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The majority of diaper rash incidents are caused by one or a combination of three things including; allergic reaction (either to foods or diapering toiletries), surface bacterial infection or inappropriate moisture balance (dry skin, or too-damp skin)
The first thing most parents do to help relieve their child of diaper rash is to smother the area with a medicated crème, then give it a good coating of powder. Occasionally this works, but for the stubborn rash, there are plenty of alternatives.
The most common allergens for small children are dairy products, wheat products, eggs and citrus. If unexplainable diaper rashes frequently trouble you and your child, it would be wise to keep a chart of the foods the child has eaten and compare that against the eruption of stubborn rashes. Often, simply eliminating the offensive food from the child's diet is the best cure.
Allergy-related diaper rashes rarely respond to topical treatments, and it would be wise to consult your pediatrician for a pain-relief crème.
Allergy to antibiotics is also common, but the physical manifestation is generally all over the body, and not just in the diapered area.
If a surface bacterial infection is the culprit, your pediatrician can prescribe an antibiotic ointment that will clear it up quickly. If you have aversions to medicated cremes, it is often equally effective to simply let the child run around bare-bottomed for a day or so, placing him or her in a diaper only for periods of sleep, or when elimination is imminent. It is wise to avoid the use of non-prescribed cremes and powders during this time, because they can often "feed" the very bacteria you're trying to kill.
The best defense against most diaper rashes is maintaining a suitable moisture level. Frequent diaper changes are often the best defense against an over-moist bottom. Many parents claim that a constant "protective" coat of medicated crème or powder wards off any rash, but most pediatricians recommend a clean, dry bottom- and suggest the use of medicated cremes only when necessary.
Seasonal changes, like a particularly hot summer, can cause moisture buildup regardless of the child's elimination. In that case, powders are often the most effective preventative treatment. Cornstarch powders can harbor bacterial growth and should be cleaned thoroughly from the skin between changes, and talcum powder can be harmful to baby's lungs, and should be used sparingly. Never use powders intended for adults on an infant, minerals like zinc and sodium are not recommended for the genital area.
Dehydration and colder weather can lead to dry skin, which chaps easily. The best defense is a daily massage of baby lotion, and a refrain from soapy baby wipes.
Cloth diapering has been shown to lead to less diaper rashes, perhaps because many children are sensitive to the chemicals in disposable diapers, or because they hold less urine and require more frequent changing.
A diet of breastmilk has also been shown to decrease incidences of diaper rash, due to the lack of allergens and its antibacterial properties.
Very few parents are spared the occurrence of a diaper rash every now and then, and products that claim to cure or treat them are as numerous as those for the common cold. The best defense, in most cases, is cleanliness and prevention.
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