Is "red buttocks" also a disease? Don't underestimate diaper dermatitis! Please keep the correct care strategy

Xiaojie is a cute newborn who has been carefully cared for by his parents since birth. However, in recent days, red spots have appeared on Xiaojie's buttocks, and some places even have small broken skin, which makes Xiaojie's mother very distressed. She immediately realized that this might be the legendary "diaper dermatitis", commonly known as "red buttocks".

Faced with this sudden situation, Xiaojie's mother was anxious and helpless, and couldn't help wondering: How can I effectively prevent and care for my baby's diaper dermatitis?

1. What is diaper dermatitis?

Diaper dermatitis refers to a skin inflammation that occurs in the area covered by a baby's diaper. It is mainly caused by urine and feces contacting the skin for a long time, and the diaper is not breathable, which leads to moisture on the skin and increased friction, destroying the skin's natural barrier, making it easy for bacteria and fungi to invade and cause infection. The main symptoms are redness of the skin, rash, skin breakage, erosion, etc., which often occur in the buttocks, perineum, inner thighs and other parts.

2. Prevention is better than cure: Build your baby's skin defense line

Du Yixin, director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and chief physician of the Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province (Provincial Brain Hospital), told mothers to start with the following points to prevent and reduce the occurrence of newborn diaper rash:

1. Change diapers frequently: Keeping the baby's buttocks dry is the key to preventing diaper dermatitis. Try to keep the baby's buttocks dry. Generally, change the diaper every 2-3 hours. Change the diaper immediately after the baby defecates to avoid prolonged contact between urine and feces and the skin.

2. Use diapers with good breathability: Give priority to cotton diapers with good breathability and strong water absorption. If you use diapers, choose products with reliable quality and appropriate size. Avoid using diapers that are too tight or too loose to reduce direct contact between the skin and moisture.

3. Cleaning and drying: Every time you change a diaper, gently wash your baby's buttocks with warm water. After washing, gently pat dry with a clean soft cloth and let the skin air dry for a few minutes before putting on a new diaper.

4. Use diaper cream: Every time you change a diaper, apply a thin layer of diaper cream on the buttocks and thighs to form a protective film to reduce the irritation of urine and feces to the skin. Diaper cream containing zinc oxide is particularly effective.

5. Appropriate exposure: When the weather is suitable, you can expose your baby's butt to the air to help it recover and keep it dry.

3. Coping strategies: When diaper dermatitis strikes

Once the baby develops diaper dermatitis, parents do not need to be too nervous. Follow the steps below to effectively relieve most of the cases:

1. Light care

If the baby's diaper dermatitis symptoms are mild, with only redness on the skin, change diapers more frequently and keep the bottom dry. Expose the baby's bottom to the air as much as possible, but avoid direct sunlight. Continue to apply diaper cream to strengthen skin protection. If the baby is breastfed, the mother should pay attention to a light diet and avoid spicy and irritating foods. If the baby is formula-fed, increase the baby's water intake appropriately to promote urine discharge.

2. Moderate care

When papules and blisters appear on the baby's skin, you can consult a doctor and use an ointment containing zinc oxide, change the diaper in time, wash the buttocks with warm water, and gently dry the moisture with a clean soft cloth. Avoid using plastic diaper pads, and use pure cotton or linen products instead to reduce friction.

3. Intensive care

If your baby's skin shows serious symptoms such as erosion and ulcers, you should seek medical attention immediately. The doctor will give antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotic treatment according to the situation. Strictly follow the doctor's instructions for care and keep the area clean and dry.

IV. Precautions

1. Do not use hormone drugs on your own to avoid adverse reactions.

2. Pay attention to your baby’s diet to avoid diarrhea caused by indigestion and aggravate diaper dermatitis.

3. If your baby's diaper dermatitis recurs or the symptoms persist, seek medical attention immediately to rule out the possibility of other diseases.

Although diaper dermatitis is common, scientific care and prevention can effectively reduce the occurrence of diaper dermatitis and keep the baby's little bottom healthy. Let us start from every detail in the name of love to create a healthy and comfortable growth environment for the baby. In this process, not only will the baby thrive, but every parent will also gain a lot of parenting wisdom and endless happy time.

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Zhao Qiong, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hunan Second People's Hospital (Provincial Brain Hospital)

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(Edited by Wx)