Acidic Diaper Rash: Treatment for Acid Poop Butt Burn

After three boys, I thought I’d seen all a baby butt could turn out—from poop paintings to corn kernels—but when my fourth child started getting weird acidic poop that literally seemed to eat her skin away, I was sort of baffled. Acidic diaper rash was not something I had heard a lot about, but it happens, and it is horrible.

What is acidic diaper rash?

Acidic diaper rash occurs when for one reason or another your baby’s poop becomes acidic in pH and burns the skin. For my baby, this was obvious by immediate bleeding rashes (when I knew she had just pooped). These bloody spots almost looked like she’d been poked repeatedly with a small pin and were only where the poop had touched.

Other types of diaper rash occur more frequently where the diaper touches the skin or in skin creases, but this rash will be very red, possibly bleeding, inflamed skin only where the poop is touching, and it will be there no matter how quickly you change the diaper. I think that’s the biggest tell that a rash is acid-poop based, it happens almost instantly.

Next, the poop that accompanies acidic diaper rash is often runny (diarrhea) and looks poorly digested, like there are often still recognizable chunks of lunch. In formula or breastfed babies that haven’t started solid foods, the poop just looks very runny and lacks the common seedy yellow appearance. It may also have an off odor that just doesn’t smell like normal poop, almost rancid or sour.

What causes acid diaper rash or acidic poop in babies?

Acidic Poop Foods Diaper Rash

Some babies can get acidic poop from high fruit intake, too much juice, or eating foods that are acidic, such as tomato sauce or citrus fruits, but in my baby girl’s case, it was fructose sensitivity (malabsorption). It can take some diet exploration to pinpoint the cause of acidic poop, but the cause is almost always dietary.

One of the easiest ways to identify a food allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity is to keep a diet log. Note days that the diaper rash, acid poop, or other symptoms of indigestion occur and find common factors, then cut one factor at a time from your baby’s diet to see what works. Breastfeeding moms will also need to track their own diet and avoid problem foods.

As fructose sensitivity is a common culprit of acid diaper rash, I caution that not all fruit will get a reaction. Bananas, for instance, are often fine and remember that high-fructose corn syrup can also create an issue ( “high fructose”).

Finally, while most dairy is alkaline, lactose intolerance can lead to acidic diaper rash as well. Unabsorbed lactose is fermented into lactic acid by bacteria in the colon, which will lower the stool (poop) pH.

How do you treat acid poop burns?

The most important step when it comes to rash treatment is to identify the dietary issue causing the rash and eliminate it. The butt burns actually heal quite quickly as long as the acid poops stop. In the meantime, it can help to avoid baby wipes by using either a small squirt bottle or just a quick butt rinse in the tub. As it’s the wiping motion that tends to hurt, just dab the skin dry afterward with a soft cloth, or if you’re brave, let that little bum air dry.

The best diaper rash cream I found for acidic diaper rash is the Triple Paste, though it’s best to avoid applying anything but fresh air until the burns are no longer actively weeping. Thankfully, so long as your baby’s diaper is changed quickly, the burns usually aren’t very severe, and it takes less than a day for the rash to look kind of scaly and red (like a thin scab over the burn). At that point, it’s fine to use a diaper rash cream or skin protectant. It will help things heal faster.

Is Formula Feeding Safe? Health Risks of Baby Formula Facts

I don’t know anyone that would argue that breast feeding hasn’t been proven the healthiest feeding option for infants, but I was surprised when someone suggested that formula feeding actually had health risks. Even being a mother who breastfeeds, I found this implication rude as many mothers are left without the option to breastfeed for one reason or another. It didn’t seem right to me that advocates of breastfeeding are guilting those that bottle feed into feeling they are sub-par mothers. In reaction, I set out, much like in my recent article on the health risks of diapers to find unbiased, fact supported details on the subject. A full list of any studies, verifiable sources, or other information used in this article can be found in source.formula feeding

This article will not include the benefits of breastfeeding. The logic that breast feeding has a certain benefit, for example, that breast feeding increases a child’s IQ, and formula feeding does not, does not equate to formula feeding lowering IQ. It simply does not offer that benefit. You will find many unsupported websites online that use such logic. Only actual health risk claims against untainted formula feeding will be covered. Note, that the water used to mix formula can pose health risks, and its always important to be sure the seal on your formula is not broken when purchased.

Formula health risk claim: Formula feeding increases the risk of type 1 diabetes.

There have been a wealth of studies done on this subject some of which show an increased chance of diabetes in milk-based formula fed babies and babies that were introduced to cow’s milk at an early age. Others found no relation or even found that milk-based formula not only didn’t increase the risk of diabetes, but reduced it at a later age. Some studies also found only children pre-disposed to diabetes or becoming pre-diabetic already were affected. Based on current studies and facts as of March, 2018 I must then leave this health claim in inconclusive or unknown status.

