How Do I Get Rid Of Raw Spot Under Child's Neck?

Dear Expert Mom,

Can you please give me some "mommy medical advice"? My son is 18 months old. Ever since the weather has gotten warmer, he has been developing a really bad red raw area under his neck. He drools a lot from teething, so my MIL told me to try putting baby powder on his neck, but it does not work. I just can't get rid of it. The doctor's office told me to keep it dry, so I have been keeping a bib on him, but it still is not clearing up. Can you please tell me what to do?

-Joann in Delaware

Dear Joann,

This raw chaffing occurs with a lot of kids, both from drooling and from heat and sweat in the warm weather. I would stop putting powder on it immediately. Powder should only be used as a preventative. Once the rawness appears, talcum will only irritate the raw skin as it rubs against the powder. You must first clear up the raw area.

You can soothe and heal the raw spots by simply putting diaper rash cream on the affected area. I have found Balmex to be the most effective diaper rash cream. Once the area clears up, then I would work on keeping it dry with powder. You should also routinely powder other areas that get chaffed when little ones sweat, such as behind their knees and in the crook of their elbows, as well as the groin area (the crease where their diaper/underwear ends and their leg meets their body.

Bottom Line: Use my simple trick to clear up the affected area first, then keep the problem from coming back by regularly powdering problem areas. Good luck!

~Expert Mom