Question
My newborn is 15 days old and has recently been found to have a red and swollen perianal area. Each time they defecate, the stool appears to be insufficiently sticky. They have never received any related treatment and I am seeking advice on how to resolve the redness around the anus.
Answer
This condition may be due to improper care leading to diaper rash. It is recommended to ensure that the baby is not too cold while keeping the bottom loose, and when cleaning the buttocks, it should be washed with water primarily. If using a cloth for cleaning, it should be gently pressed rather than wiped to avoid harming the baby’s delicate skin. To prevent diaper rash, apply a suitable ointment to the buttocks after each cleaning and pay attention to timely changing of diapers for ventilation.