Where There Is No Doctor 2011 215
SKIN PROBLEMS OF BABIES
Diaper Rash
Reddish patches of irritation between a
baby’s legs or buttocks may be caused by
urine in his diapers (nappy) or bedding.
NO YES
BARE IS BEST
Treatment:
♦ Bathe the child daily with lukewarm water and mild soap. Dry her carefully.
♦ To prevent or cure the rash, the child should be kept naked, without
diapers, and he should be taken out into the sun.
♦ If diapers are used, change them often. After washing the diapers, rinse them in
water with a little vinegar.
♦ It is best not to use talc (talcum powder), but if you do, wait until the rash is gone.
Dandruff (Cradle Cap, Seborrhea)
Dandruff is an oily, yellow to white crust that usually forms
in patches on the scalp, but also on the cheeks, forehead,
eyebrows, nose and ears. The skin is often red and irritated.
In babies, dandruff usually results from not washing the
baby’s head often enough, or from keeping the head
covered. It is also a common problem for people with HIV.
Treatment:
♦ Wash the head daily. A medicated soap can help, but usually regular soap and
water are enough (see p. 370).
♦ Gently clean off all the dandruff and crust. To loosen the scales and crust, first
wrap the head with towels soaked in lukewarm water.
DO NOT COVER A
BABY’S HEAD WITH
A CAP OR CLOTH.
KEEP THE HEAD
UNCOVERED.
NO YES
BARE IS BEST
♦ Keep the head uncovered, open to the air and sunlight.
♦ If there are signs of infection, treat as for impetigo (see p. 202).