Diaper rash is a common skin irritation from urine and bowel movements. It may also be a reaction to chemicals in the diaper. To prevent diaper rash, change babies quickly after they have wet or soiled their diapers and wash and dry diaper area each time you change a baby’s diaper.

Symptoms include:

• Red skin or small bumps in the diaper area
• Fussiness when diaper is wet or soiled

Treatment:

• Lay baby on his or her stomach, remove diaper and expose the bare diaper area to air for a few minutes. Repeat several times a day.
  NOTE: Do this when child is awake since children should not be placed on their stomachs to sleep.
• Thoroughly and gently clean baby’s bottom at each diaper change and apply a thin layer of protective ointment made especially for diaper rash.

Call your health care provider if the diaper rash does not improve within 3-4 days or if it worsens and there are open sores in the diaper area.