Studies that did find an increased chance for type 1 diabetes in formula fed infants suggest the reason behind the increase is that cow’s milk contains bovine insulin, which can cause an immunity to insulin in turn causing diabetes. This could be avoided by using non-cow’s milk based formulas.

Formula health risk claim: Formula feeding increases the rate of ear and respiratory infections.

This formula health risk claim is one of the many that have been misinterpreted. Studies have shown that breast feeding significantly reduces the occurrence of ear and respiratory infections, however no studies have shown formula actually causes either. Its suggested breast milk reduces the risk due to its immune-boasting properties. Positioning of the baby while bottle feeding may increase the risk of ear infections. You should never prop a baby with a formula bottle for this reason. As a result of this information, this health claim is found to be false.

Formula health risk: Formula feeding causes cancer.

This health claim is counted among the “breast feeding reduces the risk so formula must increase it” logic claims. It is included here simply because this claim is so often made. There are no studies that support formula increases the risk of cancer. This health claim is found to be false.

Formula health risk claim: Formula feeding increases the risk of SIDS. (Sudden infant death syndrome.)

Studies done on this subject are conflicting, but suggest that breastfeeding reduces the risk of SIDS. However, they have also found that bottle or formula feeding itself does not increase the risk of SIDS. Rather parents that formula feed are more likely to present other SIDS risks such as smoking and allowing tummy sleeping than breast feeding mothers. Many formula-fed infants also have pre-existing health issues which may have even been the reason for being formula fed in the first place. When all other factors are considered subtracted this health claim is found to be false.

Formula health risk claim: Formula feeding negatively affects social development.

This health risk is based on the assumption that formula fed babies have less skin-to-skin contact, interaction, and bonding time with their parents than breast fed babies. While all of the above have been proven to improve social skills and overall psychological health, this claim is based on a usually false assumption. No studies have been done to support this claim. As long as a formula fed baby is held while being fed this health claim is found to be false.

Formula health risk claim: Formula feeding increases the risk of gastrointestinal disease and upset.

Studies have shown that breast feeding decreases the occurrence of gastrointestinal disease and upset including diarrhea, constipation, and even diaper rash. Formula is more prone to cause allergic reactions which can cause digestional upset. This chance is also present, though lower, in breast feeding infants due to the mother’s diet. Choosing the proper formula for your infant can reduce this risk. This health claim is found to be true but avoidable.

Formula health risk claim: Formula feeding causes obesity later in life.

Studies have found that formula fed babies are at a higher risk for obesity later in life. It’s suggested this may be simply a result of over feeding on the parents part as bottle fed babies have less control over the feeding. Other studies suggest the way the body develops to use energy from breast feeding differs than that of formula fed babies causing the increased chance of obesity. It’s recommended any bottle-feeding parents learn the cues of hunger and satisfaction (fullness) that infants exhibit. This health claim is found to be true, but dependent on other variables as well.

Citation and study links:

Overall Summary of studies done on type 1 diabetes and formula fed infants or cow’s milk

http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/072710p36.shtml

Study: Early exposure to cow’s milk not a risk for diabetes but may reduce risk at later date

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19263185

Study: Early exposure to cow’s milk is a risk factor for diabetes

http://diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/48/7/1389.short

Study list: Breastfeeding reduces the risk of ear and respiratory infections

http://courses.washington.edu/nutr526/news/biospec.htm#_Toc516479362

Google book result on breast and formula feeding and ear infections: Pediatric Otolaryngology: Volume 2 By Charles D. Bluestone, Sylvan E. Stool, Cuneyt M. Alper, Ellis M. Arjmand, Margaretha L. Casselbrant, Joseph E. Dohar, Robert F. Yellon pg. 495-496

http://books.google.com/books?id=Qcxg1OCHg3oC&lpg=PP1&dq=Pediatric%20Otolaryngology%3A%202-Volume%20Set%2C%20Volume%202&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false

Study: Formula feeding does not increase the risk of SIDS
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2548486/

Benefits of skin to skin contact for infants

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=infant-touch

Google book result: Breast feeding reduces rate of gastrointestinal disease and upset

Pediatric gastrointestinal disease Volume 1: pg 876

http://books.google.com/books?id=MjF7ZbmpHx4C&lpg=PP1&dq=Pediatric%20gastrointestinal%20disease%3A%20pathophysiology%2C%20diagnosis&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false

AAF on choosing the right formula for your baby:

http://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0401/p565.html

Studies: Formula feeding and obesity

http://www.bmj.com/content/319/7203/147.full

http://www.nature.com/ijo/journal/v31/n7/full/0803622a.html

Suggestions of the reason behind the obesity-formula link

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/5818854/Bottle-feeding-with-formula-milk-may-risk-babys-health.html

Baby Ate Foreign Object, Dirt or Even Poop — What Do You Do?

