My Story

The chronicle of the journey from infertility, to miscarriage, to finally raising twin girls born in June 2012.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Diaper rash woes

Tina has some hard core diaper rash.  I found it while we were getting an ultrasound on her hips on Tuesday and it's NASTY.  Remember, K had her all day Monday which is why I didn't see it sooner.  The doctor gave us some cream that's 3x more potent than desitan but it's not doing anything.  I've had her naked for a day, I've tried having her naked and on her tummy, I've tried smearing this crap on, leaving it off and just letting her be dry, I'm running out of ideas.  She's inconsolable today and I really don't blame her.  I'm about at my wits end because I know it's hurting her, I can't cure it, and I can't seem to comfort her.  And now Charlotte just woke up and is screaming at me after a very short nap.

This sucks.

11 comments:

  1. Yikes. Maybe a cool cloth or something? Take the edge off? Breathe. You are ok. She will be ok.

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  2. If it's just a really bad diaper rash plain corn starch might clear it up. But it could be a yeast infection. My kids got them quite often as babies. Iif that's the case you're going to need some nystatin cream from the pediatrician.

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  3. My kids have had a few diaper rashes that actually bled. They just take time. It sounds like you are doing all the right things.
    Also my son had trouble with the Pampers baby dry brand (I think-or dry weave). Once we switched diapers he did better.

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  4. ^^^ what Jessy said... My son had a yeast infection when he was a couple months old and it was horrible... The Nystatin cleared it up so quickly... might be worth a try?

    I'm a long time lurker... need to comment more but always feel weird doing that since I don't have a blog of my own. But, I just wanted to let you know that you have another reader out here, rooting for you!

    - Erin B.

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  5. Treatment

    The best treatment for a diaper rash is to keep the diaper area clean and dry. This will also help prevent new diaper rashes.

    Always wash your hands after changing a diaper

    Ask your doctor if a diaper rash cream would be helpful. Zinc oxide or petroleum jelly-based products help keep moisture away from baby's skin when applied to completely clean, dry skin

    Avoid using wipes that have alcohol or perfume. They may dry out or irritate the skin more

    Do NOT use corn starch on your baby's bottom. It can make a yeast diaper rash worse

    Do NOT use talc (talcum powder). It can get into your baby's lungs

    Change your baby's diaper often, and as soon as possible after the baby urinates or passes stool

    Lay your baby on a towel without a diaper on whenever possible. The more time the baby can be kept out of a diaper, the better

    Pat the area dry or allow to air-dry

    Put diapers on loosely. Diapers that are too tight don't allow enough air and may rub and irritate the baby's waist or thighs

    Use water and a soft cloth or cotton ball to gently clean the diaper area with every diaper change. Avoid rubbing or scrubbin the area. A squirt bottle of water may be used for sensitive areas

    Using highly absorbent diapers helps keep the skin dry and reduces the chance of getting an infection

    If you use cloth diapers:

    Avoid plastic or rubber pants over the diaper. They do not allow enough air to pass through

    Do NOT use fabric softeners or dryer sheets. They may make the rash worse

    When washing cloth diapers, rinse 2 or 3 times to remove all soap if your child already has a rash or has had one before

    MEDICATIONS:

    Topical antifungal skin creams and ointments will clear up infections caused by yeast. Nystatin, miconazole, clotrimazole, and ketaconazole are common ones.

    Sometimes a mild, topical corticosteroid cream may be used. Talk to your doctor before trying this on your baby.
    Expectations (prognosis)

    The rash usually responds well to treatment.
    Complications

    Complications from Candida-associated diaper rash can include:

    Secondary infection

    Calling your health care provider

    Call your health care provider if:

    The rash gets worse or does not go away in 2-3 days

    The rash spreads to the abdomen, back, arms, or face

    You notice pimples, blisters, ulcers, large bumps, or pus-filled sores

    Your baby also has a fever

    Your baby is taking an antibiotic and develops a bright red rash with spots at its edges. This might be a yeast infection

    Your baby develops a rash during the first 6 weeks of life

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001960/

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  6. One thing that's helped with my kiddos' diaper rashes is giving them an oatmeal bath. Just throw some quick oats in warm water and then soak her bum in it for a good 10 minutes or so. Then rinse off with clean water. Still use whatever creams or other remedies also, but this can help soothe the irritated skin.

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  7. Mix equal parts of destin, an anti-itch cream and a anti-fungal (buy those generic to make it cheaper) together and apply 3-4 times a day. It should clear it up pretty fast!

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  8. Another thing to try, udder cream. Off the wall and totally for cows, but it works. My family swears by it.

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  9. Bag Balm may work also. It's in a green, square can and I think I saw it at BRU. She may not be able to tolerate the scented diapers like pampers or huggies. Most any store brand of diaper is unscented. I like the Target brand. On the same note, change to an unscented wipe or just use a soft washcloth with water only. My daughter had these terrible diaper rashes and she ended up having food allergies. So, if you can't get them to clear up you might want to think about eliminate some foods from your diet. Especially if you have any history of food allergies in your families. Milk is a common culprit. Good Luck!

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  10. Whenever I was nannying equal parts a@d ointment, maalox and an antifungal cream all over the counter. The pediatrician I used to work for swore by it and it worked every time for me. I hope it goes away soon!

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  11. Poor baby and poor you! :( I know you posted this a couple of days ago, I hope it is better now.

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