Diaper Rash - Prevention

To prevent your baby from getting diaper rash, you should:
- Change your baby’s wet diapers on a regular basis. 
- Clean the diaper area well with warm water and gentle soap. Wipe the area completely dry before putting on a new diaper.
- Use disposable diapers. 
- If using cloth diapers, wash diapers thoroughly to remove all soap/detergent.
- If using cloth diapers, do not put plastic pants over the diaper because they do not allow for fresh air to go through.
- Use protectants that have ingredients like Zinc Oxide or Petroleum.

References
1. Hagemeier. Nicholas E. APhA Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs: Chapter 36 Diaper Dermatitis and Prickly Heat. 16th Edition, Washington DC: American Pharmacists Association, 2009
2. Kaneshiro, Neil and David Zieve. Diaper rash. August 2, 2011. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001960/. Last accessed September 8, 2011.
3. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Diaper Rash. 2011. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diaper-rash/DS00069. Last accessed September 8, 2011.
4. American Academy of Family Physicians. Diaper Rash. March 2010. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/parents/infants/051.html. Last accessed September 8, 2011.
5. Durani, Yamini MD. Diaper rash. May 2011. Available at: http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/fungal/diaper_rash.html. Last accessed September 8, 2011.

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