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Chafing in newborns

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
 
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Diaper rash in newborns occurs quite often. Inflammation of the skin area that is constantly exposed to friction, moisture and overheating is prone to the appearance of this pathology.

They often appear in the groin, armpits, arms, legs and neck. It is important to notice this pathological condition in time and begin treatment.

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Causes of Diaper Rash in Newborns

In fact, the main causes of diaper rash in newborns depend on the parents themselves. So, when the baby starts to be swaddled and put on a diaper, access to fresh air is blocked. The baby can overheat and sweat. As a result, this pathology develops. Therefore, parents need to take better care of their baby.

The main reason for inflammation is excess moisture. Babies often "go to the toilet." The main reason for its development can be diarrhea. Even in the most ideal diapers, it is difficult to avoid this phenomenon. No matter how well they absorb excess moisture, it still remains. When urine begins to contact with bacteria excreted from the child's stool, ammonia is formed. This is a fairly aggressive chemical substance, which can cause pathology. Even if you change diapers often, the risk of getting inflammation always remains.

Another reason for the development of the disease is friction or sensitivity to chemical compounds. Thus, this pathology can appear as a result of friction of the diaper against the skin, this is especially dangerous if the child has increased sensitivity to chemical compounds. A negative reaction can well be caused by fragrances that improve the smell of diapers or detergents. Even skin care products can cause a negative reaction.

New products often cause the development of this pathology. The risk increases during the introduction of new complementary foods or simply other products. New food can change the composition of the stool and in a certain way affect the functioning of the intestines. If a woman is breastfeeding, then the baby's body can react to the products she eats.

An infection can easily develop under a diaper. After all, a warm and humid environment is the best place for fungi and bacteria to multiply. Therefore, you need to carefully monitor your child's skin.

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Symptoms of Diaper Rash in Newborns

The main symptoms of diaper rash in newborns appear depending on the stage of the disease. Thus, there are three degrees of pathology.

The first stage is characterized by slight hyperemia of the skin. However, its integrity is not violated.

The second stage usually manifests itself in the form of bright red eroded areas with multiple microcracks. Sometimes pustules and other rashes appear. At this stage, it is necessary to be wary and begin appropriate treatment.

The third stage is the most severe. Pathological areas have pronounced hyperemia, wet cracks and even epidermal peeling. At this stage, the baby can easily become infected with fungi or bacteria with further development of microbial eczema. Inflammatory foci at the second and third stages are accompanied by pain, itching, burning and significantly affect the baby's well-being. He is constantly restless and cries. The child may suffer from fever, deterioration of sleep and appetite.

Diaper rash in newborn boys

As a rule, diaper rash in newborn boys is no different from that in girls. The places where it appears are the same. Thus, wet areas often appear in the groin area, in the armpit folds, on the legs, arms and neck.

When the first symptoms appear, treatment should be started immediately, regardless of the patient's gender. After all, this pathology appears in the same way. It is also possible to prevent the development of skin inflammation. To do this, it is necessary to take all preventive measures. Change diapers more often, treat the child's skin and let it "breathe" as much as possible.

Diaper rash in newborns can occur for various reasons. Even in cases where the child is carefully cared for. After all, a change in products changes the work of the intestines, new bacteria appear and therefore this pathology can develop. No matter how expensive and good diapers are, they cannot save from inflammation of the skin.

Diaper rash in newborn girls

Diaper rash develops in newborn girls due to poor care. After all, many mothers, buying super-class diapers, think that they are able to get rid of many problems. In fact, everything is not so. Even despite the high degree of absorption, moisture remains. This leads to the development of this disease. You need to change the diaper often. It is best to let the skin breathe and not wear it constantly.

It is also necessary to monitor the baby's diet. Changing products also changes the condition of the stool. Thus, new bacteria appear, which, when reacting with urine, turn into ammonia. Chemical effects on the baby's skin are unacceptable. Therefore, it is still worthwhile to carefully introduce complementary foods. A young mother should also monitor her own health, because the food she eats affects the baby's body.

It is important not to let the weeping areas develop. At the first stage, the simplest hygiene procedures can help. At later stages, you will have to treat with serious medications.

Diaper rash in newborns in the groin

Often, diaper rash appears in newborns in the groin, because this is the most common place for infection to spread. In this area, there is a large amount of fat deposits. It is because of them that the skin rubs against each other, which results in wet areas.

If the damage is minor, then it will not require special treatment. Ointments or creams are not quite suitable for the baby's skin. Because they will not be able to breathe under their layer. It is necessary to make sure that the skin breathes. This is especially important after feeding and swaddling. In this case, baths made from succession and chamomile will help perfectly.

