How would the nurse teach a new mother to prevent diaper dermatitis in the newborn?

Odds are that your baby will experience some form of diaper rash sometime during infancy or toddlerhood. We use the term “diaper rash” to describe a skin irritation that occurs in the area covered by diapers. The first sign of it usually appears in the form of redness or tiny, red bumps on the buttocks, upper thighs, lower abdomen or genitals. 

While diaper rash usually isn’t serious and often goes away after three or four days of proper care, there are a few key things to know. Being aware of these techniques for prevention and treatment will hopefully help avoid the complications of diaper rash, such as skin infection, and prevent pain and suffering for your baby, too. 

What causes diaper rash? 

How would the nurse teach a new mother to prevent diaper dermatitis in the newborn?
Before we discuss what you can do to prevent this from occurring, it’s important to know what causes it in the first place. The biggest culprit? Leaving a diaper on too long. A wet diaper, when left on too long, leaves moisture on the skin, and the components of the urine irritate the sensitive area of a baby’s bum. Leaving a stool-filled diaper on too long is also harmful; baby’s poop contains harsh digestive molecules that can damage the skin. Once the skin’s protective barrier is broken, the area is even more sensitive to irritation, causing redness and pain and opening the door for bacteria or yeast to cause infection in the area. 

Tips to help prevent diaper rash 

There are a handful of things you can do to prevent diaper rash from occurring. Breastfed babies tend to suffer from diaper rash less than babies who aren’t breastfed (though we don’t exactly know why) so if you’re on the fence about breastfeeding, add this to your list of reasons in favor of it. However if that ship has already sailed, know that while some children seem to be more prone to diaper rash than others, there are steps every parent can take to combat the problem. 

  • How would the nurse teach a new mother to prevent diaper dermatitis in the newborn?
    Change all dirty diapers as soon as possible (even if they’re just wet).
  • Avoid baby wipes with alcohol in them as it can irritate the skin.
  • Consider using a soft cloth and water to clean baby during diaper changes.
  • Expose baby’s bottom to air whenever possible; plastic pants and diapers restrict air flow and hold in moisture, making diaper rash more likely.

Tips for caring for diaper rash 

  • Even if you normally use baby wipes, use a soft cloth and water to clean the area when diaper rash occurs.
  • If it’s painful for baby when wiping the area, consider using a squirt bottle of water to clean the area, as it is gentler on the skin.
  • Change diapers frequently and allow diaper-free time to expose the sensitive areas to the air.
  • Consider using an oil-based barrier ointment (such as A+D Original Ointment) or a zinc oxide diaper cream (like Desitin cream) on the affected areas to protect it from moisture inside the diaper and allow it to heal. Use this liberally on red areas at each diaper change. 

Sometimes a skin infection caused by yeast or bacteria may occur alongside diaper rash. If your baby’s rash does not seem to get better within three to four days, if you notice signs of a fever, blisters, pus draining from the rash or severe pain, be sure to contact your pediatrician promptly. 

The best treatment for diaper rash is to keep your baby's skin as clean and dry as possible. If the rash doesn't go away with home treatment, your health care provider might suggest:

  • A mild (0.5% to 1%) hydrocortisone (steroid) cream twice a day for 3 to 5 days
  • An antifungal cream, if your baby has a fungal infection
  • Antibiotic medicine taken by mouth, if your baby has a bacterial infection

A diaper rash might take several days to improve, depending on how severe it is. A rash may come back again and again. If a rash persists even with prescription products, your health care provider may recommend that your baby see a specialist in skin conditions (dermatologist).

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Which interventions can be used to prevent diaper dermatitis?

To prevent diaper rash, keep your baby's skin as clean and dry as possible. Every time you change your baby's diaper: Clean your baby's bottom from front to back with diaper wipes or warm water and a soft washcloth. Avoid using wipes that have alcohol or fragrances.
The best treatment for diaper rash is to keep your baby's skin as clean and dry as possible. If the rash doesn't go away with home treatment, your health care provider might suggest: A mild (0.5% to 1%) hydrocortisone (steroid) cream twice a day for 3 to 5 days. An antifungal cream, if your baby has a fungal infection.

What instruction would be correct to offer the mother to ensure the safety of the stored expressed breast milk?

Keep the container sealed while warming. Hold it under warm, not hot, running water, or set it in a container of water that is warm, not hot. Never put a bottle or bag of breastmilk in the microwave. Microwaving creates hot spots that could burn your baby and damage the milk.

How can diaper rash be prevented?

To prevent diaper rash, keep your baby's skin as dry and clean as possible and change diapers often so that poop and pee don't irritate the skin. Try these tips: Change your baby's soiled or wet diapers as soon as possible and clean the area well.