Manifestations of Diaper Rash
Diaper rash typically manifests as a red, swollen rash on the scrotum, and scrotum in boys. As well as on the vagina and labia for the girls. 1 It is characterized by a variety of dermatoses. Examples include ulcers, blisters, scaling, and pimples. It can also be characterized by large bumps or purulent sores. Children who can scratch the area when changing diapers. If the area has an appearance of reddish-buffalo, there are red bumps along the borders of the region. If the child is crying loudly whenever it touches their skin it is likely that candidal colonization has occurred and a referral from a physician is required.
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Unknown Ingredients in Diaper Rash Products
Diaper rash treatments are available in a variety of known names (e.g., Vaseline, Desitin, A+D, Johnson’s). However, they also offer several oddly named obscure brands. Some of the former and a lot of the latter include products with ingredients with no effectiveness and safety to treat diaper rash. They typically contain many plant-derived components, which may be toxic or allergenic when absorbed. It is recommended to steer clear of these formulations that are overloaded in favor of those that only contain one reliable and safe protectant.
Safe Treatment of Diaper Rash
Evidently, infants are extremely at risk of exposing themselves to harmful chemicals on the skin. This is particularly so given the diaper is an occlusive dressing that enhances the absorption of any active pharmacological ingredient. Because of this, only the safest and well-studied ingredients are recognized as protection agents. Some of them are chemically inert, however, they all protect and cover the skin’s surface. They act as a barrier that blocks irritations, block or eliminate water. And protect skin that comes in contact with the opposing surface.
The FDA’s general directions on skin protection products contain the recommendation to stop using them and consult. A physician in the event of persistent symptoms for more than 7 days. It is also recommended to change dirty and wet diapers immediately. Removing any dirt from the area around the diaper and allowing it to become dry.
Specific Protectant Ingredients
If the infant’s skin appears damaged, the parent must be advised to consult an expert physician. However in cases where the irritation is only inflammation, then protectants are efficient and safe. Allantoin (0.5%-2 percent) and Calamine (1%-25 percent) dimethicone (1%-30 10%) and Kaolin (4%-20 percent) are all effective and safe protections. Cod liver oil (5%-13.56 percent) are efficient and safe. However, it smells unpleasant which is why it is mixed with other ingredients to eliminate the odor. Lanolin 15.5 percent is reliable and safe, but it is not recommended because it’s a contact sensitizer.
Cornstarch (10%-98 10 – 98 %) is made into powder. It is considered to be a secure baby powder, however, it could be dangerous. In one case one-month-old infant was taken to an emergency department because of poor diet and breathing problems. 5 The doctors ordered an x-ray of the chest that revealed opacification of the lungs that was diffuse. As well as dark blue crystals shaped like polygons on the Gram-stain. The crystals were later confirmed to be made of cornstarch. The mother acknowledged that she had used cornstarch powder for diaper changes. The doctor diagnosed the condition as cornstarch pneumonitis and advised that careless handling of the powder. Can cause accidental aspiration, resulting in the ensuing respiratory illness.
Skin Protectants
Skin protectants are the safest ingredients to treat diaper rash. These are ingredients like allantoin and calamine, dimethicone, cod liver oil. As well as lanolin, kaolin petroleum, mineral oil topically-applied starch (also called “cornstarch”), and white petrolatum and zinc oxide. Some of these are superior to others. The Petrolatum (e.g., Vaseline) is a great alternative.
Powders that contain kaolin, cornstarch, or talc could cause harm. If your baby’s skin has been broken or injured and should be avoided. If you do decide to use them be sure to ensure that you keep any diaper rash products made of powder far away from the baby’s face. When you apply the product on or apply to the baby’s lower. If you let the powder enter the air, your baby can inhale it as they breathe. Which could trigger chemical pneumonia which could cause permanent breathing issues or even death.