three-day If your child develops a rash in the diaper area, look for the signs that indicate these different types of rashes. The appearance and location of the rash, an ammonia odor, or a rash elsewhere on the body are all clues. Have you recently changed to a different kind of diaper or changed your way of laundering cloth diapers? Has the child recently been given a new food or drug that could be causing an allergic reaction? Noting these factors can help you and your doctor find the cause of the rash. HOME CARE Keep your baby as dry as possible, changing diapers frequently. For simple diaper rash, apply a protective ointment (petroleum jelly zinc oxide, vitamin A & D ointment, or an ointment combining zinc oxide, cod liver oil. petrolatum, and lanolin). Try changing your brand of soap or your method of washing cloth diapers. If the rash seems to be caused by ammonia, avoid using an airtight outer covering over the diapers. Wash the diaper area frequently with clear water. If you think that the rash may be an allergic reaction, stop giving the child any new foods or beverages started in the previous month. If the rash improves, reintroduce one of these items every week and watch for any change in the condition. This may help determine if a food or beverage is causing the rash. Ask your doctor if perhaps a recently prescribed medication might be causing an allergic reaction. However, do not discontinue use of any medication without your doctor's permission. If your doctor has identified the rash as being caused by an infection or contagious disease, frequently wash the area with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment, such as bacitracin or neomycin. If the rash is spreading or severe, or if the child has a fever, irritability, or loss of appetite, see your doctor. PRECAUTIONS • If the rash gets worse, even after only two days of home treatment, see your doctor. • Do not use more than one type of ointment (such as an antibiotic and a fungicide) at any one time unless both were prescribed by your doctor. • If your child has any other symptoms of illness, see your doctor. MEDICAL TREATMENT Your doctor may be able to identify the rash by its appearance or may culture the rash to identify bacteria or fungi. Changes in methods of laundering diapers, diet, and medications being given to the child may be suggested. A medicated ointment may be prescribed. RELATED TOPICS: Chicken pox; Cradle cap; Eczema; Food allergies; Impetigo; Measles; Rashes Diarrhea in older children SYMPTOMS • Loose, watery stools • Mucus in stools • Red blood flecks in stools • Cramps • Fever • Loss of appetite • Weight loss HOME CARE • If the child is also vomiting, stop the vomiting first Restrict the child's diet to clear liquids only. When the vomiting has stopped, treat the diarrhea. Limit or do not reintroduce solid foods. Avoid butter, fatty meats, peanut butter, wholegrain cereals, vegetables, and most fruits (bananas and apples are all right). scarlet