Diaper rash is a common skin irritation that affects babies and toddlers. It can be caused by wetness, friction, allergies, infections, or other factors. It causes red splotches and scales to appear in the genital area and on the child’s bottom and makes the skin underneath the diaper become red and tender. Even with frequent diaper changes, about 50% to 65% of all babies get a diaper rash at some point in their lives.
All babies have very delicate and sensitive skin. Despite the best efforts of parents, sometimes diaper rash still occurs. If your baby’s diaper rash is not going away easily, or if you have concerns about caring for your diaper rash, you should consult a dermatologist.
How to treat a diaper rash at home?
Diaper rash is a common condition that can be treated at home. The best treatment for diaper rash is to always keep the baby’s skin clean and dry. You can prevent and treat diaper rash at home by following these tips:
1. Change diapers frequently. The first and foremost tip for treating and preventing diaper rash is to change all wet and soiled diapers as soon as possible to reduce moisture on the skin that could inflame a rash.
2. Gently cleanse the diaper area using warm water and dry it or use a soft washcloth or alcohol and fragrance-free baby wipes. Gently use a squirt bottle of water to clean the area and allow the area to air dry if the rash is severe.
3. Expose the baby’s buttocks to the air. Sometimes, keep your child diaper-free as long as possible to allow the skin to dry and heal.
4. Use petroleum jelly or zinc oxide to act as a barrier, moisturize, protect the skin, and soothe inflammation. It is important to apply a zinc oxide diaper cream between diaper changes. If the diaper rash is severe, there is no need to remove the cream with each diaper change. It can be fully cleaned at the end of the day.
5. Avoid using cornstarch, talcum powder, or harsh soaps that can worsen the rash or cause complications.
How to apply a Diaper Rash Cream, Ointment or Paste?
A diaper ointment, cream, or paste acts as a barrier and protects the skin from moisture, irritation, and infection. Choose fragrance-free products with zinc oxide or petroleum jelly, as they provide a barrier to water and infection.
Diaper rash ointments include petrolatum. They are best for everyday use, prevention, or mild rashes. Examples include: Vaseline petroleum jelly, Aquaphor, Triple Paste Medicated, A+D Original Ointment, etc.
Diaper rash creams containing zinc oxide are very good for prevention. They can treat mild to moderate rashes within two to three days. Examples of products that contain zinc oxide include:
Desitin Daily Defense, Triple Paste, Honest, Cetaphil, Mustela, Aveeno, Weleda, etc.
What to do if a diaper rash persists?
Signs of a skin infection may include a fever, blisters, pus that drains from the rash, and a rash that does not go away after treatment or worsens. Another sign of a skin infection is if the baby is in pain or is hard to console. If the rash doesn’t go away with home treatment and your baby is experiencing new, severe, or persistent symptoms, your doctor or other health care professional might suggest:
- A mild (0.5% to 1%) hydrocortisone (steroid) cream twice a day for 3 to 5 days.
- An antifungal cream if your baby has a fungal infection.
- Antibiotic medicine taken by mouth if your baby has a bacterial infection.
Depending on the severity of the diaper rash, it might take several days to improve. A rash may come back again and again. If a rash persists even with prescription products, you should take your baby to a dermatologist.