I’ve had more discussions about poop since I became a mom than a bus full of grade-schoolers could giggle at in a year. It’s surprising how unchanged what goes in comes out when it comes to infants, and how often what goes in that isn’t food. Between 80 to 90 percent of the time, when a baby eats a non-food item, it comes out the other end just as it went in, but a bit smellier. You have to wonder if this will be the time that whatever it was won’t be an odd surprise in a diaper shortly after. None of the above is going to change the fact that babies put everything in their mouths, and swallow it if that fits their fancy at the time.

What should I do if my baby ate a foreign object or other non-food stuff?

Dirt, sand, rocks, leaves, grass, and other nature stuffs:baby ate dirt poop or other foreign object

One of my sons was a nature-eater. He seemed to actually like eating dirt and sand. While all of the above makes for some seriously interesting diapers, it’s usually not cause for concern and will just pass right through. In the case of rocks, keep an eye out for signs of a problem (see below) as they can be sharp. The main risk of your baby eating outdoor substances is you don’t know what else was there. Your grandmother is right, dirt can’t hurt, but what could be in dirt can. Dirt, sand, and other ground cover can contain feces, chemicals, and parasites. If your baby does eat a bit of nature, watch out for signs of sickness including diarrhea, unexplained itching, or otherwise unusual behavior. The same applies if your baby hits up the litter box or finds a dog mess in the grass. As gross as it is to find your baby ate poop, chances are your baby will be fine. It’s just best to keep an eye out, and take your baby to a pediatrician if you see any signs of sickness.

Crayons, Playdough, Legos, and other small play stuffs:

As long as the object is small, and has no sharp edges, the chances it will come out the far end are high. In the case of things like art supplies, refer to the label for toxicity. In the event there is no warning — for example my baby once licked a wet-paint brush that had interior bedroom paint on it — call poison control for advice.

Pennies, batteries, pins, earrings and other sharp or metal objects:

There are a few objects that do require immediate medical care.

Pennies dated after 1982: After 1982 the material used to make pennies changed due to rising copper costs. Zinc, one of the cheaper metal additions, is highly corrosive. If a penny fails to pass, the damage that can be done while you wait to see can be more severe.

Batteries: I know. How could a baby swallow a battery? Smaller batteries such as those for watches may not be what come to mind when you think of a battery, but they do exist. If you’ve ever touched a battery to your tongue and felt the zap, you can understand why batteries require medical attention.

Anything sharp: Sharp objects run a much higher risk of becoming stuck or perforating your baby’s digestive track.

Unknown foreign object: If you’re not sure what it was you saw in your baby’s mouth for a mere instant before it went down the hatch, you should also seek medical attention in the interest of just-in-case.

What to watch out for after your baby has swallowed an object:

In the event you decide not to seek medical attention after finding your baby ate something weird, you should watch for the following:

-Vomiting

-Excessive uncharacteristic drool

-Refusal to eat

-Coughing and wheezing

-Signs of pain

-Blood in diapers.

You should also be on the look-out for the item. If it doesn’t emerge in your baby’s diaper within a few days, you need to see your pediatrician.

What to do if your baby is choking on an object:

If your baby swallows an object and it doesn’t make it all the way down, you’ll need to take immediate action to clear the airway. If your baby is actively coughing, simply tip them forward and let them continue to cough.

If coughing does not free the item, you can first try the infant Heimlich. Place your baby face down, with his or her body supported by your forearm. Apply 5-6 firm thumps to your baby’s back just between the shoulder blades. Use the heel of your hand. If your baby is able to breathe, and the first attempt fails, it’s OK to repeat.

If your baby can’t breathe, or it’s clear this method is not working, gently flip your baby on to his/her back. Trace an imaginary line between your baby’s nipples. Place two fingers, one finger width below the line, then give 4-5 short thrusts pushing no deeper than an inch. You may alternate between techniques.

If at any time your baby begins to change colors from lack of air, have someone call 911 immediately; if you are the only person present, first give two breathes, then call 911 and continue.

To give breaths, lay your baby on his/her back, then tilt her/his head back slightly and cover their nose and mouth with your mouth. Breathe into your baby until you see your baby’s chest rise, then allow the air out, and repeat. If your baby’s chest doesn’t rise with your breaths, try repositioning the head tilt. If you’re still not seeing signs air is getting in, perform 30 chest compressions.

While my babies are now toddlers and I’ve never had to perform CPR, or even give the infant Heimlich, it is recommended you take classes to be well versed in both.

What’s the weirdest thing your baby has ever eaten?