The Right Way to Prevent Diaper Rash So Your Little One is Always Comfortable!

Diaper rash or diaper rash is a common form of skin inflammation that is usually found in the genital area and buttocks of babies, and can also occur in adults who wear diapers. More than half of all babies experience diaper rash, most often occurring at the age of 4-15 months but it does not rule out the possibility that it can occur in newborns up to 3 years of age.

The skin in the baby's buttocks and groin area can be said to be affected by diaper rash if there is reddish inflammation in the area. This inflammation can arise due to friction conditions combined with damp conditions and lack of air circulation in the buttocks and groin area. As a result, the baby feels painful and becomes fussy. Diaper rash can appear when wearing diapers for too long, fungal infections, bacterial infections, babies who are allergic to diapers/bath soap/detergent, wearing diapers that are too tight.

The way to prevent diaper rash in babies or young children is to keep the diaper area clean, keep the baby's skin dry, and use the right skin care products. Here are some steps that can help prevent diaper rash:

Change Diapers Regularly
Change diapers regularly, at least every 2-3 hours or when the diaper looks wet or dirty. Clean the diaper area gently using warm water and a soft cloth, or baby wipes that do not contain alcohol or fragrance.

Make sure your skin is always dry
Make sure the baby's skin is dry before changing to a new diaper. Leave the baby's skin exposed to air for some time after each diaper change.

Use Protective Cream
Apply a protective cream such as anti-diaper rash cream containing zinc oxide at every diaper change. This cream helps protect the skin from moisture and friction.

Choose the Right Diaper
Make sure the diaper used is appropriate to the baby's size. Diapers that are too tight or too loose can cause friction and excess moisture on the skin. Use diapers that have good absorption technology to keep skin dry.

Avoid Scented Products and Alcohol
Avoid skin care products that contain fragrance or alcohol, as these can irritate the baby's skin.

Consider Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapers are also a good choice because they allow the baby's skin to breathe better. Make sure to wash it with a mild, fragrance-free detergent.

Monitor for Signs of Diaper Rash
If your baby experiences signs of diaper rash such as redness, swelling, or a rash, immediately seek additional treatment and consult a pediatrician if necessary.

Wash Your Hands Before Handling Diapers
Make sure your hands are clean before touching your baby's skin or diaper area to prevent transmission of infection.

Diaper rash may take several days to improve, depending on its severity and the rash may recur. Friends of Hermina consult a specialist in dermatology, venereology or genital skin at RSU Hermina Pandanaran if the rash persists or gets worse for 3 days or more, the baby has fever/lethargy, there are pustules filled with fluid. Stay Healthy, Hermina Friends!