While parents may be upset by a case of diaper rash, there’s no reason for alarm; it affects more than a third of all infants. To effectively diagnose, treat and prevent this skin condition, it’s important to understand the triggers, treatments and ways to prevent diaper rash. Read on to learn more.

Identifying diaper rash

It’s what every new parent dreads when they remove a diaper: red, raised patches of skin. Known as diaper rash, this minor ailment is quite common in infants between the ages of four and 15 months. In addition to red, puffy and tender-looking skin in the diaper area – including bottom, thighs and genitals – you may notice your baby seems fussier than usual, especially during diaper changes and when contact is made with the affected area.

While most of the time symptoms are limited to a red rash and irritability and can be treated at home, seek medical attention if your baby develops a fever, blisters, boils or a widespread rash, or if the rash leaks pus or other discharge.

What causes diaper rash

Diaper rash has a variety of causes, though most experts agree that a combination of factors is often to blame.

• Antibiotics. If a baby or a breastfeeding mother is on antibiotics, diaper rash could develop in response. If you think you or your baby’s medication is to blame, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

• New diet. Around four months of age, infants begin to eat solid foods, changing the consistency, frequency and composition of their stool and potentially triggering diaper rash. Also, the diet of a breastfeeding mother may cause diaper rash if it includes certain foods, such as tomatoes.

• Irritation. Your baby's skin can also be irritated by the soaps and detergents used to wash cloth diapers, or by certain brands of diapers or baby wipes. If your baby has sensitive skin or develops diaper rash, try switching to fragrance-free baby wipes, like BabyGanics Thick & Klean Ultra Sensitive Baby Wipes, Fragrance Free, and fragrance-free baby wash like Rainbow Research Baby Oh Baby Body Wash, Unscented. Wash cloth diapers with an unscented, infant detergent like Dropps Baby Laundry Detergent 20-load pouch, Scent Dye Enzyme Free.

Also, diapers that are too snug can also cause diaper rash. Be sure that diapers are roomy enough to prevent friction.

• Urine and stool. The moisture and ammonia in a baby’s urine and stool can irritate his or her skin and cause redness. By minimizing the amount of time that your baby is in a soiled diaper, you can avoid irritation and diaper rash.

• Heat. The plastic pants that cover cloth diapers can elevate the temperature and increase moisture in the diaper area, creating the ideal conditions for the microbes that cause diaper rash – such as bacteria and yeast – to develop and thrive. Keeping your baby’s bottom as cool and dry as possible is an important way to prevent diaper rash.

• Bacteria. If bacteria are the cause of your baby’s diaper rash, you’ll probably notice pale-colored crusty patches or small, yellow, fluid-filled bumps on the surface of the skin. These cases will need an antibiotic for successful treatment, so seek medical attention.

• Yeast. Sometimes, yeast (a type of fungus) can trigger diaper rash or make an existing diaper rash worse. To determine if yeast is to blame, look for a bright red rash and tiny pimples extending from the edge of the irritation. These symptoms will also develop within the folds of your baby’s skin.

• Sensitive skin. Diaper rash is more likely to affect infants with sensitive skin or conditions like atopic dermatitis or eczema.

Treating diaper rash

Although diaper rash can be troublesome, especially when it’s chronic, it’s usually not serious and can be remedied with over-the-counter treatments and easy changes in how you diaper your child. Persistent rashes usually respond quickly to prescriptions. Choose over-the-counter or prescription treatments based on the age, symptoms and duration of the diaper rash.

• Over-the-counter treatments: If you baby is over four months of age, use an over-the-counter treatment as soon as you notice the symptoms of diaper rash. Although medications are available in many types of formulas, Mayo Clinic explains that ointments or creams are often gentler than lotions or liquids. Those that contain zinc oxide, like Puristics Baby Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Cream, are often effective for prevention and treatment. If you’re not sure which is product is right for your child’s rash, contact a doctor.

• Prescription treatments: Typically, diaper rash clears within a few days of treatment. If you don’t see an improvement, or if the rash worsens, develops blisters or is accompanied by a fever, call your pediatrician immediately. He or she can examine the area and identify the specific cause of the rash. A mild hydrocortisone or antifungal medication may be prescribed. Also, if your child is younger than eight weeks, consult your physician about any rashes or irritations that develop in the diaper area.

Preventing diaper rash

Unfortunately, one incidence of diaper rash can often lead to others, possibly because the skin develops greater susceptibility. However, this uncomfortable condition can be prevented with some simple changes in the way you care for your child.

• Change the way you change diapers: Change your baby’s diaper more frequently so that moisture doesn’t sit on the skin for too long. When doing so, Mayo Clinic also recommends rinsing the area with warm water, and then letting the affected area air dry and remain uncovered for a little while, as air exposure is helpful in healing the rash. Before putting on a new diaper, be sure that your child’s skin is completely dry.

• Switch brands: Try switching the size, brand or type of diaper to get a better fit. Using a larger diaper can also provide some relief as this reduces friction against the skin. Also, eliminate perfumed or scented detergents, soaps and baby wipes, especially if they contain alcohol.

• Skip plastic: If you’re using cloth diapers, forgo any plastic liners or switch to breathable fabric coverings.

• Apply an ointment: If your baby gets rashes often, apply a barrier ointment during each diaper change to prevent skin irritation. Petroleum jelly and zinc oxide are the time-proven ingredients included in many prepared diaper ointments. Use an over-the-counter ointment to block moisture, such as A&D, Desitin, zinc oxide, Balmex or whatever formula is recommended by your pediatrician.

Typically, diaper rash is resolved within a few days. If you don’t see an improvement, or if the rash worsens, develops blisters or is accompanied by a fever, see your pediatrician immediately. He or she will determine the cause of the rash and provide immediate treatment.

See also:

Soft and Sweet: Skin Care for Baby

Impetigo & Kids: What You Need to Know

Simple Steps for Baby Hair Care

Hints for Healing Heat Rash