Among the thousands of discoveries in the world of motherhood that have made mothers’ lives easier, disposable diapers are considered one of the eighth wonders of the world for simplifying daily routines. Gone are the days when facing the laundry tub and washing bucket after bucket of dirty diapers was a mother’s job—now if the diaper gets dirty, just change the baby and throw the used one away. But what happens when the baby is allergic to diapers?
Diaper allergy, or diaper dermatitis as it is called by doctors, is a very common problem among babies and is noticed as rash, redness, or irritation of the skin where the diaper is placed and causes great discomfort to the baby. Diaper allergy is not always necessarily caused by the diaper itself, but by the buildup of urine and feces in its plastic material, as well as the lack of ventilation it causes.
Diaper allergy can also be triggered by irritating substances—in other words, it may be caused by several factors that irritate the skin, such as the fragrance of the disposable diaper or that used in baby hygiene products. The same applies to soaps and fabric softeners used for washing clothing, so simply changing the diaper brand may not solve the problem. The vast majority of diaper allergy cases are related to substances found in the baby’s own feces that cause the allergy and the peeling and irritation of the sensitive skin in that area, often even after new foods are introduced into the baby’s diet. The mix of the baby’s urine and feces increases the skin’s pH and activates skin enzymes that cause serious irritation, making it easier for a bacteria called candida—especially present in diarrhea—to appear, which causes intense itching, burning, small bumps, and a lot of discomfort.
My Baby Has a Diaper Allergy – What Should I Do?
First, it is recommended that a pediatrician check the situation and make sure a more serious infection hasn’t affected the area. In the case of candidiasis or any other bacterial or fungal infection, antibiotic treatment is necessary to fight it, along with antifungal creams. That’s why it’s important to visit the doctor so they can assess the situation and recommend the proper treatment. The next step is correct hygiene at the site affected by the diaper allergy. The use of products containing perfume—even those labeled hypoallergenic—are not recommended during treatment, such as baby wipes, which should be avoided until treatment is over. Cleaning should be done carefully, without rubbing the affected area as this can cause intense pain for the baby.
In the case of babies who use cloth diapers, in addition to the above recommendations regarding hygiene, the use of laundry detergent and fabric softeners should be eliminated. During and if possible after treatment, it is recommended to wash only with unscented neutral bar soap, which keeps things well cleaned, odor-free, and avoids potential allergies from substances and fragrances. The last and essential recommendation for the baby’s improvement is to let the baby spend as much time as possible without wearing a diaper, whether disposable or cloth. Exposure to sunlight during recommended periods for the baby is also extremely helpful, as sunlight helps healing and provides vitamin D. Allow the skin in the area to breathe along with the relief provided by the doctor-recommended medications. Corticosteroid creams play an important role in treatment and offer significant relief and quick improvement.
See also: Cloth Diapers – From Antiquity to Modern Times
Photo: Lou Haach
