Diaper/Nappy Rash is a common problem for real babies as well as Teen Babies and Adult Babies. Although adults who cannot control their urine or feces and must wear incontinence pads or "Adult Diapers" also can experience the problem.
Diaper rash in Adults, Teen Babies can cause a great deal of discomfort for the Adult/Teen Baby, but almost always stops when the problem causing the rash is addressed. Diaper rash results primarily from continued moisture on the skin and is made worse as the skin is exposed to urine and feces.
For this reason, diaper rash is best prevented by changing diapers frequently to allow the skin to dry thoroughly between episodes of wetting. When the adult, teen baby passes feces, the skin should be cleaned with mild soap as soon as it occures. "Air Time" is also very helpful in preventing diaper rash. If possible the Adult Baby or Teen Baby should try to find at least 2 hours per day to be diaper-less to let the skin breath. Sitting on a absorbant pad "Chuck" or towel will catch any accidents should they happen.
What does nappy/diaper rash look like?
If your Adult baby has diaper rash, you'll know it. Some of the skin covered by the diaper — probably the genital area, the folds of the thighs and the buttocks — will appear red and inflamed. The affected areas can either be dry or moist and sometimes look pimply.
If the basic diaper rash isn't treated, it can grow into something worse — for example, a fungal infection, such as yeast, or a bacterial infection. Yeast infections are more common in babies taking antibiotics (these drugs kill the "good" bacteria that normally keep yeast in check) and typically begin as tiny red spots which multiply and mass into a solid red blotch. Bacterial infections, which can be accompanied by Fever, usually cause oozing yellow patches or pus-filled pimples.
What causes nappy/diaper rash?
The main cause is wetness. Adult, Teen babies urinate often and have frequent, loose bowel movements. Even the most absorbent diaper leaves some moisture on a adult baby's skin. A adult baby left in a dirty diaper for too long is more likely to develop diaper rash; however, it can still strike the bottoms of adult babies with particularly sensitive skin, even if their parents are frequent diaper changers. Having the "baby" in a hot invironment where they will be sweating can be a sure bet for diaper rash as the baby will be sweating into the diaper as well and the diaper will be rubbing them raw. Keeping the baby's diaper area cool and dry helps alot.
What's the best way to treat it?
The best remedy is to keep your adult baby clean and dry by changing his/hers diaper frequently. If the weather is warm and he/she can play outside or in a room with an easy-clean floor, leave his/her nappy/diaper off for as long as possible to allow the air to speed up the healing process.
You might also try switching to disposable nappies (Tena, Depends, Attends, Pampers) and detergents to fragrance and additive-free brands (for those who use cloth diapers): they'll probably clear up the problem if the diaper rash is allergy-based.
A normal diaper rash should clear up after three or four days of at-home treatment with diaper rash cream (Desitin or my favorite I sware by....Balmex). If your adult baby's rash persists, spreads, or otherwise worsens, try an anti-yeast cream, such as Canesten, for a few days. If it continues see a doctor as soon as possible for further treatment/medication.
How can I help prevent nappy/diaper rash?
The best defence against nappy/diaper rash is a dry bottom. To help, follow these five easy steps:
• Change your adult baby's diaper as soon as possible after it becomes wet or messey.
• Clean your adult baby's genital area thoroughly after each bowel movement, and allow it to dry.
• Coat your adult baby's bottom with a thin layer of protective ointment. I often recommend corn startch baby powder as it absorbs moisture and it lets the diaper move more freely than with regular baby powder. Trial and error works best.
• Don't fasten daipers so tightly that there's no room for air to circulate. Plastic pants, diapers, and clothing should fit somewhat loosely to let your adult baby's bottom breathe. Air will prevent rashes from forming and make the AB/TB more comfortable in the diapers.
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