If you have a baby, you know firsthand what it’s like to care for diaper rash. While rashes are easily treated by the typical name-brand creams such as Desitin and Butt Paste, there are many intense rashes that aren’t. My first child was born with a bowel condition that resulted in several surgeries. Following his second surgery, which repaired his rectum, he experienced severe diaper rashes that lasted for several years, off and on. Prior to the surgery, he had a colostomy bag, so he didn’t stool on his own until about six months old.
His skin was not used to that, which resulted a bloody rash with open sores. There have been many cases with babies who didn’t have this surgery or similar issues, who have still experienced severe rashes.
So what do you do when the over-the-counter tried and true remedies don’t work? We have tried a dozen creams over the past few years. First off, discontinue using baby wipes when your baby has a rash. Wipes, no matter how sensitive the box says they are, contain ingredients that can irritate and burn the affected area. The best thing to use are cotton balls drenched in baby oil, warm paper towels or a wet wash cloth. Mineral oil is pretty inexpensive and can be purchased at any discount retailer such as Target, Walgreen’s or Wal-mart. We used to put a large quantity of cotton balls in an old whipped cream container and soaked them in oil. Keep the lid on to keep them moist. For larger babies, paper towels are a better option. Viva brand paper towels seemed to be the softest and most gentlest. A wet, soft wash cloth can also be used, but I refrained from using them because I would have to bleach and wash them and I didn’t want to deal with it.
You could also rinse off the baby with warm water and a squirt bottle. That actually works best for older babies or toddlers who are still in diapers for whatever reason. It’s even easier if they are able to sit over the toilet while you rinse and then pat dry with toilet paper.
Once you clean the area, there are a variety of high-end creams that we used, depending on the severity. Now the thing with rashes, is that they feed off of moisture. Finding the right barrier can be difficult, so you may have to try a few until you find one that works best on your little one. We initially used Ilex Paste. It is designed for open sores and bloody rashes and works as a barrier cream. You can order this online or contact your pharmacy to special order it. Many home health companies usually carry high-end creams as well, and accept most health insurance plans and will deliver it to your house.
If you use Ilex Paste, keep in mind that you need to apply something over it so that it won’t stick to the diaper. The cream is very thick and stick, so you will need to apply it with rubber gloves or a piece of paper towel. You coat the bottom with it, then add a coat of Vaseline over the coat of Ilex Paste. When changing a diaper following the application of the paste, do not wipe all of the cream off. There will be globs of it stuck to your child, and it may be difficult to remove. To remove it, simply soak your child in warm water and it will come off.
Several other creams that prove to be just as good without the mess of Ilex Paste, is Calmoseptine Ointment and Critic-Aid Skin paste by Sween. Both are more easily accessible than Ilex Paste and not as messy.
Some rashes, however, maybe yeast based. In that case, your child’s doctor may subscribe nystatin powder. Many hospitals or health care providers have been recommending a cream called poop goop. It’s a usually put together by the pharmacist and may include a recipe of nystatin, aquaphor and stomahesive powder.
Air drying is also a key component to healing a bad diaper rash. Lay your baby on a clean towel and just make sure to cover their private parts so they don’t urinate.
If you are ever concerned about your child’s rash, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.
