What Is Diaper Rash?
Diaper rash is a very common condition. It develops as a red, splotchy rash to your baby’s bottom or red, scaly skin in or near the genital area.
These rashes grow in moist, warm places, making the area under your baby’s diaper the perfect breeding ground. The affected area may be warm to the touch and will cause your baby to be uncomfortable, which usually results in a fussy, unhappy child.
Symptoms from diaper rash include a few of the following issues:
- Irritated skin from stool or urine for a prolonged period of time
- Sensitive skin or from new product use or allergy
- Diapers that fit to tightly and rub the skin
- Introduction of new foods that can change your baby’s stool
- Antibiotic use in baby or Mother
Treatment and Prevention
The steps for treating and preventing diaper rash are very similar. Be sure to change your baby’s diaper as quickly as possible when it’s wet or dirty. A few other things to keep in mind include:
- Clean your baby’s bottom every time you change their diaper. Do this gently with warm water or a wipe for sensitive skin (without fragrance or alcohol, which will cause drying).
- Ensure diapers fit your baby properly. Follow the diaper size and weight chart guide.
- Apply a thick, water-proof barrier cream to your baby’s bottom to keep moisture off their bottom. An ointment that contains petroleum jelly or zinc oxide works best. This cream can be used regularly even if a rash is not present.
Natural Cures for Diaper Rash
The following have been shown to work on your baby’s diaper rash in some studies. Consult with your pediatrician if you would like to try applying any of these natural remedies.
- Witch hazel
- Mother’s breast milk
- Aloe Vera
When Should You Worry?
Most treatments take 2-3 days to start showing signs of improvement. If you don’t see any signs of improvement in 3 days, or if your baby develops a fever, or if the rash worsens, contact your healthcare provider. A rash that changes into blisters or open sores, or pus-filled blisters can be a sign of a different type of diaper rash resulting from a skin infection caused by yeast or bacteria and may be more severe.
Rest assured that even with frequent diaper changes and the most careful parents, diaper rash will still likely occur at some point in your baby’s life. The good news is that most cases are on the mild side and clear up fairly quickly with the simple remedies discussed in this article. Of course, if you are still concerned, please reach out to your pediatrician.
The information and content on our website should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or advice from your doctor.