The most important mistake encountered in diaper-related diaper rash in babies is not showing enough sensitivity to keep the diaper dry, delaying the cleaning of wet skin, and tying the diaper too tightly. The skin, which comes into contact with urine or feces and is exposed to the risk of inflammation in a short time, is constantly traumatized by the diaper along with the baby's movements. As a result, the integrity of the skin is disturbed by wetness; with trauma and inflammation, it becomes edematous, reddened and pain and sensitivity complaints occur. In adults, rash may develop due to the use of sick diapers, tight clothing or activities.
The rash lesion may progress further or expand due to mistakes made in cleaning and care of the skin surface that develops rash. In particular, various chemical substances may further irritate the sensitive skin surface and lead to progression of the lesion. Wiping the skin while cleaning the area may cause trauma and increase the complaints.
During infancy, infants may experience various ailments due to both daily care and health problems. In this sense, diaper rash is one of the most common problems in clinical practice. It is extremely important for the health of the baby that the parents have sufficient and correct information about the causes and treatment of rash.
What is a Rash?
Rash often occurs as a result of the airtight folds of the body being wet or moist for various reasons. Rash is redness that results in inflammation by disrupting the healthy and flexible structure of the skin. As it is often associated with urinary incontinence in infants it is considered as diaper-related dermatitis (diaper- rash). However, diaper rash can also be seen in adults due to similar moist and wet conditions.
Since the rash is basically caused by the development of secondary infections due to the skin being wet for a long time, it is possible that the area does not get air, and that the area is in tight contact with the diaper or clothing, together with body fluids such as urine, feces, sweat. In addition, it is possible to mention that the areas that develop diaper rash are exposed to repetitive trauma.
What Causes Rush?
The most important mistake encountered in diaper-related rash in babies is not showing enough sensitivity to keep the diaper dry, delaying the cleaning of wet skin, and tying the diaper too tightly. The skin, which comes into contact with urine or feces and is exposed to the risk of inflammation in a short time, is constantly traumatized by the diaper along with the baby's movements. As a result, the integrity of the skin is disturbed by wetness; With trauma and inflammation , it becomes edematous , reddened and pain complaints occur with sensitivity. In adults, diaper rash may develop due to the use of sick diapers, tight clothing or activities.
The rash lesion may progress further or expand due to mistakes made in cleaning and care of the skin surface that develops rash. In particular, various chemical substances may further irritate the sensitive skin surface and lead to progression of the lesion. Wiping the skin while cleaning the area may cause trauma and increase the complaints.
How Does Rash Heal?
It is possible to eliminate and prevent diaper rash by paying attention to certain points about the use of diapers and cleaning the area. In this sense, the following measures and practices are effective in the treatment and prevention of diaper rash:
If the diaper gets wet, the diaper should be changed as soon as possible. It is important to dry and clean the area in contact with the cloth as soon as possible without keeping it moist.
During the cleaning phase, non-alcohol- based products and plenty of water should be used, and cleaning should be provided by gently wiping with a suitable towel or handkerchief.
When tying the diaper, it should not be tied tightly and the skin should be provided with a certain amount of air. While the baby is not wearing a diaper during the day, they should be monitored on a dry towel so that the skin in contact with the diaper area is ventilated.
Zinc-based creams or gels can be used in the treatment of rash areas. Again, vaseline creams and non-alcohol-based moisturizers can be helpful. Although baby powder can be used to prevent the recurrence of diaper rash, it should be avoided unnecessarily, as it may cause drying and irritation of the skin and may cause lung irritation if inhaled by the baby. The use of starch is definitely not recommended as it may cause the reproduction of fungi such as candida in the diaper area.
Intense-smelling, perfume-based products with high chemical content should be avoided in cleaning the rash area. Since cleaning with soap can cause irritation in certain babies, it should be used sparingly and rinsed with plenty of water.
It is necessary to make sure that the clothes dressed on the diaper are air-permeable and comfortable.
In cases such as the persistence of the rash for a long time, the appearance of raised and painful rashes on the skin, the development of fever, the formation of inflammatory discharge in the rash area, a pediatrician should be consulted.