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Can you solve my diaper rash mystery?

Jacqui - posted on 05/16/2009 ( 5 moms have responded )

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So my baby has been developing this TERRIBLE rash the past few days. Just today it exploded into something horrendous. I have no idea what's causing it, so for now I have switched back to disposables because I know those didn't cause her any issues. Anyway, I need help solving the mystery, if anyone has any insights!



Here are the clues: I'm pretty sure it isn't the wipes, or the solution of water, baby soap and oil that I spray onto them because I switched back to disposable wipes for a day to see if it improved and things got worse. So it must be the diapers?? I shake baking soda liberally onto them before throwing them into the bin, and actually since I started this they seem to have become less soft. I have only ever seen baking soda as a solution for things, never a problem. But I'm wondering if the diapers are too rough on her bum? If so, how do I fix this? Her diaper is changed every 2-3 hours, and that has seemed to work for her for the past month that I've been using cloth.



Anyway, this rash is terrible, and I'm not sure what I can try next. Any genius revelations you can give me? I'm very new to cloth diapering, so I basically know nothing. Please impart your wisdom!

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5 Comments

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Allison - posted on 05/16/2009

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My daughter would get terrible diaper rash--really, more of a burn, leaving her skin raw and even bleeding--once she started drinking juice. I would spread vaseline on it liberally (I know, not great with CD) to protect her skin. Or it might be yeast, like Elizabeth in the first post said. My sons both had this and it took a Rx a while to clear it up, that was with disposables however. The CD seem to aid this process...

Bubble baths and airing out can provide some relief, either way.

Jacqui - posted on 05/16/2009

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Thanks everyone! I will try all of your suggestions.

Vilate - posted on 05/16/2009

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I would as the others said ditch the BS and use some tea tree oil in your wash, just 3-5 drops to kill any bacteria. also check your detergent and make sure it doesn't have any enzymes in it. as the enzymes will literally eat your baby's skin. Then i would do a good stripping of the diapers. like she said check for soap bubbles and keep going till there aren't any. i would ditch the wipe solution and just go water till it all clears up. Do you dry store your diapers when they are dirty? like in a dry bucket? I like this method better. i would also hang the diapers out in the sun to dry too. the sun is a natural bleacher and will also kill any bacteria. If you feel the diaeprs are too stiff when yo pull them down off the line you can throw them in the dryer with dryer balls for a few min and they will be soft again.



Also i can't remember what diapers you use, are they an AIO or pocket? Maybe the non breathability of them is holding in the moisture and causing a rash. Yeast infections grow in dampness and if the diaper and and cover aren't breathable it is the perfect place for yeast to grow. I use a fitted and wool covers and they are great! The only time we have ever had any problems is when we have tried new detergents. I love the breathability of the fitted and wool!



Good luck I hope you can clear it up. I would give her some bare bum time!

Jaclyn - posted on 05/16/2009

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I agree.. ditch the bs and I use water with literally a drop of witch hazel (w/o alcoholl!!) sometimes I forego the witch hazel. My son has incredibly sensitive skin so I am a super frequent changer. when he gets rashes I let him have lots of air time for about an hour in the a.m afternoon and evening... good luck

Elizabeth - posted on 05/16/2009

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Rash sounds like it might be yeast-- esp if it is bright red and up in the folds of her legs. If so, call Dr. asap and get some prescription cream.



Couple of things-- ditch the baking soda, and rinse, rinse, rinse the diapers. The BS may be making it harder to get the soap out. You could even try adding some vinegar to the rinse and see if that helps. I'm assuming you haven't changed detergents, etc.



Maybe run them through on hot as much as 3-4 times. Peek in the washing cycle and and see if you see any bubbles-- if so, keep washing.



Good luck!

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