Sensitivity to Disposable Diapers

Updated on April 03, 2009
L.A. asks from Redford, MI
44 answers

My 9month old is suffering at every diaper change and in between and I don’t know how to help her. I’ve taken her to the pediatrician who at first diag. yeast and we tried Vusion cream. After a third trip it seems my daughter is sensitive to the prod. used to make disposable diapers absorbent. Her vaginal area always looks bad: red, discolored, and raw looking. I try to keep her nails freshly trimmed because in addition to heartbreaking screaming I struggle (sometimes unsuccessfully) to keep her from pulling and scratching her vaginal area while I’m changing her. Sometimes she draws blood. I’ve tried liberally applying Butt Paste, A&D, Tripple Paste, and/or Vaseline to create a barrier. It didn’t work. The only thing that seems to help is cotton diapers with training underwear which is fine because I change her as soon as she gets wet. This seems to help the situation. But I use a cloth diaper inside a disposable diaper (to create a barrier) when we go out and at night but this promotes the irritation again because the diaper gets wet and it’s on her skin for some time. I really can’t find the answer. Any advise would be helpful.

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So What Happened?

Thank you all so much for your responses to my post Sensitivity to Disposable Diapers. Your suggestions are priceless. I've ordered calmoseptine cream, I’m giving her a lot of diaper free time, and I've decided we simply have to use cloth diapers only. I've been using some three ply cloth diapers with training panties for her but things get pretty messy sometimes. I didn’t know how far cloth diapering had come until I read some of your responses. I visited www.jilliansdrawers.com and nurturedfamily.com but there are so many options I don’t know where to start. I have limited funds but it’s important that I make the change to cloth diapers exclusively for my daughter’s sake. What are the basic necessities: Are liners/stuffers necessary only for night or do I need enough for every change? Is there someting extra to keep the moisture away from skin...? Basically, I guess I need to know, how would a newbie begin the transition?

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C.C.

answers from Detroit on

I used clotrimazole cream 1%
My dr. recomended it and it worked great
Put it on like diaper cream
By the way its a antifungal cream in the foot care department

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C.M.

answers from Detroit on

My daughter does this with Huggies diapers, but not the Kirkland brand from Costco. You may want to try that. There is also a lady on line who is selling her cloth diapers for $5 each right now, as long as you buy 5. PM me if you want her information. The new cloth diapers are as easy to use as disposable now except that you have to wash them. Good Luck, I know how frustrating this is.

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T.B.

answers from Detroit on

When my daughter had a really bad bleeding rash I put vitamin E all over it then I lathered it with vasoline, so when she did pee it didn't get on the rash. When ever I could I also would just let her go without a diaper and put the vitamin E on. That really helped her rash. I hope that help

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A.G.

answers from Detroit on

I'm not sure if you are using wipes or not but try using a soft wet wash cloth with mild soap (we used the Johnsons) when you wipe her when changing her diaper. My daughter had really bad diaper rash for about 4 weeks and we realized it was because of the wipes. I know you said your problem is the diapers but this might help with the pain. Now when ever she's red anywhere down there we just use a wet wash cloth cause it doesn't hurt as much for her. Good Luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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M.W.

answers from Kalamazoo on

hi
my oldest daughter had the same problem. we used cloth diapers when we could but also used over the counter yeast infection creams when it got red again. also some diapers were worse than others so you can try different ones. i was lucky because of the problems with her butt she potty trained herself at 1 yr.

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K.B.

answers from Detroit on

L., I read your post and my heart goes out to you and your babe.
My best advice...keep her out of disposable diapers! There are many many chemicals in disposable diapers and they have never been tested for any long term effects on your baby's skin and reproductive organs. Disposables are NOT regulated by the FDA so they do not even have to list the chemical ingredients on the package. Use cloth diapers with a wool cover to help wick away moisture. Aristrocrat covers are a popular choice. Try and use products that are all natural so her skin can be comforted instead of irritated. Research homeopathy. Indigo Family Center and The Center for the Childbearing Year ( both in Ann Arbor ) might be good resources for you. I wish you the best of luck! Nicole

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R.H.

answers from Detroit on

You can try different brands of disposables. They aren't all the same.

