Babies are born with very delicate and fragile skin that is prone to dryness and is sensitive to changes in weather, the application of any substances on the skin, and to trapped moisture. One of the most common skin problems seen in babies is skin chafing.
Babies have soft, plump skin with a number of folds, particularly in the diaper area, legs, hands, and around the neck. Repetitive friction due to rubbing of the skin of one part of the body to another part or rubbing against clothes, friction against elastic bands of diapers or clothes can cause skin rash, redness, and chafing of the skin. The chafing marks on the skin can also cause skin discoloration.
Babies should be dressed in soft, comfortable clothes that are not too tight against their bodies. Tight-fitting clothes generate friction that could lead to chafing or tender skin which can be irritating and painful.
Baby diapers that are a smaller size than recommended for the baby’s weight and body structure, have been wet for too long, or have elastic that is biting into the baby’s delicate skin can cause chafing skin.
While we like our babies to look plump and chubby in advertisements, in reality, the excess fat generates a lot of friction. Skin chafing between the thighs is common in babies who are overweight as the thighs constantly rub against each other.
Breastfeeding mothers can experience chafing of skin since the nipple area of the breast is wet and covered by breast pads and nursing bras. The chafing can make breastfeeding painful for the mother.
Dressing the baby in loose, comfortable clothing in fabrics that are soft on the skin can allow the skin to breathe and reduce friction due to rubbing against the skin. Using bigger diapers and changing the wet and soiled diapers immediately can also help to prevent diaper rash and skin chafing.
It is important to keep the baby’s skin hydrated and prevent dryness. Newborn baby skin care products are specifically formulated to care for fragile skin. PIGEON baby skin care products are made with natural oils that offer nourishment and hydration and protect delicate baby skin from dryness and itchiness. Baby lotion and baby oil in particular are among the best skin care products for babies as they help to form a protective barrier on the baby’s skin that reduces dryness and friction.
Before applying anything on the baby’s skin as part of chafing skin treatment, it is important to clean the area with a mild and gentle baby wash like PIGEON’s Natural Botanical Skincare Head & Body Wash and lukewarm water. The skin should then be gently patted dry and left to air for a few minutes.
Aloe Vera is a popular medicinal plant with thick, succulent leaves that contain a gel known to have antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Using aloe gel as a topical medication can help to prevent and heal redness, itching, and infections.
Petroleum jelly is thick and does not absorb easily into the skin. Therefore, it acts as a protective barrier on the chafed skin and can help to prevent further irritation. It can also be used on wounds that need to be bandaged.
Coconut oil is cool on the skin and can help to reduce inflammation caused due to skin chafing and kill the bacteria causing wounds on the skin. Just dabbing a small amount of coconut oil on the baby’s skin can help to soothe the skin and provide relief.
By taking preventive measures to avoid skin chafing and being alert to changes in the baby’s skin, particularly the folds of the skin and the areas that come into constant friction, it is possible to ensure that the baby’s skin remains free from irritation and rashes and to provide immediate relief in case of chafing develops.
