Baby’s red bottom is called diaper rash or diaper dermatitis, it is the most common skin problem in infants and young children, about 7%-35% of infants have experienced red bottom. 1 year old babies are of course the most prone to, slightly older toddlers as long as they still wear diapers, diaper rash is also likely to occur. First, why do babies have red bottoms? Diaper rash is a dermatitis that occurs in the diaper wrapped area, and the causes are varied, there is a part of the diaper rash occurs and the diaper wraps have a direct relationship, for example: 1, irritant diaper dermatitis It is the most common type of diaper rash, the friction between the skin and the diaper, urine and feces in the ammonia and digestive enzymes is the main cause of skin irritation in the diaper area. Often, skin erythema occurs throughout the diaper-wrapped area such as the buttocks, lower abdomen, upper thighs and genital area, with skin folds usually unaffected. 2, Candida diaper dermatitis If irritant diaper dermatitis is not properly treated, it may be followed by Candida infection a few days later. Candida infection can be seen as satellite red papules or pustules around large erythematous patches, and the skin folds will also be affected. 3, allergic diaper dermatitis This is an allergic contact dermatitis to the diaper itself, this is not common, usually in the diaper and the skin in close contact with the site of erythema, and there is obvious itching sensation. If a contact diaper allergy is suspected, the dermatitis clears up quickly after a diaper change. The fragrances and preservatives in some baby wipes may also cause allergies. Babies are also more likely to develop diaper rash in some cases, such as when they have diarrhea or prolonged stool abnormalities, dietary factors (breastfed babies are less likely to develop diaper rash than formula-fed babies), and the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for other medical conditions. There are other skin conditions that can occur in the diaper area that are not directly related to diaper wrapping, such as seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, bacterial infections of the skin (impetigo), scabies, and zinc deficiency to name a few, which can cause similar rashes on other parts of the skin in addition to the rash in the diaper area. If you suspect any of these problems, you need to see a doctor in the hospital. Second, how to deal with it at home? While most babies experience diaper rash, fortunately, most diaper rashes can be treated at home and get better. 1. The first step is to keep the diaper area clean and dry Change diapers in a timely manner, at least every 2-3 hours, and if you find a wet or soiled diaper you should change it at any time. Of course this also means getting up at night to change the diaper. If there is hardened stool on the skin of the buttocks, remove it by softening it with a cotton ball moistened with mineral oil. After cleaning and drying the buttock skin, apply a protective topical cream or ointment. Zinc oxide ointment and petroleum jelly work well to protect the skin from moisture and irritation. Don’t try to completely wipe off this protective layer at the next diaper change, as this may damage the skin even more, and if you must remove it, try a cotton ball dipped in mineral oil. 2.Increase air circulation To help diaper rash heal, increase the amount of time the skin on the buttocks is exposed as much as possible, avoid using airtight plastic pants or non-breathable diapers, don’t wrap the diaper too tightly, and use a larger-than-usual diaper until the rash disappears. 3, Apply protective ointment Various kinds of buttock creams or ointments can be conveniently purchased from drugstores, the main active ingredient of which is zinc oxide, and they can be used on the diaper rash area several times a day, just apply a thin layer. After using the buttock cream, you can also apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly ointment, which will increase the lubricity of the skin and reduce skin friction. Check the ingredient label of the buttock cream or ointment for diaper rash carefully and avoid products containing baking soda, boric acid, camphor, phenol, benzocaine, benzylamine or salicylates. 4. You can take a bath every day Wash with lukewarm water and use a mild, soap-free and unscented soap bar. After the above initial treatment, most of the baby’s condition will get better, if after 2-3 consecutive days did not get better, the rash is more serious, and the appearance of blisters or pustules, the baby appeared to have fever symptoms, you need to visit the hospital in a timely manner. Third, diaper rash, prevention first The best way to prevent diaper rash is to keep the diaper area clean and dry. Here are some simple ways to help reduce the incidence of diaper rash in babies. Change diapers when they are wet or dirty. If your baby is being cared for by someone else, ask them to do the same. Wash your baby’s buttocks with warm water at every diaper change. This can be done in the bathtub or by rinsing with a water bottle or water bottle, or with a plastic squeeze bottle if the skin appears to be eroded and broken. Wet washcloths, wet cotton balls and baby wipes can also help clean the skin, but wipe gently and don’t use wipes that contain alcohol or are scented. If you want to use soap, choose a mild, unscented, soap-free bar or soap substitute. 3. Use a clean towel to gently pat the skin dry or expose it to the air to dry naturally. Don’t dry your baby’s buttocks by rubbing hard, as hard rubbing will further irritate your baby’s delicate skin. 4, diapers should not be wrapped too tightly. Wrapped too tightly will prevent air from entering the diaper area, it will cause the buttocks skin is too moist, more prone to long diaper rash. Also too tight diapers can cause abrasions on the waist or thighs. 5. Reduce the amount of time your baby’s bottom is wrapped in a diaper. Buttocks exposed to the air is the most natural and gentle way to keep the skin dry, in order to avoid sudden “accidents”, you can put the baby on a large enough towel, play time can also bare little buttocks. 6, regular use of buttock ointment. If your baby often has a red bottom, you will need to use an ointment that isolates it every time you change the diaper. Vaseline jelly and zinc oxide are classic ingredients in many buttock ointments, and they provide excellent isolation and protection. 7. Wash your hands after diaper changes. Washing your hands prevents bacteria or candida from spreading to other parts of your baby’s body or to other children in your home. 8, about puffing powder: in the past people often use powder such as corn starch or talcum powder to protect the baby’s skin, absorb the moisture on the surface of the skin, but nowadays the point of view no longer recommend the use of powder, because the powder fine particles are easy to breathe with the breath inhalation and irritation of the baby’s lungs. Fourth, diapers and diapers, how to choose? Many parents in the baby red buttocks will be entangled in how to choose diapers. From the point of view of preventing diaper rash, there is no evidence that cloth diapers must be better than disposable diapers, of course, disposable diapers are not necessarily better than cloth diapers. When using a particular brand of diapers and finding that it irritates your baby’s skin, of course you should change the brand. If you use cloth diapers, the soap used to clean the diaper will remain on the diaper and may also irritate your baby’s skin, so of course you should change the soap as well. In conclusion, whether you are using cloth diapers, disposable diapers, or both, the most important thing is to change the diapers in a timely manner and keep your baby’s bottom clean and dry. If you are using cloth diapers, it is especially important to wash them carefully. Each family has its own method and process for washing diapers, but the key is to wash them well, sterilize them, and remove any soap residue. The following methods and processes are for your reference: 1. Soak heavily soiled diapers in cold water. 2. 2, Wash the diapers in hot water with mild detergent and bleach, the bleaching process can sterilize. Vinegar can also be added during the washing process to eliminate odors and reduce soap residue. 3. Then rinse the diapers in cold water to remove as little soap and chemical detergent residue as possible. 4. Fabric softeners and dryer sheets should not be used because they contain fragrances that may irritate your baby’s skin.