Question 1

I don’t use plastic pants on my baby but she still gets red and sore in the diaper area. Could the diapers be too hard?

Accepted Answer

Probably not. Redness and soreness directly in the diaper area are probably due to diaper rash, which is caused by the effect of urine on the skin in that area. You will need to treat this separately. Redness where the diaper has come into contact with the skin at the point the limbs join the body and around the waist and legs is probably chafing. You could try changing the type of diaper, but usually the reason is that the skin needs extra protection. Apply a lubricant; loosen the diaper a bit and the problem should clear up.

Question 2

My toddler always has sores behind both ears. They are painful to clean so he never lets me dry them properly. What can I do?

Accepted Answer

It is essential to dry the skin in the creases behind the ears gently but thoroughly. Dead skin tends to build up in areas like this if not cleared away regularly, and it can chafe, especially when water from a bath lingers and softens the area. Start gently by using a protective cream such as zinc and castor oil and once the area is healed, dry scrupulously after every bath.

Question 3

My fisherman son comes home with his wrists rubbed raw from his oilskin jacket. How can he prevent this?

Accepted Answer

Your son has either to change to a softer jacket, or protect the skin of his wrist with a wristlet or soft Jumper. Healing is best left to nature. However, the skin should be cleaned and, if the chafing is really severe, a dry dressing will prevent further chafing while it heals.

Question 4

My baby has a patch of redness behind both knees. Could this be chafing?

Accepted Answer

Chafing or chapped skin behind the knee in a small baby is unusual unless here is good cause, such as rubbing. Infantile eczema, the sort which clears when the child grows up, can affect that area, and it is important that your doctor rules out this condition before you treat it.