Diaper rashes are the most common skin condition seen in babies and toddlers. It occurs in the bottom area of babies that is in contact with a diaper, such as the inner thighs and buttocks. Symptoms of diaper rash include red or pink rashes on the buttocks, fluid-containing bumps, peeling of the skin, and fever in cases severe diaper rash.
What causes diaper rash?
Baby diaper rash is a common skin condition that affects babies and toddlers. It can be caused by different factors, such as wet or soiled diapers, chafing, new products, infections, or food changes.
Diaper rash can make your baby’s skin red, tender, and flaky. It can also cause discomfort, itching, or pain. Even with frequent diaper changes, diaper rash can still happen. The main cause of diaper rash is wet or soiled diapers that aren't changed often enough. The most common cause of diaper rash is skin irritation resulting from:
- Being allergic to the materials of the diaper.
- Wet or soiled diapers that aren't changed often enough.
- Prolonged exposure to moisture, friction, and the chemicals present in urine and feces.
- Diarrhea can increase the risks of diaper rash as it brings the skin in contact with loose feces.
- Bacterial, yeast infection.
- Having sensitive skin.
- Diaper or clothing that is tight-fitting can cause chafing or rubbing.
To prevent diaper rash, frequent diaper changes, careful cleaning of the area, and usage of protective ointments such as Vaseline are recommended.
With proper treatment, it will usually clear up within three or four days. However, if the diaper rash doesn’t noticeably improve within a couple of days, or, if it gets worse, call your baby’s healthcare provider for guidance.
How to prevent diaper rash?
Diaper rash is a common condition that typically forms when the sensitive skin around your baby’s diaper area is in contact with urine or stool for prolonged time. Protecting your baby against diaper rash means regularly changing his diapers. Some tips to prevent diaper rash are:
- Change your baby's diaper as soon as it's wet or soiled.
- Ensure you change your baby's diapers regularly, ideally every 2-3 hours, or as soon as they are wet or soiled.
- Use diapers that are breathable and designed to wick moisture away from the baby's skin.
- Consider using diapers without added fragrances or dyes.
- Make sure the diaper is not too tight or too loose. It should fit perfectly but allows some air circulation.
- Pat your baby's skin dry with a clean towel or let it air dry before putting on a new diaper.
- Gently clean your baby's diaper area during each diaper change using mild wipes or a soft cloth.
- Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the skin.
- Avoid using products that may irritate your baby's skin, such as scented wipes, lotions, powders, or oils.
- Avoid wipes with alcohol or fragrances, as they may irritate the skin.
- Use gentle wipes or a soft cloth with water to clean your baby's diaper area.
- Give your baby some diaper-free time during the day to let the skin breathe and stay dry. Lay them on a waterproof pad or a towel to minimize mess.
- Give your baby some diaper-free time every day to let the skin breathe.
- Apply a thin layer of diaper rash cream or ointment containing zinc oxide to create a protective barrier between the baby's skin and moisture.
- If your baby is eating solid foods, introduce new foods one at a time and watch for any signs of allergic reaction or increased stool frequency
Make sure to change your baby’s diaper as soon as it's wet or soiled, keep the diaper area clean, and use a diaper cream. It’s also a prefect decision to wear your child a highly absorbent diaper and to make sure that it isn’t too tight and doesn’t chafe.
The best treatment for diaper rash is to always keep your baby's skin clean and dry as much as possible. Depending on the severity of diaper rash, it might take several days to improve. If the diaper rash hasn't improved after a few days of treatment at home or comes back again and again, talk with your doctor or other health care professional(dermatologist). You may need prescription medicine to treat diaper rash. Or the rash may have another cause.