When you see your baby’s bottom covered in red, it can be alarming. Many parents may wonder if their children have a diaper rash. While it’s impossible to diagnose diaper rash without a doctor’s examination, there are some things that can cause it.
In this blog post, we’ll explore whether or not a cold can cause diaper rashes. We’ll also provide tips on how to treat and prevent nappy rash.
What is a common cold?
Colds are viral infections of the nose and throat. Despite how it may feel, colds are usually harmless. They are caused by a wide variety of viruses.
A common cold usually disappears within a week or ten days. Those who smoke may experience longer symptoms. A common cold does not usually require medical attention. Consult your doctor if symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.
Runny nose and nasal congestion are the main symptoms of a cold.
The common cold is especially common in babies, partly because they are often around older children. Additionally, babies are not immune to many common infections. Many babies have six to eight colds within their first year of life.
What causes babies to get colds?
Viruses cause upper respiratory infections, such as colds. Contact with a contaminated object, skin-to-skin contact, droplet transmission from coughs and sneezes can all spread these viruses.
How long does a cold last in a baby?
Although the cough may last longer, the common cold usually lasts seven to ten days.
Colds usually incubate for one to four days. The infection is most contagious a day or two before symptoms appear, but can also spread once a cold is underway. Runny noses become less contagious once they dry up.
Do common colds cause diaper rash?
A diaper rash is a common skin condition affecting almost all babies. When babies have colds, they could develop diaper rash. A maternal and child health nurse can usually treat most cases of diaper rash successfully at home. If you notice that your baby’s diaper rash is severe, hurting your child, or doesn’t clear up within a few days, consult your child’s doctor immediately.
What to do if your baby develops a rash after getting colds?
Of course, it is important to take care of the colds first. But you should not neglect the rash on your baby’s skin. The diaper rash might heal on its own after a few days. And treating diaper rash is easy at home. So there’s nothing to worry about. These routines can also help prevent diaper rash from becoming worse.
Changing diapers more frequently
Change diapers regularly regardless of whether they are disposable diapers or reusable ones. It can reduce the presence of bacteria and yeast that produce moisture. When a baby sits in a wet or soiled diaper for a long time, your baby’s skin is more likely to develop a diaper rash. Additionally, make sure every crevice is clean, as leftovers of your baby’s poop and urine particles can also cause rashes.
Let your baby enjoy diaper-free time
You should let your baby go without a diaper for a while if you notice the beginnings of a rash. Moisture creates a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast that can cause a diaper rash. Play with your baby on a waterproof mat that’s covered with a soft material during this time if the weather is nice.
Avoid alcohol-based baby wipes
The ingredients in some baby wipes can irritate the skin and cause a rash just as they do in diapers. Use wipes that can’t irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. You can reduce this risk by using antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and aloe vera-containing wipes that are free of irritating chemicals and fragrances. Alternatively, you can gently clean the irritated skin with warm water, a soft cloth and mild soap.
Wash cloth diapers properly
After the diaper change, soak the dirty diaper in warm water. Use mild detergents instead of strong ones.
Keep the skin dry and clean
Gently pat dry the wet diaper area with a large towel. After you pat the skin, apply barrier cream containing zinc oxide or petroleum jelly during diaper changes to prevent creating a moist environment.
Takeaway
While it is true that a common cold can cause diaper rash, this is not always the case. In most cases, this skin condition is treatable at home with home remedies and basic diapering techniques.
However, if you notice that the bright red rash is severe, hurting your baby, or doesn’t clear up within a few days, consult your doctor immediately. They should be able to diagnose what’s causing the rash, whether it was caused by colds or something else like a bacterial or yeast infection.
