If babies ran the medical world, diaper rash would be a top priority. We'd have diaper rash telethons and diaper rash clinics, and parents everywhere would know how to prevent and treat rashes.
In short, your baby wants you to take diaper rashes seriously. A few simple steps will save your little one a lot of misery.

What causes diaper rash?

As long as a baby is wearing diapers, a diaper rash will be a very real threat. For one thing, diapers rub against a baby's delicate skin. Over time, the skin can become red and irritated. Baby wipes and soaps (including detergent left behind on cloth diapers) can also irritate the skin.

Diapers keep skin warm and moist, especially when they aren't changed promptly. Warm, moist skin can be an inviting place for yeast infections. A yeast infection often starts on a patch of already irritated skin and quickly spreads. The baby's skin will look bright red and raw. The rash may spread over a large area, even outside of the diaper, and it might be surrounded by red spots. Any diaper rash that lasts more than three days probably involves a yeast infection.

How can diaper rash be prevented?

The most important thing you can do is to change your baby promptly whenever he's wet and messy. The longer he stews, the more likely he is to get a rash. If his skin is already a bit irritated, you should change him at least once every two hours and once at night. Here are some other ways to prevent diaper rash:

• If possible, give your baby a little "naked" time every day. A little fresh air is good for his skin.
• If you're using disposable diapers, make sure to use a brand that wicks moisture away from the skin. Your baby's skin will stay drier, and he'll be less likely to have a severe rash.
• When washing cloth diapers use a mild detergent and rinse them twice in cold water to remove any excess. If the diapers still seem to irritate your baby's skin, try a different detergent.
• Make sure his bottom is dry before you put on another diaper.
• Don't routinely use soap when cleaning up after a messy diaper. Just rinse his bottom with plain warm water and/or wipe up with soap-free, alcohol-free baby wipes or cotton balls. If the mess is especially sticky, you may want to use a very mild soap.
• Don't use plastic pants. They can turn a diaper into a hothouse for germs and rashes.

You don't need to wait for a rash to develop to start protecting your baby's skin with petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline or Weleda) or, if a baby is prone to rashes, a zinc oxide ointment (such as Desitin). These products can keep a rash from happening in the first place. A little dab at bedtime can be especially helpful.

How is diaper rash treated?

If your baby develops a diaper rash, you need to be extra diligent about diapering. Check his diaper often and change it if it's no longer pristine. Use only cotton balls or skin-friendly wipes to clean up messes. Before putting on a new diaper, let your baby's skin thoroughly dry, then dab either petroleum jelly or a zinc oxide ointment on the rash. Don't use talcum powder or cornstarch. Talcum powder is harmful if inhaled, and cornstarch can aggravate a yeast infection.

Some rashes are too severe to treat on your own. You should call your baby's doctor if the rash doesn't get better within one week despite your best efforts. You should also contact the doctor in these situations:

• A diaper rash develops before your baby is 6 weeks old.
• The rash includes pimples, open sores, or large bumps.

The rash spreads outside of the diaper area to places like the arms or head. Yeast can also show up in the mouth or in areas with skin folds such as the neck.

• Your baby isn't eating well.
• Your baby has a fever.

Your baby's doctor can prescribe treatments to help clear up the rash. One option is a thick paste that will provide even more protection than a standard ointment. If your baby has a yeast infection, the doctor may also prescribe an antifungal cream or an ointment . If your baby's skin is badly inflamed, a 1 percent hydrocortisone cream may be added to the treatment.

The best way to treat diaper rash is to keep it from happening in the first place. Your baby may not get around to thanking you, but he'll definitely be grateful