These herbs are great for wiping reddened areas. To do this, you will have to use cotton swabs. After that, it is recommended to apply a protective ointment to the skin, for example, zinc. It can save the skin from irritation and friction. If the inflammation does not go away, then baths of light pink potassium permanganate solution come to the rescue. It is advisable to add a decoction of tannin or oak bark to them.

It is important to wash things with special baby products and be sure to rinse them. After bathing the baby, you need to blot dry with a napkin or towel. And you should not forget about daily air baths.

Diaper rash on a newborn's bottom

Diaper rash on a newborn's bottom occurs quite often. Because this is where a large accumulation of moisture is located. Constant wearing of a diaper leads to unpleasant phenomena.

In order to carry out quality prevention, it is worth paying more attention to the child's hygiene. So, the diaper should be changed often, not every hour, but nevertheless. In addition, do not hope that an expensive diaper can save from all troubles. All the same, no matter what its degree of absorption, moisture remains. In a warm and humid place, bacteria develop much faster and thus lead to the development of this pathology.

It is necessary to always monitor the condition of the baby's skin. It is necessary to make special baths from a decoction of chamomile. In more serious cases, resort to the help of potassium permanganate. There are many methods to get rid of diaper rash in newborns. The most basic of them is the ability to get air. Therefore, it is not necessary to wear a diaper all the time.

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Diaper rash on the neck of newborns

Weeping areas on the neck are not observed so often. The main place of their development has always been the groin area. After all, it is there that there is a constant accumulation of moisture due to wearing a diaper.

Why do they appear on the neck? In fact, everything is very simple. Larger babies are prone to this phenomenon. The fact is that there are quite a lot of folds on the child's body, and it is in them that wet areas are formed. Friction of the skin against each other leads to this phenomenon. Moreover, if the treatment process is not started in time, the condition may worsen. As a rule, cracks and even purulent inflammations appear.

There is no need to worry, it is important to start eliminating skin redness in time. First of all, you need to include baths with chamomile decoction in your daily hygiene procedures. A weak solution of potassium permanganate will also cope with the problem of redness. In addition, the baby's skin should always be wiped and baby cream should be used in places where inflammation may occur.

Diaper rash under the arms of a newborn

Why do wet areas appear under the armpits of a newborn and how to deal with this phenomenon? In fact, they can appear at any time. Sometimes even following all preventive measures cannot protect the baby from the harmful effects of reddening of the skin.

Under the armpits, this phenomenon occurs due to constant friction of the skin against each other. As is known, the most common places for the development of this pathology are skin folds. What to do in this case? It is necessary to carry out a number of preventive measures. It is advisable to include baths with a weak solution of potassium permanganate in hygiene procedures. Do not ignore chamomile decoctions. Places that are prone to redness should be treated in a special way.

In addition, if diaper rash in newborns does occur, it should be tried to be removed using more gentle methods. In the presence of redness in severe stages, you cannot do without consulting a doctor and using medications.

Weeping diaper rash in newborns

Weeping diaper rash occurs in newborns at more severe stages. In this case, it is necessary to use only medications. It is worth noting that they should not be on a fat basis. In no case should weeping inflammations be treated with oils or ointments. They cover the damaged area with a film and prevent healing.

For several days, wet surfaces should be treated with poultices. They should be made from a 1-2% tannin solution, a 0.25% silver nitrate solution, and a 0.1% rivanol solution. Only the attending physician can prescribe these remedies! You cannot resort to such therapy on your own!

After the oozing has stopped, zinc paste is used. An emulsion with bactericidal substances has also proven itself well. It is important that the baby receives adequate nutrition during treatment. In no case should you do anything on your own.

Severe diaper rash in newborns

What is the danger of severe diaper rash in newborns, and why do they occur? The fact is that they are difficult to treat in the later stages. You need to think about this problem at the moment when inflammation appears. The third stage is the most severe in itself.

Purulent inflammations appear on the skin, and epidermis peeling is observed. All this is very serious and in no case should the development of a severe stage be allowed. Timely prevention and elimination of the problem at the initial stages will save the situation.

Weeping wounds may appear at the last stages. In this case, it is necessary to resort to the help of medications. These should be non-greasy products. The fact is that ointments and oils cover the inflammation with a special film, which slows down the entire healing process. In no case should you begin treatment on your own. Here, everything is done under the supervision of the attending physician.

Diagnosis of diaper rash in newborns

Usually, diagnostics are carried out based on visual examination of the skin. There is no point in conducting any tests or procedures. After all, all the redness is visible anyway.

