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Diaper rashes are a common skin concern among infants, especially during winters as the babies are swaddled in layers of clothing. It is difficult to change diapers regularly under the clothes. But if not changed from time to time, rashes develop causing an itchy sensation on the baby’s skin. Furthermore, heat caused by excessive layers of clothing can also increase the risk of diaper rashes.
In an exclusive interaction with OnlyMyHealth editorial team Dr. Prathibha Babshet, Ayurveda Expert R&D, Himalaya Wellness Company explains how to prevent diaper rashes in the winter season. Here is what she shared with us.
Diaper rashes need to be treated properly or else they can also grow into a secondary fungal or yeast infection called candidiasis. It appears bright red and raw. Some of the symptoms of an infected diaper rash include blisters around the diaper area, fever, redness, swelling, and pus/discharge that drains from the diaper area.
Essential Tips To Relieve Diaper Rashes During Winter
Most diaper rashes can be treated at home. Listed below are seven essential tips one can follow to help relieve their little ones from the rashes during the winter months:
1. Keep the skin around diapers clean and dry
Keeping the baby’s skin as clean and dry as possible is the best remedy for diaper rash. It is important to maintain a habit of changing the baby’s diaper after every two hours or so. In the case of wet or soiled diapers, it is recommended to change them as soon as possible and clean the area well, so that the baby’s poop and pee do not irritate the skin. Pat the skin with a gentle cloth when drying it as rubbing can irritate the skin. Let the baby’s skin dry completely before changing into another diaper. It is advisable to try using disposable diapers that consist of an absorbent gel. They draw wetness away from the skin.
Also read: Chocolates: How Much Is It Safe For People With Diabetes
2. Increase natural airflow
To aid the healing of a diaper rash, it is advisable to increase air exposure to the diaper area. Schedule short periods during the day when the baby can go without a diaper and ointment, such as during naps. Even if just for a few minutes, remove some of their layers, this allows the baby’s skin to air out and be dry. Putting the baby on a waterproof or washable changing mat for 10 minutes can also allow the skin to breathe.
3. Bathe your baby regularly
Bathe the baby each day, until the rash clears up. Use warm water with mild, fragrance-free soap, or a gentle non-soap cleanser.
4. Rinse the baby’s bottom with warm water as part of each diaper change.
Gently scoop the water over the baby’s bottom with your hands or squeeze it from a plastic bottle. A sink or tub can also be used for this purpose. Baby wipes, cotton balls, and soft, moist washcloths can aid in cleaning the skin. It is important to be gentle and use wipes that do not contain alcohol or fragrance.
5. Check the baby’s diaper size
Wearing the wrong size diaper can increase the chances of diaper rash, while making it difficult for an existing rash to heal. A diaper that’s too tight keeps moisture closer to the skin, aiding faster rash growth. On the other hand, a diaper that is too large can rub against the skin and cause friction, making rashes worse. Thus, checking the current diaper size and switching to a new size might help.
Also read: Chocolates: How Much Is It Safe For People With Diabetes
6. Apply diaper rash creams
Applying a cream, paste or ointment, after gently cleaning the area and letting the skin dry may help. It is recommended to apply a diaper rash cream containing ingredients like almond oil, aloe vera, five-leaved chaste tree, and yashada bhasma. It is effective for the treatment and management of diaper rashes, treats rashes, and relieves redness and irritation naturally while keeping the baby’s skin soft and soothed. It also forms a protective layer on the sensitive baby’s skin.
7. Avoid using skin irritants
It is advisable not to use highly fragranced products, including fabric softeners and dryer sheets. These inflame the rashes as well as irritate the baby’s sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products work best for most babies. One should also refrain from reapplying baby powder as it makes the skin more prone to rashes.
Depending on how severe it is, a diaper rash might take several days to improve. If a rash persists, gets worse, or sores appear on the baby’s skin, it is recommended to consult a skin expert.
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