Patient's question:
My baby is 24 days old, a boy. His groin 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 bottom," is primarily caused by prolonged exposure of a baby's buttock skin to a moist, hot, and airless environment. Stimulating substances in feces and urine, as well as some cleaning liquids containing irritating ingredients, can also cause the baby's bottom to become red. The baby may become fussy, cry, and have difficulty sleeping as a result. In some cases, the cause of redness is due to "breast milk diarrhea," which is caused by lactose intolerance in infants. Summer is a high-risk season for diaper rash, but if diapers or wet wipes are not used, the baby's hidden areas are more susceptible to bacterial infections. Therefore, mothers should pay special attention to the care of their baby's bottom.Advice: Below are some care methods for your reference:
1. Change the diaper frequently and use soft wipes to clean the baby's bottom.
2. Try to use soft and comfortable old cotton cloth for diapers. For babies who can control their urination and defecation, use full-leg pants.
3. Conduct potty training to help the baby develop good bathroom habits.
4. When the buttock is slightly red, use diaper cream. If it is severe, seek medical attention.
5. After cleaning the baby's bottom each time, expose it 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 feces off the bottom. For girls, it is important to wipe from front to back to prevent bacterial infections due to their short urethra.
7. When taking the baby out, carry a pack of soft wipes to solve the problem of cleaning the baby's bottom while away from home.
8. For redness caused by breast milk diarrhea, traditional methods such as applying sesame oil or vegetable oil can be effective. Sesame oil is pure and suitable for the baby's delicate skin. Additionally, its strong moisturizing effect can help soothe the mucous membranes around the anus, protecting them from irritation caused by loose stools. New methods, such as using talcum powder and diaper cream, are more suitable for diaper rash. It is also recommended that parents use high-quality diapers and change them frequently.
9. Frequent cleaning and changing of diapers can also prevent diaper rash. 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 replaced, especially in summer. Many new fathers and mothers wisely choose to combine cloth diapers and disposable diapers for use.