Introduction
Diaper rash affects almost 50% of children at some point in time. A sensitive and irritated baby bottom is a common concern for many parents. Protection and prevention with the best diaper cream for sensitive skin are the two major leaps in the fight against diaper rash. Luckily, there are a number of products available in the market to help soothe, heal, and prevent it. However, getting your hands on the right one can seem a little daunting.
Before getting there, let’s first understand skin sensitivity, types of diaper rash, and how to prevent itchy skin. Keep reading to know!
Understanding Sensitive Skin in Babies
Baby skin is 20 times thinner and more sensitive than adult skin. The very sensitive skin of the little ones is characterized by the tendency to redden or to develop rashes easily in response to environmental stressors like wind, cold, friction, and other factors. As your little one’s skin has an immature barrier, it is extremely delicate and sensitive in nature and is highly susceptible to external stimuli.
From birth onwards until the age of two, baby skin can’t retain the proper level of moisture it needs for its cells to function properly. Besides, what works for some, might not always work for your little one as they have unique skin needs. The skin of some babies can be more sensitive than others and overreacts to even the slightest stresses that are usually tolerated by normal skin. Even friction from diapers or clothing can lead to extreme discomfort. Therefore, it is extremely crucial to opt for the best diaper cream for sensitive skin for the comfort and well-being of your little one.
Types of Diaper Rash
Although all kinds of diaper rashes look surprisingly similar, there are different types that can appear on your baby’s skin. Let’s take a look:
- Irritant diaper rash: Irritant dermatitis is the most common type of diaper rash. The diaper area is often covered with the two most irritating substances - urine and stool. The chance of developing a diaper rash is even greater when the child has diarrhea or is teething - as extra saliva when swallowed passes through the gut. Red or pink patches develop in the diaper area, which are characterized as irritant diaper rash.
- Yeast infection: Yeast infection, another fairly common cause of diaper rash, is caused by the growth of a fungus that develops naturally in the digestive tract. It appears in the groin folds as pink or red shiny bumps with sharp edges. There can be cracking skin or sores that bleed or ooze in severe cases. It generally develops when the baby is on antibiotics. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after diaper changes and application of a diaper rash cream with zinc oxide.
- Bacteria: Diaper rash can also be caused by a bacterial infection, referred to as impetigo; however, that is often rare. There are certain types of bacteria like strep and staph that either cause diaper rash or worsen the existing one. It generally appears as pimples or yellow crusting around the anus.
- Allergy: Common allergens in elastics or dyes in the diaper cause an allergic reaction in babies with sensitive skin. It shows up in the diaper area and generally disappears on its own. However, to prevent such allergies from manifesting, it’s ideal to use the best diaper cream with zinc oxide.
- Other rare types of diaper rash: On rare occasions, conditions like seborrheic dermatitis (occurs due to overproduction of sebum or skin oil) and pediatric psoriasis, start or mimic diaper rash. Genetic conditions can also cause diaper rash.
Prevention from Itchy Skin Caused by Diaper Rash
Here are a few ways to prevent diaper rash and itchy skin. Read on:
- Frequent diaper changes are a must and that should be done every couple of hours or every time the diaper gets soiled.
- Use a soft cloth and lukewarm water to clean the diaper area, paying attention to the skin folds. Pat dry the skin and don’t rub.
- After cleaning the area apply an adequate amount of diaper rash cream with zinc oxide before diapering.
- Whenever possible, let your little one go diaper-free for some time to air dry the skin.
- Put on the fresh diaper loosely to prevent skin chafing.
What Type of Diaper Rash Cream to Use
Make it a point to keep the diaper area as clean as possible, as it is the first step towards preventing diaper rash. Besides, on every diaper change apply the best diaper cream for sensitive skin on the affected areas to ensure proper healing and prevention of diaper rash. A diaper rash cream with zinc oxide works best for soothing and relieving irritated skin. The best cream for nappy rash also contains soothing natural ingredients like chamomile, soybean, and sunflower oil.
Factors to Consider When Selecting A Diaper Rash Cream
When selecting a diaper rash cream for infants, make sure to look at the product label for the full ingredient list. The best diaper rash cream for sensitive skin is infused with zinc oxide and other nourishing ingredients like chamomile, soybean, and sunflower oil. Last but not least, the best diaper rash cream for infants should be free from harmful chemicals and toxins like phthalates, mineral oil, and parabens.
Key Takeaways
With the right approach and appropriate care, you’ll be able to keep your little one’s bottom happy and healthy.
Hope this guide helps. Happy Parenting!
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