Diaper Rash Yeast Preventions
Yeast diaper rash is not your ordinary rash, but the one caused by a yeast strain called Candida. This fungus loves moist and warm spots and can you think of a place like that better than in a wet diaper? Several things can cause yeast diaper rash, such as your baby having bowel movements often, mom that is taking antibiotics while nursing, reaction to fabric softeners or soaps and even a diaper that is too tight.
Before we find out about the ways of preventing the diaper rash yeast, let’s take a look at how you can recognize this type of rash:
- Scaly or red areas on penis and scrotum of the boy babies and vagina and labia of girl babies
- Bold red rash that is persistent and doesn’t go away after a couple of days
- Pus-filled pimples, ulcers, blisters, and sores
- Restrained to the diaper area
How to Treat Yeast Diaper Rash
If you think that your baby has developed a yeast diaper rash, it is not a reason to worry. In fact, there is a good chance that you do not even have to go to the doctor. There are over-the-counter topical creams that you can use to treat this rash. Call your pediatrician to consult which product you should use or just head to the pharmacy and ask for an anti-fungal topical cream. If you want to keep your baby maximally safe, you should also think about using a diaper cream applicator like SwipenSnap – Diaper Cream Applicator which is a more hygienic way of applying diaper cream. Just to be sure to clean the applicator tip in between each application, either with an antibacterial wipe.
Once you start applying the cream, the infection should subside in approximately four to seven days. If that does not happen, make sure to consult or visit your doctor. You should also contact him if you notice the rash getting worse or spreading to the upper body and if your baby develops or a fever. Also, if your little one is younger than six weeks, make sure to call your doctor as soon as you notice the rash.
How to Prevent Diaper Rash Yeast
While it is important to know how to treat a diaper rash, it is much better not to let it happen in the first place. Fortunately, there are tips that you can use for yeast rash prevention. The first thing to ensure is to keep things dry and clean. You should use a soft cloth or even a tiny water squirt to clean the baby’s intimate area when changing the diaper. Once you finish putting on a new diaper, make sure that it is not too tight on your baby.
When you are giving your little one a bath, remember to be very gentle. It is also essential to use soaps that are hypoallergenic and free of any fragrances or other artificial ingredients. The same thing goes for fabric softeners that you use for clothes and sheets. While we are on the topic of clothes, let’s mention that you should avoid rubber pants or any other material that promotes hot and moist environment.
Here are some other tips to keep in mind:
- It might be a smart move to allow your baby not to wear a diaper for 30 minutes a couple of times a day as this will give it the opportunity to “air out”
- Always keep an eye if your baby pooped or urinated and change the diaper ASAP
- Make sure to wash your hands before you start changing the diaper
- Never use baby wipes with alcohol or perfume
In the end, let us remind you that diaper rash is pretty common as 25-50% of all babies experience it at least once, and up to a half of those rashes are caused by yeast. The important thing is to remain calm and use the tips from this article to assess the situation properly and act accordingly.