Even if you’re being extremely careful, the skin of a newborn is so sensitive that there is always a chance your baby will develop a skin rash at some point. The good news is they tend to be harmless, and most of the time you will not need to intervene, they will go away on their own. For the times that you can take some action, there are many things you can do at home.
What causes rash?
Many things can cause a rash, and one of the most common types is diaper rash. It can appear after your baby has diarrhea or after a significant period of not changing the diaper often enough. It can also be caused by an allergic reaction to the diapers or the soap you have been using to clean your baby.
How can I treat a diaper rash?
- Check if the size is the right one for your baby.
- Change your baby’s diaper promptly.
- Remove acid foods from your baby’s diet, such as oranges and tomatoes. They can result in irritating urine and feces.
- Keep the area clean and dry but do it gently.
- Try out a different diaper brand.
- Switch to a new detergent.
- Try out creams that contain zinc oxide.
- Switch baby wipes for unscented soap and water.
- Try giving them an oatmeal bath. It can reduce the inflammation.
- In case you are breastfeeding, you can also use breastmilk on the rash.
Most of the time rashes are quite easy to treat, and homemade remedies have shown to be very effective. However, you should always pay close attention to see if the treatment is working, and that the condition is not evolving. Contact your health care provider right away whenever the rash is associated with other symptoms, such as fever, swelling and blisters.
References:
- Fletcher, J. (2018, July 16). How to get rid of diaper rash. Medical News Today.
- Parker, S. J., MD. (2006b, March 15). Your Newborn’s Skin and Rashes. WebMD.