diaper rash or eczema & CD

Frequent Flier

LO has terrible eczema, and I can't tell if redness in the diaper area is eczema or diaper rash.  There's defs a line on his tummy where his diaper hits.  I've been wiping him with water, drying him, then putting lotion or desitin on him & sticking him in a disposable because I think I read somewhere that diaper rash cream & CD don't mix.  Is that true?  Any ideas on how to get rid of the rash & continue CDing?

littlegreenbirdy

Im not sure about the type of rash but you are correct... Most creams will cause problems with your diapers. I would try liners first and foremost, like fleece or disposable. Then make sure you have CD safe cream, such as Grandma Elms, CJs Butter, Burts bees is still up to debate but we have never had an issue. There are many more I'm sure will be suggested. If you do use unsafe cream it may cause repelling issues. You may have to strip and scrub. Hope this helps!

Frequent Flier

I use prefolds with a free-and-clear detergent.  I do a 20 minute cold soak, followed by a short cold cycle, then a long, hot cycle, and finally an extra rinse.  We've had problems in the past with ammonia smell, but since adding the extra rinse it hasn't been a problem.  I change him at least once per EASY cycle, although sometimes he does take long naps.  We have 18 diapers and go through that about every 1.5 days, so I guess at least 9 diapers per day. 

 His rash is red but also a bit flakey.... maybe I'll call the doc about it.  Thanks for the advice, I might give the bleach bath a try.

freezorburn

DS also has similar skin issues -- eczema over most of his body and a persistent diaper rash that doesn't seem to get infected but doesn't really heal up either. I've tried a bunch of different things for his diaper rash, and what I've ended up doing that seems to work is sposies at night with Grandma El's, and then in the morning I start using CJ's BUTT'r for a couple of changes until I feel comfortable that any residue left from Grandma El's won't transfer onto my diapers and wipes. Then I use prefolds and covers during the day. I have a few AIOs for when we are out and about, and I keep a Grovia Magic Stick in the diaper bag.

There is no way I could get away with just 9 diapers a day. DS doesn't like to be wet or soiled for any amount of time, so I change him as soon as possible when he pees or poops. His rash will flare up otherwise.

Also, lots of naked time when possible. 

This week I started doing the bleach baths (about a tsp to the bathwater) and then realized my bleach expired 7 years ago, so it's probably not strong enough. Funny, because it splashed on and ruined a cardigan last month. So I'm going to try again later this week with fresh bleach. I also add Aveeno Oil to the bath.

Last and not least, on his Dr's advice I am attempting an elimination diet to see if DS is sensitive to something in my breastmilk. Too soon to tell whether that is working. 

Frequent Flier

UPDATE: after talking to my pharmacist I've put a thin layer of hydrocortisone 1% on his red areas and it seems to be helping so far.  I'm trying to be extra vigilant about changing but keeping him in the CD...so far so good...