Diaper Rash and Your Baby

Diaper rash is a common event in infants and toddlers still in diapers. An infection that causes the skin to become sore, tender, red, and scaly it can usually be cleared up within a few days. Diaper rash can occur because diapers are too tight; diapers are left on too long, or because of an allergic reaction to the diapers, wipes, or the detergent you are using.

Many different types of rashes that fall into the category “diaper rash.” The most common of them is the friction rash. Almost all babies fall victim to this rash at one time or another. It’s found in areas where friction is such as the inner thighs or under the elastic of diapers that are too tight. These rashes will usually respond more frequent diaper changes, diapers that fit correctly, airing out, and medicated ointments.

Irritant rash are usually found on the most obvious parts of the exposed areas. It generally doesn’t get into skin folds or creases, it usually appears on the cheeks of the buttocks. It’s usually associated with enzymes in the stool, or by soaps, baby wipes, topical medicines, or even the detergent you use to wash what is exposed to your baby.

An allergic rash is usually something that goes with the irritant rash and looks like poison oak. It’s more common on exposed areas. This rash isn’t restricted to the diaper area. Some babies have developed this rash by being against another person who has on a fragrance or lotion on. If your baby is susceptible to allergic rashes, it might help to have a baby blanket washed in your own detergent to use as a barrier between your baby and the other person. The detergent they wash their clothes in could also be an irritant.

Other rashes that are less common are Intertrigo that is caused by moist heat and occurs in the skin folds. Seborrhea rash that is greasy with yellowish scales. Psoriasis is a stubborn rash that shows up on other parts of the body other than the diaper area.

Wet skin is the most common cause of the various causes of diaper rash. Urinary wetness raises the skin pH, causes extra friction, and it intensifies the action of stool enzymes that irritate and inflame the skin. Urinary wetness damages the outer layer of skin and allows microorganisms to enter the skin layer easier.

You can prevent your baby from getting diaper rash by keeping the skin in the diaper area as dry as possible. By changing their diaper often, it doesn’t allow urine or stool movements to irritate the skin. Also, the same plastic that keeps a diaper from leaking also keeps the air out. That results in a warm moist environment where diaper rash can thrive.

Taking a few simple steps can prevent diaper rash. Change their diaper as soon as possible. Allow your baby to dry before putting on another diaper. Using a diaper wipe is preferred, but still allow the skin to dry before putting on a clean diaper.

Occasionally you can soak your baby’s bottom in warm water between diaper changes. Remember to allow the skin to dry thoroughly before putting on a clean diaper.

Some pediatricians also recommend leaving a diaper off your baby for several hours a day. This allows their skin to completely dry and breathe. If you choose to do this, it’s easiest to put your baby in their crib and change their sheets if they become soiled.

Using an ointment or cream with zinc oxide can soothe the irritated skin and protect it from further damage by moisture. If it last longer than three days, a yeast-like fungus called candida could cause it. This form of diaper rash is slightly raised and has small red dots that go beyond the original site of the rash. An antifungal cream prescribed by your child’s doctor can take care of this form of diaper rash.

New parents sometimes are upset when their baby gets a diaper rash, although it’s a common experience and can be treated easily. It will usually go away with care in two or three days. If sores start erupting on your baby’s skin in other places, or the rash doesn’t get better, you should talk to your baby’s doctor.