However, it really sounds like you should just go cloth all the way. Cloth dipes have come a LONG LONG way. Aside from needing to wash them, they are just as easy as to use as cloth.

www.jilliansdrawers.com is a good place to start

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B.B.

answers from Detroit on

As she ages you will probibly notice a sensetivity to certain products...
What you are describing is EXACTLY how my mom says I was as a baby... It was the "perfume" that they scent diapers with. The only brand I was not allergic to was the cheapest store brand my mom could buy. lol
Now that I am older I know that I am allergic to nickle... I get a bumpy itchy rash at the slightest amount of nickle... (did you know some jeans buttons have a nickle plateing? Yep, thats enough to have me wanting to scratch my belly button open...

I would buy a couple small packs of various brands and store brands... Use cloth diapers for a few weeks until it is all cleared up and then try one kind. At the slightest hint of redness I would go back to cloth for a few days before trying the next kind... Hope you know someone who can use the packs of opened diapers... :-)

Have you ever used "bag balm"? It is made to use on cows udders and can stand up to the elements pretty well... Perhaps smearing some of that on will help keep the moisture off her booty just a bit longer...

Also use the sensetive wipes if your not already... Or even just a damp wash cloth...

Parenting is trial and error... And each child is different...
Keep trying. There will be times we are wrong, but then one second in time the angels will sing and the light shine down on us because we figured ONE thing out... And life will be easier...:-)

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D.T.

answers from Detroit on

I'd try fresh air as often as possible. This is what's always worked best for my little ones...as much naked time as possible between diapers (even better if you can get some sunshine on that bottom!). I found a scientific basis for this and now can't remember it word-for-word, but I believe it was related to the bacteria that live on ammonia's inability to live w/out a dark, moist environment. Also, if you're nursing, breastmilk is great for diaper rash and many other skin irritations.

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M.A.

answers from Detroit on

My niece had some wicked diaper rash when she was a munchkin and my sister used Aquaphor. She swore by it whenever my son got a rash.

Good luck!

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L.N.

answers from Benton Harbor on

The best solution I have found with my 3 kiddos is pure corn starch. Some will tell you that yeast feeds on it but that's just not the case. It truly is the ony thing I have found to work hands down!

~L.

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A.I.

answers from Lansing on

by some wrap around and carry a zip lock baggie and go cloth only for out of five of my girl were done on cloth thank heaven i had a diaper service but they wer all potty trainned by 18 mo and diapper rash become a thing of the past as far as dealing with the rash she has now try bag bam i always get my in the pet store it cheaper there for some reason verse walmart or try palmer butt buttter good luck and if you want the name of that service let me know

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M.M.

answers from Detroit on

My daughter who is now 15 was the same way we used Dye-dee diaper service for the first 3 months then found the only diapers she could wear were Luvs or Huggies Supereme and only if we used a moisture barrier (hospital grade. God bless you and never the less she was easy to potty train because dampness was uncomfortable and pull ups could not be worn. Also see if they can test her for Latex alergies that could explain the irratation also.

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R.G.

answers from Detroit on

My daughter was allergic to every diaper except for Luvs. Have you tried them??

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B.W.

answers from Detroit on

I know this is a very late response, but I wanted to let you know about a great natural product. I use grapefruit seed extract to help alleviate any skin rashes or irritations especially in areas that do not get a lot of breathing like your daughters bottom. You can order it through www.nutriteam.com. It is not expensive at all.

You dilute the extract with water and apply with cotton balls to the affected area. Let it air dry or blot with a towel. The extract does two things, 1) it helps to get rid of any bacteria and 2) it creates a barrier from new bacteria or moisture from irritating the area again but without holding in the heat which helps to keep the area irritated. If you keep the heat, then the skin sweats and the sweats makes you get the rash. Many creams and powders help to protect the skin from futher irritation, but they keep in the heat and don't allow the skin to breath which is necessary for the rash to go away. You can apply a couple of times a day and you should notice relief within a day or two.

