What to Put on Babies When They Have Blistering Diarrhea

Almost all babies develop a rash when they have diarrhea, according to Barton D. Schmitt, author of "Your Child's Health." The more often your baby soils his diaper, the more likely he is to develop painful diaper rash, sometimes accompanied by blisters 13.

Almost all babies develop a rash when they have diarrhea, according to Barton D. Schmitt, author of "Your Child's Health." The more often your baby soils his diaper, the more likely he is to develop painful diaper rash, sometimes accompanied by blisters 13. Blisters are more common if your baby has diarrhea, because his skin spends even more time in contact with the fecal matter. Call your baby's doctor right away if you notice blisters in his diaper area. Usually a blistering rash will heal on its own, but certain treatments can help reduce your baby's discomfort and help speed the healing process.

Diarrhea

Almost all children develop diarrhea occasionally, but it usually clears up on its own and is rarely serious. Diarrhea is the result of an infection in your baby's intestines, and is caused by a virus, bacteria or parasite. Most cases of diarrhea are highly contagious and are spread through contact with an infected person, dirty hands or the fecal matter of an infected person. If your baby wears diapers, frequent bouts of diarrhea can lead to painful diaper rash, sometimes accompanied by blisters 3.

Blistering Rash

A diaper rash often occurs if your baby is left in a soiled diaper for too long 3. It develops because your baby's skin becomes irritated by the fecal matter. Diarrhea can make a diaper rash worse 3. One symptom of diaper rash is blisters, which can be small or large 3. A blistering rash might occur on your baby's skin with diarrhea, particularly if her bouts are frequent or if she sits in the diarrhea for more than a few minutes after finishing the bowel movement.

Treatments

The best treatment for diaper rash is to keep the area clean and dry 3. If your baby has diarrhea, change his diaper immediately after he has a bowel movement. A zinc-based diaper rash cream might help protect your baby's blisters by keeping moisture away from the skin 3. A petroleum-based diaper rash cream might also help 3. Your baby's pediatrician might also recommend an anti-fungal cream, an antibiotic cream or a mild steroid cream, depending on the type of blister or rash he has. Squirt clean water on the blisters using a spray bottle and allow to air-dry. This might ease your baby's discomfort and will help keep the area clean. A cool cloth soaked with clean water might also bring some relief to your baby.

Considerations

If your baby develops a blistering rash from diarrhea, call his pediatrician immediately. Do not apply anything to the blisters without talking to his doctor first. Do not pop the blisters. The U.S. National Library of Medicine recommends that you do not use cornstarch on your baby's rash because it can make it worse 4. Baby wipes that contain alcohol might also make the blisters and rash worse. Diarrhea might be a symptom of a more serious illness. If your baby's diarrhea does not get better, or gets worse, call his pediatrician.