The examination is carried out by a pediatrician or a dermatologist. In some cases, microscopic examinations are carried out. As a rule, they include skin scraping for fungi and bacteriological culture. This procedure is carried out only in more serious situations.

Sometimes oozing occurs due to allergic reactions of the body. In this case, an examination is carried out by a pediatric allergist. Naturally, it is necessary to determine what contributed to the development of such a reaction.

In any case, you should not fight the oozing areas on your own. It is better to see your doctor again to determine the nature of the disease. In this way, you can prevent its recurrence.

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Treatment of diaper rash in newborns

Only minor redness can be removed with fresh air and hygiene, in other cases complex treatment of diaper rash in newborns is necessary. Naturally, in the early stages you can resort to the help of chamomile decoctions and a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

After each washing and drying, it is recommended to use Desitin cream. This is a very good product, although it has a very unpleasant smell. All due to the fact that the composition includes cod liver oil. Despite this, the ointment perfectly protects the baby's skin during sleep.

Let's also consider Bepanten cream. It also promotes rapid healing of wounds. You can use talc or starch. But in this case, there is a side effect. The products can clump in the area of inflammation and thus rub them even more. Therefore, it is best to use special ointments.

The main thing is not to start treatment on your own. It is worth consulting a doctor. It is important to start the healing process in time. In this matter, the complex use of baths, decoctions and liniments will help perfectly.

How to treat diaper rash in a newborn?

In this case, everything depends on the stage of inflammation development. So, at the first stages, the best way to get rid of inflammation is fresh air.

If possible, it is necessary to always keep the baby "half-naked". That is, do not put on a diaper so often, especially if the child is at home. Dry skin that is blown with air will heal faster.

When the baby is sleeping, you need to try to take off the diaper. It is better to put a diaper or oilcloth underneath. If the baby is used to diapers, and it is more convenient for parents, it is worth changing it as often as possible. Including at night! It is imperative to try diapers from different manufacturers. After all, sometimes the skin reacts to them differently.

It is necessary to use protective creams that create a so-called barrier. Zinc ointment is able to create a waterproof layer on the skin. This will protect the baby from increased moisture.

You should constantly wash the baby with warm water and wipe him dry. If this is not possible, then you should wipe the baby with a damp cloth. You should not use disposable wipes or other means, they can worsen the situation.

How to treat diaper rash in newborns?

First of all, it is worth noting that in no case should you use disposable napkins and other wisdom. At this stage, complex treatment should be carried out.

So, even the most ordinary creams and liniments will do just fine. It is important that they are not greasy. In this case, a film may form on the pathological area, which complicates the healing process.

It is necessary to make lotions, preferably made from a 1-2% tannin solution. You can wipe the child with a damp cloth, which will be soaked in chamomile decoction beforehand. It is important to pat the baby dry after any bathing or rubbing procedure!

In general, it is better to use complex treatment. Thus, it is advisable to bathe the baby in a weak solution of potassium permanganate and chamomile. Naturally, the result should be secured with special creams and ointments. But they should not be used without the doctor's knowledge under any circumstances.

Bepanten

Bepanten is an excellent preventive and therapeutic agent. It is used both to prevent inflammation and to treat chafed and irritated skin. In addition, it effectively fights inflammation, abrasions and diaper dermatitis. Therefore, its spectrum of action is quite wide.

The main active ingredient of the drug is provitamin B5. It is able to accelerate mitosis, as well as regulate cellular metabolism processes and increase the strength of collagen fibers.

The cream is quickly absorbed and thus promotes effective replenishment of endogenous pantothenic acid reserves. Bepanten has excellent moisturizing and regenerating properties. The cream is highly safe and has no side effects. That is why it is recommended for use by babies.

The product must be applied after each diaper change. Naturally, this is done on clean and dry skin.

Baneocin

The drug Baneocin is used only in severe stages. Because this powder fights complex inflammatory processes.

Baneocin is not only effective, but also affordable compared to other ointments and creams. The powder can be used to treat wounds and it is painless. This is very important for a small child, because he already experiences unpleasant sensations.

It is worth noting that this product is supplied both in the form of liniments and powder. Baneocin has a good anti-inflammatory effect. The powder can be applied to the treated wound and there will be no discomfort. If the weeping condition is satisfactory, then one use of the product is enough. When the process is difficult, you need to apply the powder after each swaddling.

If we talk about ointment, it has the same properties. It is applied after each diaper change to clean, purified skin.

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Fukortsin

An excellent antifungal and antiseptic drug is fucorcin. This solution is used exclusively externally. It is actively used to treat abrasions, scratches, as well as cracks and erosions of the skin.

