If your baby’s diaper area develops red spots, raised bumps, or looks raw and inflamed, chances are, your little one is having a bout of diaper rash. It’s not uncommon for a baby to experience it, yet it may be a tad daunting for first-time parents to have to deal with it. We hope this article helps.
Diaper rash can be located on the skin surface, in the skin folds, or both. They may appear like a few prickly red spots in a small area – or maybe extensive, with tender red bumps that spread to a child’s tummy and thighs.
When it comes to a baby’s skin, especially that little bottom, there are indeed many misconceptions. Some parents are made to believe that a baby’s bottom is supposed to be perfectly smooth and rash-free, and that diaper rash is abnormal. Some may conclude all diaper rashes are signs of food or formula allergies, or that the baby must be having a yeast infection.
Firstly, do know that there is hardly a baby who will not develop a diaper rash at some time or another. The important thing for all parents to know is how to recognize the rash when it occurs as well as what caused it, and of course, how to treat it. Preventive actions also exist and parents are advised to learn up on them to minimize the chances of diaper rash. It’s important to know that having to deal with this is an essential part of parenting and having a baby with diaper rash does not mean you’re negligent as a parent.
Why do babies get it?
There is more than one cause of diaper rash. Knowing what’s causing your baby’s rash is important, for then you can have a better chance of preventing it. Here are the most likely culprits:
Prolonged skin contact with moisture
Exposure to moisture, especially from urine, is one of the main causes of diaper rash. When urine mixes with bacteria from the baby’s stools especially, it breaks down and forms ammonia, which is very harsh on delicate, sensitive skin. This explains why children with frequent bowel movements or diarrhea are more prone to diaper rash.
Note: Needless to say, changing your child’s diaper often is one way to curb the rash. However, a rash may also occur if your child is sensitive to certain materials in a brand of diaper.
Reactions from food
It’s common for most babies to experience an outbreak of diaper rash when they start eating solid food and also when new foods are introduced into their diets.
The transition from milk to solid foods changes the composition of your baby’s stools. The same applies to any new foods which are introduced afterward. The acids in certain foods, such as strawberries and fruit juices, can also be especially troublesome for some babies. A new food might increase the frequency of your child’s bowel movements as well, making him or her more prone to diaper rashes.
Chafing or sensitivity to chemicals.
A baby’s diaper rash may also be the result of the diaper constantly rubbing against his skin, resulting in a chafing. A rash can also develop if your baby is particularly sensitive to chemicals like those present in a disposable diaper or the fragrances in laundry detergents used to wash his cloth diapers. It could also be that a lotion or even powder you’re using at a diaper-changing time doesn’t agree with your baby’s sensitive skin.
Be alert for skin infections
The diaper area is warm and moist and that makes it the ideal place for bacterial and yeast infections to take place. This is especially so in the cracks and folds of your baby’s skin.
Antibiotics
Children on antibiotics, or whose breastfeeding mothers are on antibiotics, sometimes get yeast infections because these drugs not only kill the bacteria they’re meant to destroy, but they also tend to reduce the number of healthy bacteria that help keep yeast in check as well. Antibiotics are also known to cause diarrhea, which can contribute to diaper rash.
7 ways to treat and prevent diaper rash
1. Change your baby’s diapers frequently
Two of the most common causes of diaper rashes are as follows:
- a diaper that is not changed immediately after being soiled
- a baby has been left too long in a wet diaper
Change a wet or soiled diaper right away – do not put it off, even for a few minutes. Check your baby’s diaper once every hour during the day, and at least twice during the night, for sometimes, a baby might sleep through a wet nappy or even a soiled one, paving the way for a diaper rash to occur.
2. Keep your baby’s diaper area clean all the time
Clean your child’s diaper area with plain, warm water. You may use a squirt bottle, wet cotton balls, or a moist, soft cloth. Allow the skin to air dry, or gently pat it dry with a clean cloth. Avoid using baby wipes or soap during diaper changes, for this may cause an existing rash to burn or sting. Make sure your baby’s diaper area is completely dry before you put on a new diaper.
3. Allow some “air time”
Let your baby go diaperless for as much as possible. You can do this, especially when you’re at home. Place a large towel underneath your baby and allow the little one to rest or play without using a diaper. The exposure to air can help heal the rash.
