When you’re a new mom, there are some things you know are sure to happen: spit-up, crying, and a diaper rash or two. But do you know what a diaper rash really is, and why they happen? Here’s what you need to know about the causes, treatment, and when to contact your baby’s provider about diaper rash.
Why Does Diaper Rash Happen?
Diaper rash, also known as dermatitis, is an irritated patch of skin or rash on your little one’s bottom. Diaper rash is incredibly common in babies of all ages, and can be caused by a number of things including:
- Irritants: If your baby has sensitive skin, they might have a reaction to the soap or detergent used on their skin, clothes, or cloth diapers.
- Dirty diapers: Baby’s stool contains bacteria, which can be irritating to the skin—especially if not cleaned off thoroughly. Stool can also combine with urine to create ammonia, which can cause a burning sensation if the diaper isn’t changed quickly enough.
- Something baby ingests: You may notice an increase in diaper rashes as your little one starts to eat new solids, or even if they are on an antibiotic treatment.
If your baby has a mild diaper rash, they are susceptible to a secondary infection such as a yeast or bacterial infection. Yeast infections become bright red, with sharp borders and small bumps or pimples just outside of the rash border. If not treated, the rash can become raw and the skin may break open. Bacterial infections, though more rare, can cause sores, yellow scabs or pus. If not treated, bacterial infections can create painful, pus-filled bumps under the skin called boils.
How Can Diaper Rash Be Prevented?
The key to preventing dermatitis is to reduce the moisture on your little one’s skin. Therefore, the best way to prevent diaper rash is to keep your baby’s diaper as clean and dry as possible. We know—this can be challenging when your little one seems to have wet and dirty diapers constantly.
Other ways to help keep your baby’s bottom dry is to pat or air dry their diaper area after a diaper change, apply a diaper cream if you notice that their skin seems to be a bit pink, and ensure the diaper isn’t too tight to encourage airflow.
How to Treat Diaper Rash
If you notice areas of pink or red dry skin, they likely have a mild diaper rash. In order to help treat your baby’s rash, try the following:
- Be hyper-vigilant about diaper changes: Change wet diapers more frequently, and soiled diapers immediately.
- Use warm water to clean baby instead of baby wipes to prevent baby’s bottom from a burning sensation.
- Pat baby’s skin dry after a diaper change or bath, or let them air dry. Leaving baby’s skin open to the air can be very helpful (just make sure you have a towel down for any surprises).
- Ensure stool is cleaned off of all skin folds, particularly with baby boys.
- Use a diaper ointment that contains zinc in order to keep the rash dry. Zinc acts as a protective barrier against wetness. Simply spread a generous amount onto your baby’s rash area, like you’re frosting a cake.
If your little one’s diaper rash becomes more serious, they might require special treatment. Yeast infections can be treated using an anti-fungal cream, whether prescribed or over-the-counter. Bacterial infections may require a steroid cream or oral antibiotic prescribed by your child’s provider.
When Should I Call My Baby’s Provider about Their Diaper Rash?
It’s important to get in touch with baby’s provider if they develop symptoms that indicate a skin infection. Symptoms that warrant a call to your little one’s provider include:
- Fever
- Broken skin
- Blisters and/or pus
- A quickly worsening rash
- Your baby seems to be in pain or won’t stop crying
If your baby has chronic or persistent diaper rashes, their provider may recommend an appointment with a dermatologist or other specialist in skin conditions. We know diaper rashes can be a pain (literally), and it can be hard to see your sweet baby feeling uncomfortable. If you have tried to treat your little one’s rash at home and it isn’t subsiding, it’s important to get in touch with their provider to help them find some relief.