How to prevent and treat diaper rash?
Dr. Valleteau de Moulliac,
Consulting Pediatrician for Laboratoires Sarbec
Your baby will probably have a diaper rash or irritative dermatitis of the diaper area at some point, despite all the quality skin care you provide. In fact, a baby’s skin is very fragile, and in the diaper area, the occlusion caused by diapers (even of excellent quality), the repeated contact of their skin with stool and very frequent urine due to physiological incontinence (sometimes up to 10 to 15 stools or urinations per day), causes maceration in this humid environment—a formidable factor for irritation, worsened by lying down, friction, and sometimes too frequent care with unsuitable products.
Teething and dietary changes are often blamed without formal proof: the most common form is the convex area diaper rash, known as W-shaped. This is a bright red lesion affecting the convex areas of the buttocks, sparing the folds (thus forming a W shape), and may extend to the pubic area and upper thighs.
Prevention relies on perfectly performed care at every diaper change. Cleaning the diaper area requires a product that respects the specific needs of a baby’s skin as soon as the diaper is soiled. A micellar cleansing water is sufficient if there is only urine. If the area is dirtier, it is better to use a moisturizing cleansing milk (or oleo-calcareous liniment: to be discussed) that is hypoallergenic and pH neutral. Clean from front to back, paying special attention to the folds on both sides. Then, drying should be as thorough as possible. You can then apply a thick, even layer of protective cream to prevent or soothe redness.
Treatment is based on simple hygiene rules: fight against maceration and irritation. Wash the area with a gentle cleanser (syndet or cleansing oil), rinse well with lukewarm water, and dry by patting, not rubbing. Avoid maceration by frequent cleaning. Leaving the area exposed to air is ideal, but rarely feasible. Otherwise, use absorbent diapers or cotton diapers, which are less aggressive, with at least eight changes per day. Protective creams containing zinc and/or copper are useful for protecting the skin from waste and moisture when the lesions begin to dry.
Always avoid talcum powder.
Normally, skin lesions should improve quickly. If not, consult your doctor, who will check for any secondary infection.
