Diaper Rash

Overview

Your early parenting career will likely bring you at least one case of diaper rash. Luckily, you can rest assured that in most situations, diaper rash isn't serious. With the proper treatment, your baby's discomfort will go away quickly and completely. Diaper rash should start responding to treatment within a few hours to three days.

Diaper rash has several causes including friction, allergy, irritation, heat rash, yeast infection, or bacterial infection. Other more serious diseases like congenital syphilis, or a zinc deficiency. No matter the case, diaper rash is rarely a parent's fault. Most babies get diaper rash, and nobody is to blame.

Your baby's diaper rash will look different based on its cause. In general, rashes will be red, sometimes patchy, and sometimes raised. Severe diaper rash might even have blisters. Rashes could look like poison ivy and could flare up after diarrhea. Rashes tend to be concentrated in the genital, bottom, and thigh areas. Friction rashes will be flat and red with dry skin, urine-related rashes will be red and look like a burn, yeast rashes are red and patchy, and allergies can cause redness and rings.

A baby's bottom is a prime area for rash. Urine and bowel movements create a moist area that is ideal for yeast and bacteria growth. Diapers create a dark growing area and are constantly rubbing back and forth on sensitive skin. The result of these combined factors is diaper rash, which occurs because of one or many causes.

Diaper rash can occur because the diaper is rubbing skin too much. Antibiotics and new foods could also result in diaper rash. A mother who is breastfeeding will likely pass her antibiotic treatment to her baby. Yeast and bacterial infections will start in skin creases or corners and will eventually spread due to moisture, darkness, and friction.

Generally, you can take care of your baby's symptoms, but you should see a doctor if diaper rash persists or worsens. Warning signs include a fever, blisters, discharge, or an uncontrollable rash that spreads to other parts of the body.

You can prevent diaper rash by limiting moisture and friction on your baby's bottom and genital area. Change diapers often, and use cloth diapers if possible. Don't use strong chemicals or wipes, and try different brands for baby products. Use over-the-counter diaper rash cream every time you change your baby's diaper. Keep your baby as dry as possible, and let your baby air dry out of the diaper whenever possible. Pat, and don't rub when you're cleaning your baby.

Treatment

Try to use an over-the-counter diaper rash cream or oil to relieve symptoms. Make sure that when you use these treatments, the skin is completely dry. Otherwise, you might continue to keep moisture in the skin and cause the diaper rash to become worse. Yeast infections will require an antifungal cream, and bacterial infections might require a topical antibiotic. A combination of treatments may be necessary if the diaper rash's cause is unidentifiable. Powders might help absorb excess moister.

You will need to see a doctor if symptoms persist, worsen, and if blisters start to form. Generally, you should see a doctor if symptoms do not improve within a few days. See a doctor if you are even the slightest bit worried. You do not want to take a chance with your baby!