Diaper Rash: Causes, Symptoms, & Relief for Your Baby

A diaper rash is one of the most common skin irritations in babies and toddlers. It often shows up as red or inflamed patches on the buttocks, thighs, or genitals, and it can look different depending on the cause.

Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know:

• Common triggers. Wet or infrequent diaper changes, chafing, new foods, antibiotics, or sensitive skin

• Symptoms of diaper rash. Redness, swelling, peeling, or even blisters in the diaper area

• Diaper rash treatment. Frequent changes, barrier creams like zinc oxide, gentle cleansing, and diaper-free time

• Prevention tips. Keep the area dry, use breathable diapers, and avoid harsh products.

Understanding the signs and symptoms of diaper rash and what may be causing it can help you find fast and gentle relief. In the sections below, we’ll guide you through the different types of diaper rash, how to treat each one, and how to help prevent it from coming back.

What Is Diaper Rash?

Diaper rash (or diaper dermatitis) is a common condition that causes irritated skin in your little one’s diaper area. It can look inflamed, flaky, or tender and may make diaper changes uncomfortable for your baby. On lighter skin tones, diaper rash may appear red or pink. On deeper skin tones, it can show up as dark brown, purple, or grayish patches.

It’s usually caused by excessive moisture, friction, or contact with stool or urine. Over half of all babies will develop diaper rash at some point.

Most cases are mild and clear up with simple care and diaper rash treatment.

What Does Diaper Rash Look Like?

Signs and symptoms of diaper rash may vary, depending on the cause and your baby’s skin tone, but they often include:

Symptoms of a Diaper Rash

• Red or brown bumps (which may appear less visible on darker skin tones)

• Peeling, flaking, or scaly skin

• Puffiness or tenderness in the diaper area or skin folds

• Warmth in the affected area

• Fussiness during diaper changes.

These are common symptoms of diaper rash, especially in areas that stay moist or rub against the diaper.

If the rash is due to an infection—like yeast or bacteria—you might see:

• Blisters or open sores

• Pus-filled bumps or oozing patches. 

Other skin conditions, like eczema or cradle cap, may look similar. If you're unsure what you're seeing, check with your baby’s healthcare provider for guidance on how to recognize baby rashes.

What Causes Diaper Rash?

Diapers don’t directly cause diaper rash, but the warm, moist environment they create can contribute to irritation, even with frequent changes.

Common triggers include:

• Prolonged contact with stool or urine, especially during diarrhea

• Overhydration of the skin from too much moisture

• Friction from tight-fitting diapers or clothing

• An imbalance in skin pH due to enzymes in poop. 

Teething, which can alter stool composition due to increased salivation, is another contributing factor. Other causes of rash in the diaper area may include bacterial, yeast, or viral infections, allergic reactions to new products, and improper diaper fit. Understanding these factors may help reduce the risk of diaper rash and keep your baby comfortable.

Types of Diaper Rash and Treatments

As mentioned in the section above, various causes of rash can lead to different types of rash in the diaper area, including common irritant diaper rash, yeast infection, bacterial infection, or allergic reactions. Here are some types of diaper rash, what they may look like, and the treatment options:

Irritant Diaper Rash

The following skin irritants cause the most common diaper rash:

Yeast (Fungus) Infection

Another common type of diaper rash is a yeast infection, resulting from an overgrowth of fungus located in the digestive tract. If you’re wondering, “Can antibiotics cause diaper rash?” it’s important to note that a yeast infection can sometimes develop after a baby has completed a course of antibiotics, or if a breastfeeding mother has taken antibiotics. Antibiotics can kill both good and bad bacteria, leading to a yeast infection or diarrhea, which irritates the diapered area.

Symptoms and Treatment

Bacterial Infection

Although cases are rare, diaper rash can be caused by a bacterial infection called impetigo, which is typically caused by either Staph or strep bacteria. This can lead to diaper rash or make an existing diaper rash worse.

Symptoms and Treatment

Allergens

Your baby may also be sensitive or allergic to certain substances or ingredients, such as:

• Dyes in soap, laundry detergent, or fabric softeners

• Elastic in diapers

• Ingredients in baby powder, lotions, oils, ointments, and creams

• Food allergens can be passed on to your baby through breast milk or through anything your baby eats once they have started eating solid foods.

