Why is the baby's butthole and its surrounding area red?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am the mother of a 2 months old baby boy. Last week I have noticed that my baby’s butthole and its surrounding area has turned red in color. I have been using pampers on a daily basis, but I have always made it a point to change the diapers within four hours time. I have been using rash cream to get rid of this rash but seems to have no effect. Is there something that I should do about it?

Secondly, after cutting my baby’s nails, I could see that his thumb has become a bit red in color, there is no swelling and he does not seem to have pain. Should I do something about it? Currently, he is taking Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) drops only.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

There is no need to worry. I have gone through the pictures of your baby (attachment removed to protect patient identity). First of all, answering your first question, sometimes rashes appear due to dryness or lack of care. So, you can apply vaseline or Polyfax (Polymyxin B and Bacitracin) skin ointment on that area before using pampers and do wash your baby properly with lukewarm water and then apply vaseline and then pampers. This sequence of washing, drying, applying vaseline and pampers should be done every three hourly basis.

Coming to your second question regarding nail, there is nothing to worry. You would have cut your baby's nail deep which you did not realize at the time of cutting. So do the same. Apply Polyfax or Mycitracin (Neomycin, Bacitracin and Polymyxin B) ointment on affected nail only. Do it for three days and let me know.