Since the beginning of time, taking care of your baby has been an instinctive role played by parents who love and provide for their offspring. There has never really been a manual on “becoming a parent” with tips on what you should and should not do in the best interest of your child or what expectations you can have as your new responsibility unfolds. So when a range of occurrences happen to your baby you may or may not be prepared to deal comprehensively with the issue at hand, even if it’s as common as a diaper rash.
Babies’ skin is the softest and most sensitive skin type you can find so utmost care must be taken when considering any skin care product for babies. It is imperative to get sound pharmaceutical advice even though you will most likely be treating the baby yourself with over the counter products or using other products in a recommended home remedy.
As the name suggests, diaper rash is simply a rash in the diaper region or medically referred to as inflammation of the skin. This condition can occur in baby’s early months but it is most common from seven to nine months. Later on we’ll see the factors which can cause diaper rash and understand why it is most prevalent in this age range.

Question:
What will I observe if it’s diaper rash?

Answer:
Generally, around the diaper or nappy region a red patch is seen, possibly tender and sometimes itchy. There are different types of diaper rash and hence the presenting symptoms, the appearance and location of the rash can vary. Sometimes it can be seen around the genital areas while in other cases “satellite pustules” may be observed spreading out from the abdomen and thighs. Some babies may even have thick yellowish- brown scabs around the thighs and abdomen region.
All in all, since babies can’t express to the adult caregiver how miserable or uncomfortable they are feeling, the baby can become fussy. So it’s up to your good judgement based on professional advice by your pharmacist to use the most appropriate over the counter products on your baby.

Question:
What causes diaper rash?

Answer:
There are many causes but it is simply related to the contact the baby’s skin is making with an irritant. Such irritants can be the type of diaper, the chemical make-up or alkalinity of the stool when switching from breast milk to solid food or the chemical composition of urine itself mainly the ammonia. Sometimes the detergents, fabric softener or bleach that you use to wash baby’s clothing and towels may also cause irritation. Some baby products such as wipes, lotions, powders and baby oils may also contain irritants especially if it has fragrance.
Other factors are the constant rubbing or friction of the skin usually resulting in chaffing of the skin. It is also known that some antibiotics administered to babies can result in diaper rash as a side effect.
Infectious organism present in urine, and constant exposure to moisture with little or no air to dry it off especially if you clad the baby with a plastic pants can also lead to diaper rash.
The natural response of the baby’s skin to these irritants is the process of inflammation which is characterised by redness mostly.
However the as the baby grows older and the skin becomes less sensitive this problem goes away automatically.

Question:
What should I do when there is a diaper rash?

Answer:
Consult with your pharmacist on the best products first and follow a simple home remedy. If the rash does not go away after a 3 -4 days with the recommended treatment but gets worse and a fever develops then consult with your paediatrician immediately.
There are numerous products available to treat diaper rash but always look for a product manufactured by a reputable company for baby products such as Johnson and Johnson or Pfizer Consumer Healthcare. Products from such companies go through rigorous testing prior to approval for human consumption by the Food and Drug Administration.
Depending on the type of rash as indicated in the beginning the doctor can prescribe a variety of safe creams ranging from topical steroid (only a selective few can be used for babies on a short term basis), anti-fungal cream or a low strength hydrocortisone cream or ointment. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed if the doctor suspects any infectious organisms.

Tips to prevent diaper rash:
•    Keep the area dry and clean. You can use a moisture barrier ointment such as zinc oxide or petroleum jelly after cleaning the area.
•    Change baby nappy as soon as it is wet or if baby had a bowel movement.
•    Give less but adequate fluids to prevent excessive urination.
•    Going bare-bottom for a few hours will allow natural atmospheric drying. But ensure that the baby is placed on a clean plastic or waterproof sheet and that the baby is kept warm.
•    A quick warm water dip after a bowel movement is recommended. Do not use adult soap. Pat baby skin dry.
•    Change your diaper brand or opt for a fragrance free type. If you are using cloth then switch to disposables.
•    Do not use products containing boric acid.
•    Some talc present in adult powders may contain asbestos which are cancerous.

For further advice consult the pharmacist at Medicine Express PHARMACY located at 223 Camp Street, between Lamaha and New Market Streets. If you have any queries, comments or further information on the above topic kindly forward them to medicine.express@gmail.com or send them to 223 Camp Street, N/burg.
Tel #225-5142.