Diaper Rash

Treating Diaper Rash Following Surgery

Diaper rash can occur when skin is exposed to urine and stool. Many children are at high risk for peri-anal skin breakdown both before and after colorectal and urogenital surgery. When the child passes stool, the nature of the fecal matter is usually liquid. The stool enzymes change the pH of the skin, causing the skin to be more susceptible to breakdown. Consequently, severe diaper rash can develop.

The best way to fight this rash is to change the child’s diaper as often as possible. In fact, sometimes it is better to keep the child without a diaper because the air (keeping the skin dry) is the best treatment to prevent diaper rash. If you choose this method, you should still use diaper cream. By keeping the child’s bottom open to air without a diaper, parents can see exactly when stool is in contact with the skin, they can wash the baby and protect the skin with ointment.

Once the child has a bowel movement, the best way to treat diaper rash is to put the child in a bathtub with warm soapy water. Do not rub the skin because this will make diaper rash worse. Rinse thoroughly.

Treatments should consist of:

Step 1: Gently Clean the Skin

If the skin is red or raw, avoid regular baby wipes. Instead:

• Use warm water and soft, dry wipes

• Or use a no-rinse foam cleanser (like Medline Remedy)

• A warm, soapy bath can also help — just rinse gently and avoid scrubbing

Step 2: Prevent Rash Before It Starts

Apply a protective barrier at every change:

• Try Cavilon No-Sting wipes

• Or use Medline Remedy Moisturizing Cream (purple top)

Step 3: Treat Rash Based on Severity

If the rash is mild:

• Use Cavilon No-Sting wipes

• Follow with Medline Remedy Prevent Silicone (blue top) every diaper change

If the rash is moderate:

• Use Cavilon No-Sting wipes

• Then apply Medline Remedy Clear Zinc (orange top) or

• Use Dr. Garza’s Butt Paste (you may have received this during your child's hospital stay)

If the skin is broken or weeping:

• Dust with stomahesive powder and seal with Cavilon No-Sting wipes to create a dry surface

• Then apply Medline Remedy Clear Zinc or

• Use Cavilon Advanced twice a week (clear layer protection) or

• Apply Marathon skin protectant (lasts up to 3 days)