10 Tips To Crush And Cure Diaper Yeast Infections

Crushing Diaper Yeast Infections
1. Air Drying

Make sure you ‘air dry’ baby’s bottom as often as possible. This means leaving off any diapers or underclothing when convenient to ensure the area is exposed to fresh air. Of course this still means the environment should be warm and dry and should not be exposed to cold and damp. It is also very beneficial to practice air drying in the afternoons by exposing baby’s bottom to stronger sunlight for a short period.

2. Avoiding Pure Cotton Diapers

Although this might seem to be a contradiction, the problem with 100% cotton diapers is that parents tend to use them in conjunction with plastic diapers covers. This means the wet and feces are held close to the skin and kept airless and warm. Modern synthetic diapers draw the moisture away from the skin and allow the area to breathe. If you do use cotton diapers then add half a cup of apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of water soluble tea tree oil to the rinse water. This will kill off any remaining yeasts in the material.

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3. Change Diaper Brands

If baby is still suffering from diaper rash then try changing the brand of both diapers and baby wipes. Use the low allergy ones where possible. Often it is a chemical in the disposable diapers or wipes which causes a problem including the perfumes which are used. Alternatively you can try using the pure cotton diapers but make sure you following the rinsing advice above and remember to air-dry baby’s bottom regularly.

4. Cleansing

Always use non-allergic, unscented baby wipes wherever possible. If baby is still reacting to these then simply wash the area with tepid water and a soft cotton cloth. If you use soap then a goat’s milk, unscented soap is less likely to result in diaper rash.

5. Calendula Cream for Diaper Rash

Although petroleum jelly, which is a crude oil derivative, is popular as a baby cream, this is certainly best to be avoided. When it comes to using baby creams my recommendation is for Calendula cream which is natural and gentle. Yet whichever cream you choose make sure that it’s 100% natural and contains no preservatives or chemicals. Other creams which are often suitable are Jojoba or Emu oil. However here again you still have to be aware that often these can be scented or have preservatives added and so it is best to go for a higher quality where possible.

6. Foods Resulting in Diaper Rash

Baby can be affected in two ways by food. Firstly they may have an allergic reaction to some foods which can produce diaper rash. Secondly, some foods may produce diarrhea which irritates the skin more than urine and can trigger a nasty diaper rash. And remember, if you are breastfeeding then what you are eating can be transferred to baby and cause diarrhea by that route. If baby suddenly develops diaper rash or diarrhea then be sure to check what foods are going in and if they could be the underlying cause.

7. Frequency of Diaper Changes

Most people fail to realize that feces can promote diaper rash more effectively than urine. What they also fail to realize is that diaper rash can be trigger simply by the material rubbing against the skin. For both reasons it is necessary to both check and change diapers frequently and to make sure they are not replaced too tightly.

8. Yeast Infection Induced Diaper Rash

Of course, it is always possible that diaper rash can have been triggered by a yeast infection. This often results if Mom has had antibiotics and is breastfeeding or if Mom has a yeast infection herself or if baby is given antibiotics. If either of you has been given antibiotics and baby develops diaper rash shortly after then this could certainly be a direct causation.

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9. Severe Diaper Rash

When diaper rash becomes severe it needs special treatment. This means that every diaper change, which must be frequent, needs a considerable amount of time spent in washing, drying, and applying creams where necessary. When washing be sure to follow my guidelines above and also add one teaspoon of water soluble tea tree oil to the water. When it comes to drying, then air-drying, particularly in a sunny (but not hot) environment, is preferable. You can also use a hair dryer on a warm heat (NOT HOT) around the area to make sure no damp areas are left and making sure baby’s fingers are kept well out of the way. In these situations be sure not to use powders to ‘dry off’ the area completely. If it still is damp the powder will simply hold the moisture to the skin. When it comes to creams follow my guidelines as above or speak to your pharmacist about zinc oxide cream.

Also make sure that the amount of sugar in the diet is reduced wherever possible. In babies, like in adults, sugars particularly those in drinks, will simply aggravate the condition.

10. Be Patient

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