Diaper rash is a common condition that can make a baby’s skin sore, red, scaly, and tender. Most cases will clear up with simple changes in diapering.
What Causes Diaper Rash?
Usually, diaper rash is the result of an irritation, infection, or allergy.
- Irritation. A baby’s skin can get irritated when a diaper is left on for too long and poop (or the diaper itself) rubs against the skin repeatedly.
- Infection. Urine (pee) changes the skin’s pH levels, and that lets bacteria and fungi grow more easily. The substances that stop diapers from leaking also prevent air circulation, creating a warm, moist environment where bacteria and fungi can thrive, causing a rash.
- Allergies. Babies with sensitive skin also can develop rashes. Some types of detergent, soaps, diapers (or dyes from diapers), or baby wipes can affect sensitive skin, causing a rash.
Also, starting new foods can change the content and frequency of a baby’s poop, which can sometimes lead to a diaper rash. And diarrhea can make an existing case of diaper rash worse.
Diaper rash that lasts for more than a few days, even with changes to the diapering routine, might be caused by a yeast called Candida albicans. This rash is usually red, slightly raised, and has small red dots spreading beyond the main part of the rash. It often starts in the deep creases of skin and can spread to skin on the front and back of the baby. Antibiotics given to a baby or a breastfeeding mom can cause this, as they kill off the “good” bacteria that keep Candida from growing.
How To Prevent Diaper Rash.
Keeping your baby’s bottom healthy.
You may not always be able to protect your baby from diaper rash, but there are steps you can take to significantly reduce its occurrence.
- Keep baby’s skin clean and dry
- Allow diaper area to dry before reapplying diaper
- Protect your baby’s tender skin with a diaper rash treatment.
Clean your baby’s skin.
First, it’s important to keep your baby’s skin as clean and dry as possible. That means changing wet or soiled diapers right away. Since you may not always know when your baby needs a change, check the diaper at least every two hours. In newborns or babies with diarrhea, you will need to check even more frequently.
If you use wipes during diaper changes, make sure you choose ones that are mild, gentle, and designed for baby’s special needs. Your best choices are wipes that have been clinically tested or proven mild to the skin.
You may prefer to use a soft, wet washcloth to gently clean the diaper area. Warm water should do the job; use a mild baby cleanser only if the stool does not come off easily.
Whether you use wipes or a washcloth, it’s important to avoid irritating skin. Use your wipe or washcloth to gently pat skin, being careful not to rub.
If you have already applied a diaper rash treatment at the previous diaper change, don’t worry about removing the ointment. Clean the soiled, outer layer and leave the ointment on the skin to avoid damaging the skin as it heals.
Allow diaper area to dry.
One key step to healing diaper rash is keeping the area clean and dry. Once you have finished cleaning your baby’s bottom, pat it dry (no rubbing!) before applying a thick barrier of protection. Better yet, allow your baby to go without a diaper for a little while to let her bottom air-dry and then apply a thick barrier of protection when you do re-diaper.
Give bottoms lots of airtime.
Every time you change your baby’s diaper, pat them dry gently before putting on the fresh diaper. Be careful not to rub, as this may possibly irritate your baby’s skin. Better yet, let your baby’s skin air dry whenever possible. Place a waterproof pad, blanket or towel on the floor and let your baby play while their bottom gets some airtime. This will greatly help to reduce the risk of diaper rash.
Add a protective barrier.
A thin layer of petroleum jelly, zinc oxide cream or diaper rash cream prevents moisture and irritants from coming into contact with your baby’s delicate skin. Slather some on every few diaper changes.
Keep it loose.
If your baby’s diaper is too tight, this may restrict air circulation in the diaper area and hold in unwanted moisture, causing irritation. The friction between the diaper and your baby’s skin may also result in chafing, so be sure not to fasten it too tightly. You may want to opt for diapers that have a comfortable stretchy waistband that can be adjusted with the Magic Tapes to fit your baby comfortably, allowing your baby to be active and healthy, while keeping diaper rash at bay.
