Diaper Rash =======

Type 1 Irritant/abrasion/ chafing dermatitis

This is the most common type of diaper rash. It comes and goes, often appearing along with mild discomforts such as diarrhea, colds, and teething. The rash is red, shiny, and may have a mild flaking of the skin. The genitals, buttocks, abdomen, and inner thighs are usually affected, while, unlike rash caused by yeast, deep groin skin folds are not. This rash normally clears up without help. To speed up the process, keep the area dry and clean, change the diaper frequently and apply petroleum jelly or a zinc-based or other .barrier cream

Type 2 Yeast/monilia/candida albicans dermatitis

If the first type of diaper rash is not treated properly and becomes severe, this rash can develop. It is hard to say whether yeast is normally found in a babys diaper area or if it just grows under the right conditions. It may be that yeast begins growing in any Type 1 diaper rash that does not heal in two days or that is treated with steroid creams. This rash is a sharply outlined area of glistening redness involving the thighs, genitals, abdomen, back, and, unlike the irritant rash, groin creases. It begins as small red bumps or blisters that rapidly join together. Around the borders, more red, pimply bumps appear to spread, like satellites. These lesions can become scaly. Since this can be a painful rash, the baby may cry when urinating or having a bowel movement. An anti-yeast preparation such as nystatin or imidazole cream can treat this severe diaper rash. Steroid creams are not required and may .make it worse

Type 3 - Infantile seborrheic dermatitis

This rash begins in the diaper area from the age of two to 12 weeks. It is a sharply bordered area of redness and may have the same type of red spreading satellite lesions as seen in the yeast-type diaper rash. Within a few

weeks, babies may develop similar rashes on arms, legs, and scalp (often referred to as cradle cap). This rash can vary, in some cases being very greasy and in others, dry and scaly. Babies are not usually bothered by this .rash, and it responds well to a mild steroid cream

Less common diaper rashes Impetigo This bacterial infection is often seen in the summer and occurs during the first six months of life. It takes the form of small areas of raw skin .and crusty scabs. Usually, antibiotics are taken by mouth to treat it Folliculitis Another bacterial infection, folliculitis appears as red bumps around the hair follicles on the thighs, buttocks, and lower abdomen. If the condition is mild, no treatment is necessary. In more severe cases, antibiotics .can be given by mouth Atopic Dermatitis This rash is linked with an inherited tendency towards .allergies. It does not usually affect the diaper area Psoriasis This condition is uncommon in a young child. If it does develop, it .can be difficult to treat with steroid creams Intertrigo These rashes dont fit into the other groups. Redness appears in areas where the skin folds and moisture, heat, friction, and debris all irritate the skin. The stage is set for low-grade bacterial or yeast infection. Treatment .consists of keeping the area dry

To Prevent Diaper Rash ---------------------------.Change your babys diaper often .Avoid over-cleansing and scrubbing the diaper area .Use petroleum jelly or barrier ointments .Wash and rinse cloth diapers carefully .Wash your hands well after changing your baby .Up to 45 per cent of all babies experience diaper rash It occurs most often in the seven-to 10-month age group and equally often .between boys and girls

The chance of diaper rash increases dramatically if there has been diarrhea .in the last 48 hours Moderate and severe diaper rash is more likely with more frequent bowel .movements and less likely if diapers are changed often ,Infants in disposable diapers are drier, and tend to have fewer .less severe rashes .Breast-fed infants have fewer, less severe rashes Detergents, bleaches, improper use of steroid creams and over-scrubbing .and cleansing the delicate diaper area can all cause rashes Some infants are more likely to be affected by diaper rash. Whether this is due to the care they receive or to naturally sensitive skin is not yet clear