Patient's question:
My baby is 24 days old, a boy. His genital area has been soaked by the diaper and the skin has started to peel off.Doctor's answer:
Analysis of the Condition: Diaper rash, commonly known as "red buttocks," is primarily caused by the baby's buttock skin being exposed to a moist and stuffy environment for an extended period without proper ventilation. Stool and urine contain irritating substances, and some cleaning products with irritating ingredients can also cause the baby's buttocks to become red. This condition often leads to the baby being fussy, crying, and restless. In some cases, red buttocks are due to "breast milk diarrhea," which is caused by lactose intolerance in infants. Summer is a high-risk season for developing diaper rash. However, if diapers or are not used, the baby's hidden areas are more susceptible to bacterial infections, so mothers must pay special attention to the care of their baby's buttocks.Suggestions for Care: Below are some care methods for your reference:
1. Change the diaper frequently for the baby and use gentle wipes to clean the area.
2. Whenever possible, choose soft and comfortable old cotton fabric for diapers. Babies who can control their bowel and bladder should wear full-length pants.
3. Conduct potty training to help the baby develop good habits for bowel and bladder control.
4. If the buttocks are only slightly red, you can use diaper cream. For severe cases, seek medical attention.
5. After cleaning the baby's buttocks each time, expose the area to air or sunlight to allow the skin to dry.
6. After the baby has a bowel movement or urination, make sure to wipe the urine and stool off the buttocks thoroughly. Girls should also be careful to wipe from front to back when cleaning their buttocks, as their urethra is short and they are more prone to bacterial infections, which can lead to urinary tract infections.
7. When taking the baby out, carry a pack of wipes with you to solve the problem of cleaning the buttocks while away from home.
8. For red buttocks caused by breast milk diarrhea, traditional remedies include applying sesame oil or vegetable oil, which can be very effective. This is because sesame oil is pure and suitable for the baby's delicate skin. Additionally, its strong moisturizing properties can help soothe the mucous membranes around the anus, protecting them from irritation caused by loose stools. For modern methods, talcum powder and diaper cream are suitable for diaper rash. At the same time, it is recommended that parents use high-quality diapers and change them frequently.
9. Frequent cleaning and changing of diapers can also help prevent red buttocks. Newborn skin is very delicate, and many newborns do not adapt well to disposable diapers, making their buttocks prone to diaper rash. As a result, traditional cloth diapers cannot be completely phased out, especially in summer. Many new fathers and mothers wisely choose to use a combination of cloth diapers and disposable diapers.