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The common diaper rash is an inflammation of the skin that
is caused by a reaction to the enzymes and chemicals in the
urine and feces, as well as to the perfumes and chemicals
in some soaps and lotions. Often areas of the skin are swollen
and sometimes dry and scaly. A fungal diaper rash, which is
caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans in the intestinal
tract, results in smooth, shiny skin, that is bright red in
color. The borders of the rash are well defined, and there
may be scattered spots in the groin area.
As seen in Chapter 5, "Babies and Friendly Bacteria,"
the way in which your baby was born—vaginally or by caesarian
section—strongly influences the type of bacteria your
infant will carry in his or her intestinal tract. Babies pick
up friendly (or unfriendly) bacteria from their mothers as
they pass through the birth canal. If the baby’s intestinal
tract is overrun with harmful bacteria or a yeast/fungus like
Candida albicans, he or she will be susceptible to a number
of problems, including chronic diaper rash. (Remember, the
skin is a secondary exit route for those toxins in the body
that are not excreted via the urine or feces.)
In addition to treating the child’s rash with a topical
Probiotic paste, it is very important to build up the friendly
bacteria in his or her gastrointestinal tract. Treating the
rash only, without taking care of the internal flora, will
result in a temporary solution at best. Remember, health begins
on the inside.
RECOMMENDED PROBIOTIC REGIMEN
Mix 1/4 teaspoon B. infantis powder in
the baby’s formula at each feeding. (You can also mix
the powder in juice or water and administer it to your child
in an eye dropper.) If breastfeeding, mix the same amount
of B. infantis in a little water and apply it to your nipple
area as the baby feeds. Once the rash has disappeared, it
is prudent to continue this regimen until the child has been
introduced to solid foods or until age two.
Prepare a topical application by mixing 1 teaspoon L.
bulgaricus or L. acidophilus powder with enough
water or Probiotic face cream to form a smooth paste. After
cleansing the area, gently pat it dry with a clean towel and
apply the paste generously to the inflamed area(s). Cover
loosely (or leave the diaper off completely) and allow the
paste to dry. During each diaper change, reapply the paste
to any areas where needed. Also reapply the paste each time
the area is washed. At night, cover the area with a thick
layer of pure pharmaceutical lanolin. Be generous with this
"covering," which will serve as a shield against
any urine or feces in the nighttime diaper. Apply the lanolin
as you would a thick layer of frosting.
Once the diaper rash has cleared and the skin is back to
normal, continue applying the lanolin or face cream to the
area for at least two weeks to prevent recurrence. (The best
strategy is to continue applying the lanolin or face cream
to the baby’s bottom until he or she is out of diapers.)
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