Diaper Rash Learning Center

The best way to deal with the common ailment of diaper rash is good prevention. Keep a baby's diaper area clean, cool and dry. See the Diaper Rash Learning Center's Causes section to learn more about how to keep your baby comfortable. Should you use disposable or cloth diapers? Disposable diapers may be more absorbent and keep baby drier, but cloth diapers are more environmentally friendly. If you use cloth diapers but not a diaper service, you need to actually boil the diapers in a pot of water on the stove for 15 minutes to sterilize them and kill any germs embedded in them. Using talcum powder may not help - ask your health care provider for advice.

The important thing is to change baby's diapers frequently and keep the area dry. If you are concerned that you may be dealing with something more than diaper rash, see your doctor. See the Diaper Rash Learning Center's Complications section for possible problems with untreated diaper rash. The Diaper Rash Learning Center's Multimedia Image Gallery has pictures of diaper rash.

There is nothing wrong with letting babies go without diapers for a while to let the skin dry. At nap time, try putting baby down on an open cloth. Check the baby a short time after she falls asleep and remove and replace the wet pad.

Almost every child gets diaper rash and it usually resolves itself within three days. If the rash doesn't improve, see your health care provider. You don't have to wash the baby's skin with soap at each diaper change, simply rinse with warm water. Avoid the use of plastic pants.