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L.W.

answers from Detroit on

Just to be sure, have your doctor do a rapid strep test on your daughter's bottom - sometimes strep infection can present that way.

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N.B.

answers from Detroit on

My son had a reaction too. The only diapers that dont irritate him are huggies natural care. they are a bit more expensive....but they worked.

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A.A.

answers from Grand Rapids on

for the ease of disposiable I would try a diaper service. I had wonderful luck with my son. allxo when he was first born We had problems and found out he had alergies. Milk was one. Diaper service delivers a week or 1/2 a weeks worth of diapers on a regular basis.you do not need to washout dirty ones. They have a special wash system that helps prevent diaper rash and will alter washing system to babies skin needs. I would check into this as it helped me.

A.

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B.S.

answers from Grand Rapids on

When my daughter had a really bad diaper rash I got some colloidal silver spray and sprayed it liberally on her bottom, she was screaming every time she would pee because her rash hurt so badly. In less than 24 hours it was more than 50% better.

I also gave her some probiotics in yogurt and other food along with her spray because we figured it was a yeasty rash and wanted to reboot her system after giving her colloidal silver, we gave it to her internally and topically.

Colloidal silver does a wonderful job with diaper rash.

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K.R.

answers from Detroit on

my sister has had that problem with her daughter, she has tried everything. the thing that works the best is a product called bag balm, applied liberaly. it worked very well for my neice.

K.

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L.S.

answers from Detroit on

Sorry to hear about your daughter's diaper rash. That can be very painful. The only thing that worked for us and was recommended by our pediatrician is Calmoseptine ointment. It has calamine in it, which takes away the itching and helps heal. It is not a prescription, but you do have to ask for it at the pharmacy. Also, our pediatrician recommended using a wet damp cloth to clean the area and then a towel to dry the area or even let the area air dry for just a bit. That way the area is completely dry before applying the calmoseptine. After we got our diaper rash under control we used Kirkland wipes (from Costco) and they work super well because they don't have any fragrance or alcohol in them. Hope this helps.

L.

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L.R.

answers from Detroit on

The only product I found that eliminated my daughter's irritation was Desitin. If you're not already doing this, I would be sure all products she is exposed to are fragrance free and as chemical free as possible. You can check out the Environmental Working Group's website to see which products are the least toxic. For example, Johnson and Johnson products have all kinds of nastiness in them. If your daughter is exposed to a lot of chemicals through creams and soaps, the load could just be too much for her with the diaper. If you're already being really careful about fragrances and chemicals, you may just have to go with cloth diapers 100% of the time. I feel bad for you and your baby!!! Best of luck to you. It's so hard to hear them cry out in pain.

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P.B.

answers from Detroit on

L.,

My daughter had a bad reaction to an antibiotic and had a burn in her vaginal area from a blow out diaper. She screamed everytime she went to the bathroom, our pediatrician told us to use Destin by the bucket. Apply the destin about 1 inch thick in the red irritated area. Do this everytime you changer her. Also if you have access to a detachable shower head spray the area with cool water to clean it. The thick destin should clear the area up with in 2 days. Then you can clean the area up really good and try to start over.

I hope this helps for your little one.
P.

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A.H.

answers from Detroit on

I cut a strip of polar fleece and put that on the cloth diaper. Keeps the skin dry. I hope it helps your girly thats no fun.
A. H

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D.K.

answers from Kalamazoo on

Hi, L.. Your baby is obviously super allergic to the product and I suggest that you not use it near her skin, ever. She could actually have a severe reaction such as Anaphaltic shock that could result in death.(The airway becomes swollen due to the allergen leading to possible suffocation) Her body is giving you the answer. Try double cloth or back in the day there were "rubber pants" that were placed over cloth diapers. My heart goes out to you but especially to her. If she is THAT red and sore can you imagine how much it hurts? Disposable diapers are just not an option-ever. Are the medications healing her raw skin? If not you may want to go back to her Doctor for a prescription strength ointment. Good Luck. Denise K.

