How You Can Identify And Treat Diaper Rash

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Treatment of Diaper Rash

You start to change your baby's diaper, and there it is - a patchwork of bright red skin on your baby's bottom. Don't worry; you're likely seeing diaper rash, a common form of skin inflammation (dermatitis).

Most babies get a diaper rash at some time. Diaper rash may be more common after introducing solid foods to your baby's diet, when breast-feeding mothers consume certain foods or when your baby is taking antibiotics. Other things that can lead to diaper rash include continuously wet or infrequently changed diapers, diarrhea, and using plastic pants over diapers.

Diaper rash can alarm parents and irritate babies, but most cases disappear after just a few days with basic home remedies.

Diaper rash can be characterized by red, puffy and tender skin in the diaper region - buttocks, thighs and genitals, and/or changes in your baby's disposition. You may notice your baby appears more irritable than usual, especially during diaper changes. A baby with a diaper rash often fusses or cries when the diaper area is washed or touched. Diaper rashes can occur anytime while your child ...
... wears diapers, but they're more common in babies younger than 15 months, especially between 8 and 10 months old.

Diaper rash can be caused by a number of sources, including:

Irritation from stool and urine. Prolonged exposure to urine or feces can irritate a baby's sensitive skin. Your baby may be more prone to diaper rash if he or she is experiencing frequent bowel movements, because feces is more irritating than urine is.
Introduction of new foods. As babies start to eat solid foods, usually when they're between 4 and 12 months old, the content of their stool changes, increasing the chances of diaper rash. Changes in your baby's diet can also increase the frequency of stools, which can cause to diaper rash. If you're breast-feeding, your baby may develop diaper rash in response to something you've eaten, such as tomato-based or other acidic foods.
Irritation from a new product, such as disposable wipes, a new brand of disposable diaper, or a detergent, bleach or fabric softener used to launder cloth diapers; these can all irritate your baby's sensitive bottom. Other substances that can add to the problem include ingredients found in some baby lotions, powders and oils.
Bacterial or yeast (fungal) infection. What begins as a simple skin infection can spread to the surrounding area. The area covered by a diaper - buttocks, thighs and genitals - is especially vulnerable because it's warm and moist, making an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. These rashes generally start within the creases of the skin, and there may be red spots scattered around the creases.
Sensitive skin. Babies with skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or eczema, may be more likely to get diaper rashes. However, the irritated skin of atopic dermatitis and eczema primarily affects areas other than the diaper area.
Chafing or rubbing. Tight fitting diapers or clothes that rub against the skin can lead to a rash.
Use of antibiotics. Antibiotics kill bacteria - both bad and good. Without the right balance of good bacteria, however, yeast infections can occur. This can happen when babies take antibiotics or when mothers who are breast-feeding their infants are taking antibiotics.

Diaper rash is usually easily treated and improves within a few days of starting home treatment.

If your baby's skin doesn't improve after a few days of home treatment with over-the-counter ointment and more frequent diaper changes, talk to your pediatrician. Sometimes, diaper rash leads to secondary infections that may require prescription medications. Have your child examined if the rash is severe, worsens in spite of home treatment or occurs along with any of the following:

Fever
Blisters or boils
A rash that extends beyond the diaper area
Pus or weeping discharge
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