Diarrhea in Babies and Diaper Rash

2024-04-09 22:00

The baby's skin is very delicate, since its outermost layer is very thin, and if he has diarrhea, it is much easier for the soft skin of his buttocks to be injured and rubbed.

In general, diarrhea is not a serious illness; the danger is that you can become dehydrated. The most common causes of diarrhea in babies are:

Feeding: either due to an error in measuring the milk formula, or in babies who are starting with porridge, some food does not suit them.

Infections: due to a virus or bacteria that could have leaked during the preparation of the bottle, or in many other ways.

Medications: some antibiotics, or prokinetics used for reflux, can also cause mild diarrhea.

Teething: although there is no conclusive scientific evidence, the appearance of the first teeth can cause it, although it is usually mild.

Diarrhea can alter the Ph of the baby's stools, making them more acidic, and this, combined with the humidity inside the diaper, makes it very likely that chafing will occur; And if a fungus or bacteria is added to this warm environment, a very serious and painful form of diaper rash can appear: diaper rash, which must be treated by a pediatrician.

In the case of diarrhea, it is very important to know and resolve the cause, particularly in babies under six months of age or who are only fed milk, whether breast milk or formula.

To avoid chafing due to diarrhea and acidic poop, some recommendations are:

l Change the diaper immediately after each bowel movement.

l Carefully clean the area with cotton soaked in water with baking soda or chamomile tea.

l Let the area air dry before putting on the new diaper.

l Use an anti-chafing ointment or cream, only if recommended by the doctor.

l Avoid homemade recipes at all costs.

If they have pimples, blisters, ulcers, bumps, peeling, or pus sores, it is most likely diaper rash. In this case you should avoid commercial anti-chafing creams, which can aggravate the problem, and consult your pediatrician to check it out and recommend the best treatment.