Newborn skin is particularly delicate, especially in the buttocks area, which is prone to causing eczema, manifested as redness. This phenomenon worries many new parents, fearing it may affect their child’s health. Therefore, mastering the correct care methods is crucial. In the medical field, this condition is known as “diaper dermatitis” or “diaper rash.” The causes are diverse, mainly due to the buttocks being in a damp environment for a long time, combined with irritants in feces and urine damaging the skin, leading to redness. If bacterial or fungal infections occur on top of this, the situation could worsen. In addition, frequent contact with detergents is also a factor not to be overlooked.
Facing mild to moderate diaper rash, parents need to address it from three aspects: firstly, keep the buttocks clean and dry to avoid irritants; secondly, prevent bacterial and fungal infections; finally, speed up skin self-repair. In daily care, timely changing of wet diapers is essential, even when using disposable diapers. Do not change mechanically at fixed times. After each diaper change or bowel movement, cleanse with warm water or 4% boric acid solution, pat dry, apply a layer of vegetable oil or a cream with isolating and antibacterial effects, such as Bioderma, avoiding direct washing with soap.
When weather permits, expose the baby’s buttocks to air or mild sunlight several times a day for 10 to 20 minutes each time, which helps relieve redness quickly. For mild rashes, disinfectant cod liver oil can be used; for broken skin, zinc oxide ointment is recommended. In cases of skin erosion or shedding, a cod liver oil and zinc oxide paste should be used. If signs of secondary bacterial infection are detected, seek medical attention promptly.
In the care process, hand washing is gentler than towel wiping to avoid aggravating injuries. When applying diaper cream, use a cotton swab gently to reduce skin irritation. With appropriate care measures, a baby’s red bottom issue can usually improve quickly.
Parents need not be overly anxious; through careful care using the above methods, a baby’s red bottom problem can be effectively controlled, allowing the baby to regain a healthy and comfortable state.
