Diaper Rash

The most common cause of diaper rash is a wet, dirty diaper. Bacteria in urine and feces interact with one another and irritate a baby's delicate skin. The longer your baby remains in a soiled diaper, the more irritated his skin becomes.

The best remedy is to keep your baby's bottom dry. Over-the-counter diaper rash treatments do just that by placing a protective barrier between your baby's skin and the moisture that can cause irritation.

How to Choose Diaper Rash Products

Most diaper rash treatments are ointments or creams sold in toothpaste-like tubes or plastic jars. Almost all are formulated with protective zinc oxide (yes, the same white paste used for sunblock) and some form of fish or cod liver oil, which has skin-healing vitamins A and D. Because most products are equally effective, it makes sense to choose by price and size. Other factors to consider:

• Some parents use diaper rash ointment at every changing for preventive purposes; others use it only when a rash comes on. Either way is appropriate, but if you're using the stuff daily, buy the largest size available so you won't run out as often.
• Fragrance-free or hypoallergenic products may be less irritating to sensitive skin.
• Diaper rash ointment pads may be less messy to apply than ointment in tubes.
• Some parents prefer cornstarch as an alternative to ointments. It works by absorbing instead of repelling moisture.

How to Use Diaper Rash Products

• Clean your baby's skin gently but thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
• Spread ointment thinly and evenly across the baby's bottom and legs. Stay away from genital areas.
• Apply at each diaper changing and at bedtime, since your baby may have prolonged exposure to wet diapers during the night.

In addition to over-the-counter ointments, experts recommend taking other steps to speed the healing process:

• Whenever possible, keep your little one out of diapers to allow "air-drying" of the rash.
• Change diapers quickly and often—as soon as possible after they become wet. Allow the area to breathe by applying the new diaper loosely. Avoid plastic pants that trap moisture next to baby's skin.
• Between changings, gently clean your baby's bottom with a wet, soft washcloth; if possible, avoid using baby wipes, which may contain ingredients that irritate a rash. If you must use wipes, choose hypoallergenic, fragrance-free products.
• Consider using extra-absorbent disposable diapers specially designed to trap moisture and keep it away from baby's skin.
• Remove friction. Fold the plastic liner of disposable diapers outward so that only the softer area of the diaper touches your baby's skin.

Medications used to treat adult skin infections are inappropriate for babies. Avoid analgesics, antifungals, antimicrobials, and antiseptics. Other safety considerations:

• Don't use talcum powder. It irritates broken skin and can cause lung damage if inhaled.
• Petroleum jelly, while appropriate as a preventative barrier, may irritate an existing rash or broken skin.
• Keep ointments away from your baby's eyes.
• If your baby ingests these products, contact a poison control center or your physician.
• If the rash persists or worsens, contact your physician.