4. Pat dry, don’t rub
Gently pat-dry the affected area with a soft clean towel after washing and do not rub, as this could make your baby’s rash worse.
5. Protect with a cream or ointment barrier
Use a good cream or ointment designed especially for diaper rash for your baby’s diaper area. Make sure the diaper area is clean and dry before you apply it.
6. Use extra-absorbent disposable diapers
Know the qualities of the disposable diapers you choose. Select the type that pulls moisture away from your baby’s skin so it will not be as irritated. If your child wears cloth diapers, use a stay-dry liner to help pull moisture away from the skin.
7. Gently does it
Frequent and vigorous washing with soap can strip a baby’s tender skin of the natural protective barrier. Wash gently but thoroughly, including between the skin folds. Do not use diaper wipes if your child has a rash, as they can burn and increase the irritation. You can try warm water from a pitcher or use a squirt bottle. Do away with soap. If you need to, go for gentle non-soap cleanser instead of washing. Rinse well and pat dry.
Yeast diaper rash
Some diaper rashes are caused by a yeast called Candida Albicans, which often causes problems when a baby already has a diaper rash, is on antibiotics, or has thrush. This rash appears bright red and raw, covers large areas, and is surrounded by red spots. Follow the guidelines for diaper rash treatment mentioned earlier and it should improve in a few days. Bring your baby to see a doctor if:
- Any big blisters or sores (more than one inch across) develop.
- The rash has not improved in three days.
- The rash becomes bright red, raw, or bleeds.
- Blisters, boils, sores, or crusts develop.
- Your baby’s rest and sleeping are affected.
- The rash spreads beyond the diaper area.
- Your baby gets sick or has an unexplained fever.
When you need to see a doctor
Generally, a nappy rash can be treated successfully at home. However, if the rash persists or increases, or if sores appear on your baby’s skin, talk to your doctor. You should also seek medical care if the rash is associated with fever, if there is pus draining from the rash or if your child is irritable.
Depending on what type of rash your baby has, the doctor may choose to use an antifungal cream, an antibiotic cream, or a mild steroid cream for a few days until the rash disappears.
What you can do before your baby’s appointment at the doctor’s office
List your baby’s signs and symptoms, and for how long your baby has had them.
Write down your baby’s key medical information, including other conditions that your baby has been treated for, and any prescription or over-the-counter medications your baby has recently taken. If your baby is breastfed, also note any medications he or she may have been exposed to through your breast milk.
List all products that come into contact with your baby’s skin. Your baby’s doctor will want to know what brand of diapers, laundry detergent, soaps, lotions, powders, and oils you use for your baby. If you suspect one or more products may be causing your baby’s diaper rash, you may wish to bring them to the appointment so your doctor can read the label.
Write down questions to ask your doctor. Creating your list of questions in advance can help you make the most of your time with your doctor.
Below are some questions you should ask the doctor:
- What is the most likely cause of my baby’s rash?
- Are there any other possible causes?
- What can I do to help my baby’s skin heal?
- What diaper ointments or creams would you recommend for my baby?
- When should I use an ointment instead of a cream, and vice versa?
- Are there any other treatments you’d suggest?
- Are there any products or ingredients that I should avoid using for my baby?
- Should I avoid exposing my baby to any foods, either through breast milk or through my baby’s diet?
- How soon can I expect my baby’s symptoms to improve?
- What can I do to prevent this condition from recurring?
Questions you can expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions too. It would be wise to look through the possible questions below to help you at the doctor’s office.
- When did you first notice your baby’s rashes?
- Do you suspect any particular triggers for the rash?
- What type of diaper does your baby wear?
- How often do you change your baby’s diaper?
- What types of soap and wipes do you use to clean your baby?
- Do you apply any skincare products, such as lotions, powders, creams, and oils for your baby?
- What laundry detergent do you use to wash your baby’s clothes?
- Is your baby breastfed?
- Have you introduced your baby to solid foods?
- What treatments have you tried so far for your baby’s rash? Has anything helped?
- Has your baby recently had any other medical conditions, including any illness that caused diarrhea?
- Has your baby recently taken any new medications?