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J.L.

answers from Detroit on

Hi. I suggest cloth diapers as well. I use them exclusively with my 7 month old and would love to help with suggestions or information. They really aren't difficult and can be very economical. Message me if you would like advice. Good luck.

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A.G.

answers from Detroit on

Hi L.,

Just a thought but maybe have your pediatrician do a ph test on a urine sample. This could be a case of very acidic urine irritating/"burning" her skin. The reason it would seem a little better with the cloth diapers is because it would get absorbed faster into the cotton. If it is a high acidity level, try getting her to drink a little water. Does she drink fruit juices? Some children have a sensitivity to the acid in the juices making their urine really strong. To soothe and take away the sting, try soaking her bum in a lukewarm bath of water with baking soda in it. Good luck! It's so hard to see our little ones in pain and not be able to just "fix" it.

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K.M.

answers from Detroit on

Have you tried changing disposible. I don't know what your using right now but have you tried a different brand are they all like that?? Cuz I had one of my daughters had a sensitivity like that too luvs and huggies. But to pampers she was ok. The only other thing is try to get her to let you know when she goes or try to see her face expression to see if she has gone. When she goes change her right away and before putting the other clean diaper onlet her air out.Good luck

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E.M.

answers from Grand Rapids on

What kind of wipes do you use? My daughter had an allergy to all of the stuff in wipes. I started using just a wet soapy washcloth and her problems disappeared. The wipes leave residue on the skin and if you don't rinse it off, it stays on the skin causing irritation and when you change her again there is more residue making any redness more inflamed.
Hope this helps... E.

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B.J.

answers from Detroit on

Hi, sorry to here your daughter is in such discomfert. While going out just use disposable's, leave the cloth diaper for home use, second try no diaper time when possible, alow the area to heal with a little fresh air. Do use perscription med's like the one recomended by Dr. she must be changed right away, try not to use, disposable's over cloth, no air can get through to help heal the area. Best of luck, B.

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K.W.

answers from Detroit on

Alot of great advice. I was just curious if you have tried different brands of disposable. All babies are different. 2 of mine could not wear pampers at all. Terrible diaper rashes, but huggies were okay. Also, a great tip - after you change him and get him all clean put a small fan on low over the raw area. The cool breeze will soothe and then he will be totally dry so you can apply whatever lotion you are using. Good Luck.

K.

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J.W.

answers from Detroit on

I agree with all the wonderful cloth diaper suggestions. There are so many simple, high quality cloth diapers out there now. I also know there is an awesome rash cream from www.jacksmagicbeanstalk.com that Ive heard many good things about. I hope she is feeling better soon!! Poor little one :(

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A.H.

answers from Detroit on

I'm so sorry for you and your little one. This has most likely already been said, but I'd switch to cloth or use Seventh Generation or Whole Foods brand diapers. Give baby TONS of naked time. I'd also try a warm rinse off in the sink instead of commercial wipes. We used cloth wipes with warm water and that was enough. Someone once told me that potato flour was good for getting rid of rashes. I tried it when we also had a problem, but didn't notice that much improvement. Don't overlook the thought that it could be an allergy of some sort?? Good luck and patience to you!

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K.T.

answers from Detroit on

L.,
I sounds like your little lady is very alergic to the chemicals in the disposable diapers. Simple solution.....use cloth. I would highly suggest the brand called 'Bum Genius' - you can purchase these on-line. At first they seem expensive....but they are all inclusive, no pins - wonderful velcro closures, diaps 'grow' with child and the water free barrier exterior to the diaps is wonderful. They will be more work for you than the ease of disposables....but you and your child will both benefit from the change. Using cloth diapers is also better for the environment....something else to think about. My granddaughter is 2 months old and has only been in 'Bum Genius' - she has not had any issues with her little bum being sore at all. (we've had no leaks or escaping explosions ;-) Best wishes to you....make the decision which is best for you, your daughter and your family.

