Diaper Rash Remedy: When to Call Your Doctor

The best diaper rash home remedies are simple and easy.  Most of the time, it only requires you to keep your baby’s diaper area clean, dry and well-ventilated. And after a few days ---- viola! The rashes are gone.  Sometimes, it may require you to experiment a bit and try using different types of diapers or trying out milder baby soaps to see which one works best for your baby.  

However, there are rashes that persist and may seem untreatable by any diaper rash remedy you try at home.  Soon you begin to wonder whether or not you should bring your baby to your family physician.

Diaper rash is often no cause for alarm unless you observe certain symptoms that may include the following:

• Your baby is in his first six (6) weeks of life.  Newborn babies are fragile and sensitive.  Having an experienced physician look after his or her health in the first few weeks of his life may be the best decision you could ever make.
• When blisters, pimples or small ulcers form.  This may mean that an infection has developed and medications may be necessary.
• When your baby has a fever.  With or without rashes, it is best to consult a doctor when your baby has a fever.
• When your baby is not eating well or loses weight.  This means that something may be wrong and it may be related to the persistence of the diaper rash.  Sometimes, your doctor may recommend some changes in your diet if you are breastfeeding, or changes in your baby’s diet.
• When the rashes spread to other parts of the body such as arms, face, scalp and chest.  There many different types of rashes.  Consulting your doctor will help identify which type of rash your baby is having and proper treatment can be applied.

If you have tried different diaper rash home remedies such as changing your baby’s diaper often, keeping his or her bottom clean and dry, using zinc-oxide or petroleum ointments to protect his or her skin from moisture and many others, and still the rash persists for over a week, it is recommended that you consult your family physician for alternative treatment. 

Freelance Contributor: Hazel Zanoria