Dermatitis is the general term for skin inflammation, irritation, or rash that may be caused by bacteria, substances in soaps and detergents, or allergies to food, pollen, dust, or other allergens. There are two types of dermatitis: atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. “Atopic dermatitis or Eczema is a red, itchy rash that becomes chronic or does not simply disappear. The rash becomes moist and scaly. It occurs mostly in dry and overly sensitive skin.” Atopic dermatitis or Eczema is a red, itchy rash that becomes chronic or does not simply disappear. The rash becomes moist and scaly. It occurs mostly in dry and overly sensitive skin. It is normally inherited and usually triggered or aggravated by an allergy. Eczema may require medication so it is best to consult your baby’s pediatrician if you suspect your baby has it. But there are things you can do to prevent or avoid eczema from worsening: •Identify the triggers or allergens and keep your child away from them. •If it is caused by solid food that is introduced to the child, avoid giving that food. Eggs, milk, and soy are some foods that often trigger eczema. •Keep your child from scratching the affected area of the skin. Keep the affected area clean and dry. Wash it with a non-irritant soap and clean water. •Rinse your child’s clothes and diapers (made of cloth) well. Make sure no traces of detergent are left. Contact dermatitis is when the skin turns red and itchy, usually triggered by contact with irritants like ammonia in the child’s urine or feces, dust, certain plants, pet, jewelry, dyes used in clothes, and substances found in rubber (shoes). “Diaper rash is a common dermatitis that develops when your baby’s skin comes into contact with urine and feces.” Diaper rash is a common dermatitis that develops when your baby’s skin comes into contact with urine and feces. Urine and feces irritate the skin because these contain ammonia and other waste chemicals. Wet and soiled diapers kept on your baby too long irritate his skin. When your baby moves his legs, the excess moisture includes friction, causing skin irritation. How to prevent diaper rash •Change your baby’s soiled or wet diapers immediately. •More sure that the folds of your baby’s skin care are clean and completely dry before putting on fresh diapers. •Make sure the diapers are not very tight. •Expose your baby’s groin area to fresh air as often as possible to allow your baby’s skin to be completely dry. It would also help to let your baby go without a diaper once in a while. •Do not use plastic pants that keep your baby’s groin warm and moist. Instead, use pants or trousers that allow air to circulate. •If you suspect that the rash is because of an allergy to a disposable diaper, try switching brands. •You may use lubricants like lotions, creams, and powders that are especially formulated to help prevent and protect against diaper rash. When used properly, these products protect your baby’s skin from chafing and drying up. •Products that contain zinc oxide are recommended because these help soothe and heal diaper rash. Zinc oxide also works against bacterial and yeast infections commonly seen with diaper rash. •Using petroleum jelly and other emollients (look for those that are pectin-paste-based) protect your baby’s skin from moisture. •When using disposable diapers, use one that is made of a highly absorbent material and has an absorbent gelling core that allows liquid away from your baby’s skin. Other disposable diapers have a top-sheet (the layer that comes into contact with baby’s skin) treated with petroleum jelly, aside from being made of an absorbent gelling material. •Use antibacterial detergents in washing cloth diapers. These help drive away the harmful bacteria that may cause skin infections. Soap or chemical residue left in them can also cause skin irritation and diaper rash.
Posted on: Wed, 08 Oct 2014 23:27:36 +0000
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