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K.H.

answers from Detroit on

My daughter has a very sensitive bottom as well. We use cloth and occasionally we use disposable but we find disposable always gives her a rash so we load her up with diaper cream every single time.
I recommend wool diaper covers such as the Aristocrat Wool Soaker over a 100% Cotton Chinese Prefold diapers. The wool diaper covers allow for air circulation which prevents diaper rash. You can also use polar fleece diaper liners over top of the cotton to wick away moisture from the skin.
Also, let her go with out a diaper as often as you can. I have hardwood floors so I pull up the rugs and keep a close eye in case she goes... but you could put her in the kitchen or somewhere there is no carpet and block the doors. Once you get the rash cleared up be diligent in checking her diapers for wetness.

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D.K.

answers from Detroit on

Hi L.,

I have to second using the Calmoseptine! Every time my children had a bad diaper rash (sometimes my son had open sores on his bottom from his bowel movements), I used the Calmoseptine and by the next day or two, he was all cleared up! I used in on my daughter as well. My daughter is almost 5 and I still use it on her because it gets red from time to time from her not wiping well. Good luck to you!

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C.E.

answers from Detroit on

We had a similiar issue with one of our daughters. The only disposable diaper she could wear was Costco brand. We also use only Desitin purple label. Nothing else worked. Anyway, just a suggestion if you haven't tried already!

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L.O.

answers from Detroit on

sounds like you are going to have to use cloth diapers only..buy some of the good cloth diapers bumgenous fuzzibunz are brands that I have heard of..

I believe they come with a waterproof layer -- you can also use regular old clothe diapers and vinyl pants over them..

Dont put the baby in any disposble diapers - she has to be miserable...

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C.B.

answers from Detroit on

First you should know that hygiene products like diapers and sanitary stuff like tampons/pads are treated with chemicals like formeldehyde. Not exactly something you want IN you (tampons)or on your or your baby's skin.

I would recommend checking out Whole Foods for products that aren't chemically treated. These chemicals can lead to a lot worse problems with continual use. Ask as well for ointments that really will help her litte butt and vaginal area heal and water resistant. Calendula ointment might help start the healing process.

You should probably, until finding a organically produced diaper, just put a crib sheet down that absorbs wetness and let her go to bed without a diaper on so that the air can keep her dry and the crib can be protected.

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P.F.

answers from Detroit on

L.,

This may sound weird but I had the same problem with my son and all of the ointments in the stores didn't work. My mom told me to brown some flour in the oven and put that on him as if it was powder. Kind of rub it on her vaginal area. It really worked. Don't let the flour burn but let it get brown. I kept the rest in a plastic baggie and used it everytime I changed him.

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J.P.

answers from Detroit on

THis is probably not a popular solution but cloth diapers may be your best bet. They are pure cotton (no unnatural fibers to get used to) they can be bleached (helping to eliminate yeast from the area), and it allows some air to get to her sensative little areas. You would have to change her a bit more often to keep her skin dry but that rash will disappear. Good luck to you!

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E.W.

answers from Detroit on

There's cloth diapers now that are super easy to use - they put on and fit just like a disposable and all you need to do is carry around a "wet bag" with you. A lot of people who make these All In One Pocket diapers also make these wet bags.

Another suggestion is to try out Seventh Generation chlorine free disposable diapers or another natural chemical free diaper. Your local health food store may have them, Whole Foods definitely carries them, and I also just picked some up from Big Lots for $8 for a pack of 40. Big Lots also had herbal chemical free wipes too. If she's sensitive to the diapers, she's probably has sensitive skin in general. Try also using all natural wipes. Most commercial wipes contain alcohol which will be very painful if she's raw. I hope you find something that works for her!

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P.R.

answers from Detroit on

Has the baby been on antibiotics at all?

I wonder if systemic yeast is a problem, and the topical cream is useless against systemic candida. Have you considered administering oral pro-biotics? Yeast bi-products (waste) can be measured in the urine w/ an OATS test from Great Plains lab. http://www.greatplainslaboratory.com/home/eng/oat.asp

Seems like if the diaper is causing a rash, she'd have that rash in the entire diaper area, not just the genetalia.

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A.C.

answers from Detroit on

When I was a baby, my mother said the amonia in my urine was too strong and that caused problems. The only solution was too keep my as clean and dry as possible including "naked time".

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