I have a 17 month old that I babysit. At least once a month, his diaper area will get badly irritated and it goes on for over a week. The mom blames herself because she sometimes doesn't catch a poopy diaper and she thinks he's sat in it to long - but I really don't think that's the case, because its happened on my clock, too! I hate to see him going through this time after time - is there something I can suggest to mom to make her feel better? The hiney ususally turns a bright red - the next couple days are really sensitive - sometimes, most times, he breaks out with open sores we have learned are diaper burns - he is treated with Zeasorb-AF powder and Cortisone Cream when it is red - or sometimes Desitin - his mom has very sensitive skin and last winter he suffered from "winter skin." There were no food allergies or milk allergies during the baby food days. Any ideas out there? I just don't want there to be something wrong that we're missing.
Could it possibly be a yeast infection?? I would ask his pediatrician's office if you can try something over the counter.
Good luck!
it's very likely that the baby is sensitive to a particular brand of diaper. switch diaper brands and see if that works. you may even consider cloth diapers for a while.
My daughter had a similar problem and it turned out she was sensitive to DESITIN! You might try an herbal diaper cream like Arbonne and wipes for sensitive skin. We also found that Maalox (tiny bit right on the rash) works wonders for clearing it up.
My daughter was hospitalized at one point and they used a mixture of 1 part Desitin, 1 part Malox, and 1 part Eucerin lotion/cream. We still use it anytime she has a rash and it works with hours and is very sensitive. Also, probiotics (found at Whole Foods, etc.) work wonders, especially if it's a common issue. Good luck. You are kind to care for other's children like you do your own.
Sounds like a recurrent yeast infection. Yeast is bright red with sharp deliniations and if it gets really bad, sores. Desitin is useless for it. My ped recommends Lotrimin AF, which works like a charm. Also, diaper-free time and sunshine help.
For me, I found the culprit was Huggies diapers. I don't know why, but she never gets a yeast infection on Pampers. I have talked to other friends who said the same. My guess is that the Pampers are more effective at locking the moisture away from the baby.
I would keep a close eye on diet as well. Both my sons have food allergies. Though it is a minor reaction my youngest reacts with runny stools followed by terrible diaper rash, almost like the skin is burnt.
The biggest culprits would be milk, egg, peanut, wheat, tree nuts, fish, shellfish or seeds.
