Diapering Tips

Diaper Rash: Causes, Prevention and Treatment Guide

Your baby's skin is sensitive, especially on their bottom. The combination of tender skin and the warm, moist environment of a diapered bottom can lead to the red, irritated, bumpy symptoms of diaper rash, which is distressing for you and uncomfortable for baby. Since your baby will wear diapers for some time, it's important to learn how to care for their skin and prevent diaper rash from developing.

How to Prevent Diaper Rash

The best course of action is to prevent diaper rash from developing in the first place by keeping your baby's skin dry and clean.

Change your baby's diaper often so wetness doesn't have a chance of setting in.
Rinse their bottom with warm water, or use mild baby wipes without alcohol, or cotton balls soaked in warm water.
Gently pat dry; never rub your baby's skin.
Let your baby air dry and go without a diaper when possible.
Use the right size diaper that isn't too tight and is absorbent enough for their age.
Eliminate potential allergens like added fragrance and use simple zinc-oxide based creams as a barrier.
If your baby is on antibiotics, ask your doctor about a probiotic supplement to help prevent a yeast infection.

Causes of Diaper Rash

Changes in your baby's diet, or yours if you are breastfeeding, can lead to diaper rash from the different content in your baby's stools. Diaper rash is often triggered by the introduction of solid foods, which can lead to increased stools. Keep a food diary as you introduce new foods one at a time, and look for signs of rash within three days of each new food. Antibiotics, new skin products and prolonged time between diaper changes can also cause diaper rash to form.

How to Treat Diaper Rash

If diaper rash happens, the best treatment is to start with the preventative measures and keep your baby's skin as dry as possible. If over-the-counter creams don't help and the skin does not clear up within a few days, consult your doctor, who may prescribe an anti-fungal or hydrocortisone cream. Never apply creams with steroids without consulting your doctor first. Following preventative measures that keep moisture and irritants to a minimum will help keep the rash at bay, but diaper rash happens even to the most vigilant parents. Treat it right away and your baby's skin will be clear in no time.

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FAQs on How to Prevent and Treat Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is a red, irritated, bumpy rash on your baby's bottom. It is caused by the combination of your baby's tender skin and the warm, moist environment inside a diaper, and it can be uncomfortable for your baby and distressing for you.

Keep your baby's skin dry and clean. Change diapers often, rinse with warm water or mild wipes, pat dry gently, allow air-drying, use the right size diaper, avoid fragranced products and use a zinc-oxide barrier cream. If your baby is on antibiotics, ask your doctor about a probiotic.

Diaper rash can be caused by changes in your baby's or a breastfeeding mother's diet, the introduction of solid foods that increase stools, antibiotics, new skin products and leaving a wet or dirty diaper on for too long.

Yes, diaper rash is often triggered by the introduction of solid foods, which can lead to increased stools. Keep a food diary as you introduce new foods one at a time, and look for signs of a rash within three days of each new food.

Start with the preventative measures and keep your baby's skin as dry as possible. If over-the-counter creams don't help and the skin doesn't clear within a few days, see your doctor, who may prescribe an anti-fungal or hydrocortisone cream.

See your doctor if over-the-counter creams don't help and your baby's skin does not clear up within a few days. Never apply creams containing steroids without consulting your doctor first.