My poor baby. For the past two days Claire has had an upset tummy, lots of burping and gas passing, frequent bowel movements that seem to be diarrhea (what else could frequent BMs mean?), and has developed a nasty diaper rash called perianal dermatitis as a result of the frequent movements. She screams when her diaper is changed, she writhes after a poop, she sometimes cannot finish a meal if that happens during it, and she has a gassy tummy, which hurts and makes her cry, which makes more gas, of course.
We can’t figure out if it’s a bug or a reaction to formula (but she’s back on the hypoallergenic one). The water we use is filtered (but not boiled). If it’s a bug we don’t know where she contracted it, because she doesn’t go many places, and when she does only we touch her. It’s possible we passed it to her with something on our hands that didn’t make us sick because we’re bigger with stronger immune systems.
I know it isn’t life-threatening, but I’m so sad to see her in pain. Her eyes are wide and puffy and sad. I know she knows we’re trying to help and comfort her. She tries to smile after the pain of the diaper change ends and a new diaper is on.
We’re keeping her bottom clean and dry, slathered with Desitin, exposed to air some of the time. We’re rinsing her bottom with warm water and cotton balls even though the wipes are alcohol-free. We’re using the same brand of wipes and diapers, so I don’t think the rash is caused by a reaction to those; it’s got to be the irritants of the poops, their frequency, and the frequency of cleaning that has irritated her skin. I called the doctor and am waiting to hear back from an on-call nurse just to see if there’s something we don’t know that would help her.
I’m operating on four hours of sleep. Right after the nurse calls, I’m going to try to catch a little sleep while Grandma takes over.
hi k,
i’ve been reading your blog for a`bit. my daughter was born on, august 1st. so we have that in common. i love your photos. the ones of your daughter yes, but especially the art shots.
i’m a doctor. so i thought i’d tell you my advice for a really bad diaper rash. you can get .5 or 1% hydrocortisone cream at the pharmacy. i would use it very sparingly after a diaper change 3-4 times a day. it works fast. if there are little dots it might have yeast component. if so, you can mix in an anti-fungal cream, (available without a prescription in canada at least). mix 1/2 and 1/2 and apply as above. lots of diaperless time will help. maybe leave her on a waterproof pad? hope that helps! and thanks for the blog. leah
I used to hold our little granddaughter and pace with her while she went throught spells such as you describe. I know I was some comfort to her, and we remain incredibly close to this day.
By the way, today’s post on my blog refers just as much to you as anyone else. You are an inspiration. Hope you like the little videos.
We always had the best luck w/ A&D ointment. It’s a barrier as well but not a zinc oxide. It comes in a tube or a big pot. It’s yellow (the container & the product) and it make your hands nice too š
Thank you Leah. I’m glad you commented. I did ask about the cortisone but was advised not to because the rash probably burns more than itches. But my MIL also thought of that as a possibility too.
And thanks, Gerry and Eden. You are teh awesome.