A diaper rash is like a heartbreak covered in tiny red splotches. The second your baby cries in discomfort, you can’t help but feel their pain. And that’s a good thing! It means you will do anything you can to quickly resolve that issue. Like reading this article for example. Your quest to understand, treat, and prevent diaper rashes has brought you here and this is a great place to start. Let us tell you why diaper rashes happen and how treatments such as zinc oxide creams can help!
Causes Of Diaper Rashes In Babies
Diaper rashes are a very common occurrence and most babies get it at least once in their lifetime. If it’s not a severe case, you needn’t worry about it. However, knowing why it happens can help you prevent future cases of diaper rashes.
Very tight diapers
While a snug fit is good and can prevent leakage, extremely tight diapers or those in a size too small can chafe against your baby’s delicate skin while reducing breathability. Prolonged wear times inevitably lead to a rash.
Allergic reactions
From new foods to a new detergent – almost anything can cause an allergy attack, contributing to the development of a diaper rash. Other common rash-inducing allergens include chemical fabric softeners, new baby lotions wipes or soaps or environmental allergens. Speaking of food allergies and diaper rashes – foods your baby cannot tolerate are likely to cause loose motion, which can lead to diaper rashes as it clings to your baby’s skin.
Bacterial infections
Diapers are thick. Despite their breathability claims, their snug fit can still trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for fungal infections that can cause rashes.
Antibiotic intake
Certain medical issues may require your baby to be on antibiotics. However, specific types of antibiotics may actually cause yeast infections. They might even lead to diarrhea, which can lead to new rashes or worsen existing ones.
Sensitive skin type
Conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis or atopic dermatitis are common in babies with sensitive skin and may contribute to the development of rashes.
Major Stages Of Diaper Rash Development
Diaper rashes are likely to go through three distinct stages. If you catch them at the first stage itself, you have better odd s of getting rid of them quickly.
Stage 1: Mild Irritation
At this stage, emotionally, your baby is a little cranky. Physically, they have faint pink or red coloured spots on their buttocks. These spots might be warm to touch, dry or have a slightly coarse or raised texture like bumps. Your baby is not experiencing any pain at this stage so that is a good sign.
Stage 2: Moderate Yet Worsening Inflammation
The spots on your baby’s buttocks at Stage 1 would have progressed by now to turn into full-blown irritation. They might even spread to your baby’s thighs or genitals, covering a larger surface area. Your baby’s skin will feel tender and they might cry every time they have to go through a diaper change. If you haven’t started treatment yet already, now is the time to get serious and get started.
Stage 3: Severe Rashes With Complications or Infections
Excessively red or inflamed patches are a sign that things have progressed into bacterial or fungal infection territory. You might notice a shininess on the inflamed portions of your baby’s skin too along with worsening skin folds, which could be indicative of Candida or other yeast infections.
This stage is very painful for your baby to go through – especially because they might experience blisters, painful open sores and oozing or bleeding as well. Intense fever and fussiness are common too. It is best to consult your paediatrician for the best course of action if your baby’s rashes have hit Stage 3.
Do not feel guilty though. It happens and it’s not your fault. All you have to do now is ensure your baby gets the medical care they deserve so that the rashes can clear up with time and treatment.
How Zinc Oxide Creams Accelerate Diaper Rash Healing
Now let’s talk about why zinc oxide creams – whether it’s AreoVeda’s Diaper Rash Cream or Minimalist’s Baby Rash Cream or even a topical ointment – are recommended by dermatologists as an effective treatment for diaper rashes.
Using zinc oxide creams during the early stages of diaper rashes provides the following benefits: 4
- Moisture repellence: Since zinc oxide doesn’t dissolve in water, it acts as a protective shield against the build-up of moisture on raw skin. It also undercuts the effect of chafing.
- Anti-inflammatory action: Zinc is a mild astringent that is shrinking inflamed or pus-filled skin, helping your baby feel more comfortable eventually.
- Infection control: It might hinder bacteria multiplication, preventing them from taking over your baby’s skin, thereby preventing the worsening of existing rashes.
Conclusion
Severe diaper rashes are definitely scary but if you catch them in their initial stages, you can shift the tide in yours and your baby’s favour. Making a zinc oxide cream part of their daily diaper change routine can help soothe existing rashes and prevent the onset of new ones, so make sure you always keep a tube handy!