Fucorcin should be applied only with a cotton swab or a tampon. The affected areas are wiped 2-5 times a day. To enhance the effect of the drug, the treated area should be soaked with cream for newborns after drying.

The medicine is really good, there is no need to doubt its effectiveness. It should be noted that it does not require application after each diaper change. To notice a positive effect, 2-5 times of application to the skin is enough.

Some doctors recommend using the product for this pathology of candidal origin. But this should be done with extreme caution. In general, fucorcin is an excellent solution for combating the main skin problems.

What to use to treat diaper rash in newborns?

Not many people know what to lubricate the affected skin of a child with to achieve a good effect. So, special creams and liniments come to the rescue. It is important that they are not greasy.

The thing is that greasy ointments can leave a film on top of the wet areas. This worsens the healing process. Therefore, you should not use any products on your own. There is always a risk of worsening the situation.

Thus, good ointments are considered to be Tsindol, Bepanten and Desitin. All of them are intended to combat various inflammations of the skin. Due to their gentle composition, they can be used for children.

A good method of getting rid of this pathology is to use sunflower oil, which will be heated in a water bath. This is a good folk recipe. But it still requires the approval of the attending physician.

Oils

What oil should be used to achieve good results?

One of the best remedies in this case is sea buckthorn oil. You can buy it at any pharmacy. To get rid of skin redness and remove the pathological process, you need to apply oil after each diaper change. If the affected area is on the arms, legs or neck, then you should apply a napkin soaked in oil to this place. Redness and irritation will gradually begin to go away the next day.

Regular sunflower oil also helps to cope with this pathology. But before using it, it is advisable to boil it in a water bath. The application methods are similar. Every time after changing the diaper, the skin should be wiped with oil. If the inflammation is located in other places, then a napkin soaked in oil is applied to the affected area.

Vaseline and olive oil have similar effects. It is important to constantly repeat the procedure, but not to overdo it.

Ointments

Specialized liniments can also have a positive effect. Today, there are quite a lot of ointments to combat skin inflammation. This allows you to choose a truly high-quality and effective drug.

So, zinc ointment is not bad. It is important to know how to use it correctly. The product is applied to the clean and dry skin of the baby in a thin layer. This procedure should be repeated every time during swaddling or changing the diaper. Zinc ointment is also used as a preventive measure against the development of wet areas. It should be used in the same way, but no more than 3-5 times a day. The medicine will help to remove unpleasant sensations, such as itching and burning.

Tsindol ointment also has a good effect. But it must be used in a special way. So, first, it is recommended to bathe the baby in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Then dry the baby and treat the inflamed areas with liniment. It is important to shake it before use and leave the baby naked after application so that it is completely absorbed into the skin. During the day, the procedure is carried out as needed. So, if the baby sweats or the diapers are wet, everything is repeated.

Today, there are a huge number of different ointments. But you can use them all only after the approval of your doctor.

Creams

Creams have also proven themselves well in the treatment of this pathological condition. Thus, one of the best in its field is desitin. This is a wonderful remedy in the fight against this pathology.

This cream can be called universal. Because it can have a positive effect on both adults and babies. The affected area must be thoroughly washed with warm water and left open for a while. The skin must be allowed to dry on its own. After that, the cream itself is applied in a thin layer and left in the air again. Only after the liniment has been absorbed can you dress the baby.

The cream Gentle nature of the baby is not bad. It was developed specifically for skin care of newborns. It contains only natural components that do not injure the skin and promote its rapid healing. The cream should be applied at each diaper change and even at night.

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More information of the treatment

Prevention of diaper rash in newborns

Is it possible to prevent diaper rash in newborns? In any case, it is necessary to resort to preventive measures.

So, the child should be periodically bathed in a decoction of chamomile and a light solution of potassium permanganate. This will help get rid of existing problems with the skin, such as rashes and redness. In addition, it will prevent their development in the future.

It is important to alternate diapers. And we are not talking only about changing the company itself. So, you can use disposable diapers, alternate them with cloth and gauze ones. In this way, you can find the main irritant that can provoke redness.

It is always necessary to wash the baby after changing the diaper. It is also important to dry the baby thoroughly. So that wet skin does not come into contact with clothes and friction does not occur. It is also necessary to monitor nutrition. After all, new food has a special effect on the baby's intestines, which completely changes its functioning. All this, when in contact with urine in the diaper, can lead to the formation of ammonia. By the way, this is a powerful chemical that can cause irritation.

In general, you should always keep your baby clean. Hygiene procedures are the best preventive methods. In such circumstances, diaper rash in newborns is not at all scary.

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