" Correct procedure for a sore bottom "

Many parents of young children who are still being swaddled will sooner or later have to deal with the issue of diaper dermatitis. This rash in the diaper area can be very unpleasant for the little ones and should be cleaned and cared for well in order to alleviate the symptoms as quickly as possible. However, preventative measures can also be taken to protect the baby's bottom from irritation and inflammation.

How a sore baby bottom can develop

Parents often use a ready-made diaper, which can be bought almost anywhere. The main material of these diapers is very absorbent and surrounded by plastic so that nothing can leak out. They are also not particularly odor-permeable, which is generally desirable. On the other hand, the baby's delicate skin in the diaper area can no longer breathe properly and the constant moisture from urine favors a warm and humid environment.

Diaper dermatitis

A sore bottom occurs because the skin loses its natural protective layer and can no longer fulfill its actual barrier function. The urine on the baby's delicate skin has an unfavorable effect on its pH value. Once the natural acid mantle has been destroyed, pathogens and fungi can colonize and infest the baby's bottom.

Sometimes, however, the baby does not tolerate the care products you use to clean the diaper area. Wet wipes, powders or creams can then be the cause of diaper dermatitis. If you notice that your child reacts to such a product, you should not use it for a few days to see if there is any improvement. It is best to clean the baby with a damp, warm washcloth only. Nice terry cloth washcloths are very soft and are particularly suitable for the sensitive area. This cleanses the skin well and does not irritate it further.

How to recognize dermatitis

Diaper dermatitis means sharp redness in the region of the bottom, genital area, groin and thighs, which may be accompanied by blisters. In rare acute cases, the rash can also spread to the stomach or back. Many babies shy away from touching the affected areas and cry more frequently, especially when being changed. Constant contact with the diaper means that the irritated areas are also touched and sometimes chafed.

Diaper rash and dermatitis on a newborn's tummy

Good care is therefore essential. If you suspect diaper dermatitis or suspect that it could already be an infection with fungi or other pathogens, consult a doctor as soon as possible. He or she can take a swab in the laboratory to determine which bacteria are involved and what treatment is available.

Tips for prevention

There are a few things you can do in advance to prevent irritation or inflammation from occurring in the first place. In general, the baby's diaper should be changed immediately if it has defecated. A pure urine diaper should also be changed as quickly as possible so as not to leave the warm, moist environment intact for too long. A new diaper is definitely necessary after three to four hours at the latest. When putting on a fresh diaper, you should make sure that it is not too tight so that the heat cannot build up.

Diapers should be changed as soon as possible

It is recommended to wash the diaper area gently and it is best to avoid chemical care products. A little warm water on a soft terry towel is also suitable. You can remove any dirt or residues of creams and ointments with a little oil. You can use olive oil or almond oil for this. After cleansing, the skin should be dried well, especially the skin folds. You can also use a weak and not too hot hair dryer.

If possible, you should leave your child without a diaper for as long as possible, especially if it is prone to diaper dermatitis.

It will be happy if it can kick well or crawl across the floor or meadow in summer. With breastfed children, the mother should make sure that she does not eat any acidic foods while breastfeeding, as this can promote dermatitis in the child. This includes strawberries, tomatoes, pineapple and peppers. If your child is already eating solid foods, you should proceed with caution when introducing acidic foods and introduce them as late as possible. If a sore bottom is colonized with bacteria or fungi, you should wash everything that has come into contact with this area with boiling water to kill all pathogens.

Possible treatments for diaper dermatitis

If an infection does occur in the diaper area, you can treat diaper dermatitis with simple tips. In addition to preventive measures, which are now mandatory in any case, you can also use a moisture-absorbing cream to protect the skin. As a preventative measure, parents should have a cream with nourishing calendula and a zinc-based cream at home.

Cream with nourishing calendula

When applying the cream, please ensure that the layer is not too thick. In this case, a lot would not help much, as the thick layer of cream would not allow the skin to breathe. You can use the cream particularly well in the evening before going to bed, as it can nourish and absorb overnight. If you suspect that your baby does not tolerate the diaper itself, you should try switching to a different brand or temporarily use pure cloth nappies to promote the regeneration of the skin.

As with all of your child's illnesses, if you are unsure or have prolonged symptoms, you should always contact your pediatrician to discuss the next steps and treatment. Other tips include a long brewed black tea with which you can dab the spots.