Gracie, the mother of a 3-month-old infant calls the clinic and states that her child has a diaper rash. What should the nurse advise?
A. “Leave the diaper off while the infant sleeps.”
B. “Use baby wipes with each diaper change.”
C. “Switch to cloth diapers until the rash is gone”
D. “Offer extra fluids to the infant until the rash improves.”
Correct Answer: A. “Leave the diaper off while the infant sleeps.”
Leaving the diaper off while the infant sleeps helps to promote air circulation to the area, improving the condition. Air out the infant’s skin by letting him or her go without a diaper and ointment for short periods of time, perhaps three times a day for 10 minutes each time, such as during naps.
Option B: Baby wipes contain alcohol, which may worsen the condition. Moist washcloths, cotton balls, and baby wipes can aid in cleaning the skin, but be gentle. Don’t use wipes with alcohol or fragrance.
Option C: Switching to cloth diapers isn’t necessary; in fact, that may make the rash worse. The best way to keep the infant’s diaper area clean and dry is by changing diapers immediately after they are wet or soiled. Until the rash is better, this may mean getting up during the night to change the diaper.
Option D: Extra fluids won’t make the rash better. When possible, let the infant go without a diaper. Exposing skin to air is a natural and gentle way to let it dry. To avoid messy accidents, try laying the infant on a large towel and engage in some playtime while he or she is bare-bottomed.