Baby Diaper Rash: Causes, Infections, How to Prevent & Treatments

Last Updated on September 19, 2024

What Causes Diaper Rash?
How Can I Prevent Diaper Rash?
How Do I Treat My Baby’s Diaper Rash?
What about Yeast Infections in the Diaper Area?
When should I Call the Doctor?

Diaper rash usually starts with redness on the lower abdomen, buttocks and genitals. These are the parts most in contact with soiled or wet diapers. The spots may spread, join together and become raw and painful. The creases that separate the legs and the lower abdomen may not be affected.

Most babies get diaper rash at some point. Rashes are most common in infants from 3 to 12 months old. Diaper rash is not serious but it can be uncomfortable for your baby.

What Causes Diaper Rash?

Diaper rash can be caused by:

Not changing the diaper often
Too much moisture
Changing or rubbing
Prolonged contact of the skin with urine and bowel movements
Yeast and bacteria
Diarrhea
Antibiotic use

How Can I Prevent Diaper Rash?

The following tips can really help reduce the redness on your baby’s bottom:

Change diapers as soon as you know they are wet or dirty.
Apply unscented petroleum jelly such as Vaseline or zinc oxide to the skin of the diaper area to protect and lubricate the area.
Clean your baby bottom with water and a soft cloth. Use soap only if the bowel movement does not come off easily. Avoid irritating soaps and scented products on you baby’s bottom.
Avoid over-cleansing with wipes that can dry out the skin. The alcohol of perfume in these products may irritate some babies’ skin. If you do choose to use wipes, make sure they are alcohol-free and unscented.

How Do I Treat My Baby’s Diaper Rash?

Prevention of diaper rash is important. However, if your baby does develop a rash, the rash usually clears up in a few days with proper care. Follow the tips to treat a diaper rash:

Change diapers as soon as you know they are wet or dirty. The best way to clean your baby’s bottom is with a soft cloth and water after each.
bowel movement.
Avoid rubbing your baby’s sore bottom. In these cases, use mineral oil on a tissue to cleanse your baby’s bottom.
Avoid using baby powder or talc.
Expose your baby’s bottom to room air whenever possible.
Apply a thick layer of protective ointment or cream that contains zinc oxide.

What about Yeast Infections in the Diaper Area?

Candida, a type of yeast, causes a bright red rash with red spots at its edges. It usually has a very red and raw diaper rash at the same time. ‘Candida diaper dermatitis’ can develop in some babies after they take antibiotics. This type of yeast infection can also show up in other areas of the body. When it is in the mouth, it is usually called ‘thrush’. Thrush appears as a whitish-gray coating on the tongue and on the insides of the cheeks and gums.

Take your baby to the doctor if you think he or she has a Candida diaper rash. Your doctor will prescribe an antifungal cream. Some doctors may also recommend using a steroid cream as well as the antifungal cream. It generally takes several days before the rash improves.

Unless the baby has thrush, there is no need for oral medicines.