STOP baby diaper rash! We are taking action!

What causes diaper rash? Is it a bacteria, a virus, an infection? How can this skin inflammation be relieved or prevented? Doctor Michel Le Maître, dermatologist, provides all the answers and offers his advice.

Marie and Aurélien, 38 years old, are the parents of Emma, ​​6 months old. "A very cool little girl, all smiles, except that she suffers from diaper rash... She can have her entire seat irritated. It is then very impressive and very uncomfortable for her", comments Marie. "In comparison, her big brother, Malo, 5 years old, had never had diaper rash...", adds Aurélien. If both parents try to relieve their baby Emma as much as possible, they admit to being sometimes helpless and worried when they notice that this redness remains, or even comes back...

BUT WHY DOES A BABY HAVE A DIAPER RASH?

"Diaper rash is not a disease, it is a local irritation that creates the redness and possible complications that can occur," explains Michel Le Maître, dermatologist. Marie and Aurélien can rest assured: half of all children have diaper rash, more or less, at some point in their development. Some skin inflammations can be severe, but they only represent 10% of cases. It is therefore a relatively easy episode to manage."

Several factors are, in fact, at the origin of diaper rash in babies. "The first is the presence of urine and stools in the diaper. They will macerate and be transformed into ammonia. In a soiled diaper, their prolonged contact with the skin results in an alteration of the skin barrier. Irritants and microbes penetrate and then cause a red inflammation," explains the practitioner.

The second cause is explained by the fact that babies under one year old have immature and fragile skin: it is up to five times thinner than that of adults, and more permeable because the skin barrier is still imperfect. Baby's bottom is particularly exposed to friction in the diaper. "In the most severe cases, you can see a red "W" formed between the top of the thighs and the genitals, passing through the buttocks."

HOW TO RELIEVE BABY DIAPER RASH?

To relieve baby, you must first take stock of the condition of his bottom. "If it is just redness, it is necessary to increase the frequency of diaper changes, leave baby's bottom exposed to the air for as long as possible, use a copper or zinc ointment for additional protection, choose highly absorbent diapers, etc., lists Michel Le Maître. And then wait for the irritation to pass."

In most cases, diaper rash disappears after three or four days. If a small complication sets in, particularly a superinfection, it must be treated after consulting your doctor or pediatrician.

BABY DIAPER RASH: THE RIGHT STEPS TO TAKE EVERY DAY

Many red, irritated bottoms can be avoided if you do it right. First, you have to change babies at least 6 times a day. "If you leave your baby in his dirty diapers, you will inevitably end up with inflammation of the bottom," laments the dermatologist.

Another important hygiene point: using products that are suitable for baby's fragile and immature skin when cleaning the bottom. "Do not use abrasive soaps, perfumed or alcoholic toiletries. Opt for mild detergents, cleansing oil, and mild products whose pH* is close to that of the skin. Or liniment, a greasy, no-rinse product that cleans the skin, protects it, maintains its natural pH and strengthens the skin barrier. "

These products must be accompanied by a thorough cleaning of the baby. Folds, vulva or scrotum, crack: it is a question of ensuring that all parts of the baby's bottom are clean. Once the toilet is done, dry the baby properly. You can then also opt for a protective diaper cream, based on zinc, zinc oxide and copper. "These components also preserve baby's skin. "

On vacation or traveling, when you don't have all these products on hand to clean baby's bottom, consider taking water or olive oil wipes and care squares to dry them well before putting a clean diaper on. "Easy care, based on gentle components, which must be accompanied by a regular diaper change. »

*Note: the PH of a baby's skin is 5.5. The skin therefore has an acid PH. The problem with urine is that it will turn into ammonia, an alkaline, which will increase the PH of the skin. This therefore promotes inflammation of the skin, the proliferation of microbes, etc.

TIPS TO PREVENT BABY DIAPER RASH

• Avoid diapers that are too tight so that the skin can breathe.
• Choose diapers that are permeable to air.

When washing your baby, remember to look closely at the folds of the thighs and the inguinal folds, at the groin. "They can hide the starting point of a red irritation."

A medical opinion is necessary if your baby is less than 6 weeks old, when the Baby Diaper Rash spreads or when signs of infection appear: fever, pustules, etc.