The Why Behind Diaper Rashes and How to Treat Them

If your baby is crying nonstop, there is a chance they might have a diaper rash. Wetness and friction are two of the main culprits behind irritated skin outbreak. Try not to worry too much, as diaper rashes are very common. At least half of babies develop diaper rash at some point. They are also treatable and easy to manage.

Your baby’s skin might have bumps, patches, or red spots, or look splintered or cracked. With the right tips, you can heal and soothe your baby’s skin. Your fussy baby will be back smiling and laughing in no time.

Here’s a look at what most commonly causes diaper rashes and how to properly deal with them.

What Causes It

Diaper rash is formally known as diaper dermatitis. Dr. Naana Boakye, owner of Bergen Dermatology, explained that diaper rash is caused by inflammation of the skin due to increased friction and moisture. Common irritants include detergents and prolonged exposure to urine and feces. It can also result from infections, including fungal and bacterial.

As your baby’s poop or urine fills the diaper, it rubs against the skin and creates friction. This friction can irritate the skin. The longer it sits in the diaper, the more irritation it can cause over time.

The prolonged rubbing on the skin can result in stinging or burning. Also, pee and poop can cause changes in the pH of the skin, making it too acidic or more basic. Babies might develop mild, red rash, or boils on their bottoms. This is most common in babies 9 to 12 months old.

Other than stool, babies might develop diaper rashes because they are allergic to a specific ingredient in a diaper, wipe, or soap. More specifically, as soaps break down germs and dirt, they can also break down a baby’s skin over time.

Other common causes of diaper rashes start when your babies get older. Some examples include when babies start eating solid foods, begin sleeping through the night (with fewer diaper changes), have a cold or diarrhea, or when they start taking antibiotics.

How to Treat Diaper Rash

There are four main steps to treat diaper rash.

Change Dirty Diapers ASAP

Treating your baby’s diaper rash starts with changing their dirty diapers quickly. If you want to treat or prevent diaper rash, the most important thing to remember is to change the diaper as soon as possible, even if it is just wet. This stops the solids or liquids from transferring moisture on the skin, which causes chafing or inflammation.

“Prevention is key,” Boakye said. “Good diaper hygiene practices are essential, including frequent diaper changes to reduce exposure to urine and feces.”

Clean Gently

After you have changed the soiled diaper, be sure to gently clean your baby’s bottom. Dr. Boakye encouraged parents to use water and soap-free cleansers. Be sure to clean the diaper area with water and a soft washcloth.

If you use disposable baby wipes, make sure that the baby wipes are free of alcohol and fragrances. These types of wipes will only further dry out and irritate the skin. You can also use a spray bottle to clean the baby’s bottom, if the rash is more severe.

To help relieve the rash, allow the area to air dry. Avoid rubbing it dry with a towel or cloth. Letting your child go diaper-free avoids creating more friction. Ditch the diaper as long as possible or until their skin is dry. This allows their skin to breathe and heal.

Apply a Diaper Cream

Apply a thick layer of barrier cream, such as zinc oxide diaper cream or petroleum jelly. Don’t be stingy. The more the better. Parents tend to under-apply these creams, but lathering on a thick layer of cream protects your baby’s skin from urine and stool.

Don’t worry about removing it between diaper changes. It’s important to leave it on to prevent skin from staying red. You can also use these creams to prevent a diaper rash from occuring in the first place.

Check Diaper Type

If your baby is wearing cloth diapers and continues to get diaper rashes, it’s time to switch to disposable diapers. A super-absorbent disposable diaper will keep your baby’s skin as dry as possible as it heals.

Also, check the size of the diaper. If the diaper is too large, it will create friction with your baby’s bottom as it rubs against it. If the diaper is too small, it will squeeze your baby’s pee and poop too close to the skin. Make sure you have the right fit.

Signs of an Infection

While most diaper rashes can be treated at home, it’s important for moms to know when it’s time to see a doctor. There’s a difference between a mild diaper rash and a skin infection. Signs of an infection to keep an eye out for are fever, blisters, pus, or if a rash does not improve after several days or worsens. Other signs to look for are if your baby is in pain, is hard to console, is losing weight, or seems sick.

Call your doctor and they should give you some sort of fungal medicine or mild steroid cream to fight the infection. While diaper rashes tend to disappear after a few days, if you ever have any concern, call your doctor.

“I recommend seeing a doctor sooner rather than later,” Boakye said. “If the rash does not improve after two days or if you notice redness and/or swelling, please consult your pediatrician as soon as possible.”

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