Photos: Heads Up, Parents: Get to the Bottom of Winter D...(ronment for diaper rash. And...),Health

And, babies become sick more often in the winter because they spend more time indoors, exposed to viruses, colds and other pathogens. "When a baby is sick and has diarrhea, a miserable case of diaper rash can certainly follow, because diarrhea irritates an already sensitive diaper area," said Dr. Eichenfield. "And, medications often prescribed for children during the winter months -- like antibiotics to treat infections -can cause diarrhea and contribute to diaper rashes. Diaper rash is a common side effect of antibiotic treatment," he added.

Since the winter season is upon us, it's important for parents to be aware of the heightened risk of diaper rash, and to take steps now to take charge of their baby's skin health.

The Rash-O-Meter Diaper Rash Severity Index Predicts Moderate to Severe Risk

Summers Labs established the Rash-O-Meter Diaper Rash Severity Index to educate and inform parents about the increased risk of diaper rash during the winter, and to provide tips on prevention and treatment. The Index is based on relative risk during the winter, with a baseline of "mild" during the three previous seasons.

The 192nd edition of the Farmer's Almanac predicts the winter of 2008-2009 will bring above-average snowfall and lower than normal temperatures. "Based on clinical observation as well as sales of non-prescription diaper rash treatments -- we see that year after year, diaper rash is more problematic in the cold weather months," stated Dr. Eichenfield.

"We expect this season to be moderate to severe in terms of diaper rash risk. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the risk and to treat uncomplicated diaper rash safely and effectively," he added.

Prevention and Treatment of Diaper Rash

Following are tips to prevent and treat diaper rash:

'/>"/>