing an allergic or irritant skin response. Normally, diaper rash becomes secondarily infected by bacteria or yeast that is normally present on the baby’s skin, (especially in the genital region). The term “diaper rash” is a fairly general term, and while there are several causes of diaper rash, the most common is contact irritation.

Rest easy; diaper rash is by no means an indication of neglect or unsanitary care. Diaper rash is similar in character to your common sunburn, which erodes and irritates the top layer of skin.

“Bacteria (staph and strep) and yeast/fungal (Candida) are common causes of diaper rash. Generally both of these types of infections tend to result from a disruption of skin integrity and overwhelming the natural defense mechanisms of skin in this diaper region. Staph and strep bacterial infections are commonly termed impetigo. Classic descriptions of impetigo include small (1-2 mm) tiny blisters (vesicles) and pustules that tend to easily rupture leaving multiple erosions in a sea of generalized skin irritation. The rash is characterized by zones of bright red skin with a series of discrete 2-4 mm “satellite” lesions at the borders of the confluent irritated skin.” (1)

Allergic reactions are a less common cause of diaper rash, however, common allergens in diapering materials are fragrances and components of the diaper wipe. Many parents find great success in switching to cloth wipes and cloth diapers if they have a diaper rash susceptible baby.

What are the best treatments for diaper rash?

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The best treatment for diaper rash is avoidance of the culprits that lead to the contact irritation. Vague, huh? Well, we’re not suggesting completely ditching the diaper all together. Consider having your baby spend the morning playing in the backyard sans diaper. The more the rash can “air out”, the better. If airing it out is not an option, make sure that you are doing frequent diaper changes to limit the poop and urine exposure to the area. Instead of using a wipe (disposable or cloth) with solution for urine-only diapers, consider using a baby washcloth dampened with some water to clean the area when you change your baby.

Most pediatricians find no benefit to using cornstarch or talcum powder to treat and prevent diaper rash, so don’t fall victim to yet another baby item purchase. Using an ointment barrier containing either zinc or petroleum jelly has been proven very effective to treating and preventing diaper rashes. This creates a layer over the rash, protecting the sensitive and damaged skin underneath from coming into contact with anything they may be sensitive to, or urine and feces.

Balmex with ActivGuard is proven to reduce redness in ONE diaper change, making it easy to fight diaper rash and prevent future diaper rash irritation. Only Balmex has ActivGuard™, to help neutralize harmful irritants found in dirty or wet diapers.The dual action formula can treat and prevent diaper rashes from occurring. The proprietary blend of ingredients works on contact in two ways:

1. It is clinically proven to reduce redness in one diaper change.
2. ActivGuard™ protection helps neutralize irritants in dirty diapers, helping to protect against future rashes.

We also love these features:

• Contains doctor recommended zinc-oxide, plus three soothing botanicals along with skin nourishing vitamins B5 and E to help soothe diaper rash, and prevent it from reoccurring.
• Provides a protective barrier against wetness and other diaper irritants to keep rashes from getting worse.
• It glides on smoothly, and wipes off easily.
• It has a clean, pleasant scent.
• Available at retailers such as: Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Toys-R-Us/Babies-R-Us, CVS, Kmart
• Daily Mom readers enjoy this Balmex Diaper Rash Cream Special Offer to use towards your purchase of Balmex Diaper Rash Cream, and make sure to use #EndTheRed on social media to share this awareness.

  

  From one mom to another:

  Babies will cry because it’s virtually inevitable for them not to. If your baby was anything like mine, you know the wailing sound all too well. My daughter was a difficult baby. She cried and fussed, and had a very hard time settling into any kind of routine or sleep pattern. She loved being active from day one, and let her opinion be known constantly. I specifically remember her tiny nose scrunching up, and her face turning red from her enthusiastic crying fits, and the only thing that would calm her down was Mommy, and nursing. Nursing became our special time, and how we established a strong Mother/Daughter bond, and it was how we chose to #EndTheRed on an hourly basis.

  

  SHOP

  Balmex with ActivGuard “Fight irritation. End the red. Use Balmex instead.”

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  Sources: 1. https://www.medicinenet.com/diaper_rash/ |  Photo Credits: The Art of Making a Baby | Cloth diapers on line: Lori Ann