Symptoms and Treatment

Other Causes Of Diaper Rash

Some conditions that look like diaper rash may have different underlying causes. For example, seborrheic dermatitis can affect the diaper area when the skin produces too much oil. Rarely, a genetic condition like acrodermatitis enteropathica—linked to zinc deficiency—may be the cause.

If your baby’s rash isn’t improving or seems unusual, it’s a good idea to consult your baby’s healthcare provider. They can help determine the cause and guide you toward the right diaper rash treatment.

How Long Does Diaper Rash Last?

The length of time it takes for diaper rash to go away depends on its severity. Mild diaper rash typically goes away after about 3 to 4 days with home treatment. However, some more severe diaper rashes may take longer or require treatment, such as antibiotics or antifungal creams. Your baby’s healthcare provider will be able to identify the severity of the diaper rash and the best course of action.

How to Prevent Diaper Rash?

Here are some ways to help prevent diaper rash:

1. Change your baby’s diaper regularly. Help prevent diaper rash by keeping your baby’s skin as clean and as dry as possible.

2. Keep your baby’s skin clean. Use alcohol-free and fragrance-free wipes, or an alternative solution of your choice.

3. Choose the right size diaper. Make sure that your baby’s diaper fits properly. Consider using a slightly larger diaper while your baby is recovering from diaper rash.

4. Choose diapers with super-absorbent layers. Select diapers that effectively draw moisture away from your little one’s skin to help keep them dry and comfortable. Pampers Swaddlers help protect against the four main causes of diaper rash. Swaddlers Blowout Barrier and Dual Leak-Guard Barriers help prevent leaks, while the BreatheFree Liner and LockAway Channels lock wetness and mess away for dry, healthy skin, also allowing your baby’s skin to breathe and reducing friction. On top of that, these diapers are gentle on delicate skin and have soft, stretchy sides for freedom of movement.

5. Let your baby’s skin breathe. Let your baby’s skin breathe with breathable disposable diapers that promote airflow, reducing moisture and irritation while keeping them comfortable, even during tummy time.

Diaper Rash Treatment and Relief

Most cases of diaper rash are mild and typically clear up with consistent home care. The key is to reduce irritation, protect the skin, and keep the diaper area as dry and clean as possible.

Treatments for diaper rash pain relief often include:

• Frequent diaper changes to limit contact with stool and urine

• Gentle cleansing with warm water or baby wipes designed for sensitive skin and pH balancing. Gently pat the skin dry after cleaning. 

• Using super absorbent, well-fitting diapers to reduce moisture and friction

• Using a baby diaper cream that’s been recommended by your baby’s healthcare provider. 

These steps can provide effective relief from diaper rash pain and help prevent flare-ups. If the rash doesn’t improve within a few days or looks severe, check with your baby’s healthcare provider. They can guide you toward the best relief for a diaper rash or suggest targeted care if an infection or underlying issue is involved.

Home Remedies for Diaper Rash

You can pair general care with these gentle home remedies for a diaper rash, all of which may help soothe and support healing:

• Diaper-free time. Allowing your baby some diaper-free minutes each day allows their skin to air out, which helps wounds heal faster.

• Breast milk for diaper rash. Applying a small amount of breast milk to the rash and allowing it to air-dry may offer mild antibacterial properties and soothe irritated skin. However, scientific evidence supporting this remedy is limited, so it’s essential to discuss this with your baby’s healthcare provider to ensure it’s appropriate for your child. 

• Gentle cleaning routine. When changing diapers, gently clean your baby’s diaper area with a sensitive, fragrance-free baby wipe. Avoid rubbing the skin, as this may cause additional irritation. Pat the area dry with a soft towel or allow it to air dry naturally.

These remedies focus on comfort and support, but remember, if a rash worsens or doesn’t improve in a few days, it’s important to check in with your baby’s healthcare provider for tailored diaper rash treatment recommendations.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Mild Diaper rash generally goes away after a few days with home treatment and by following our prevention measures listed above. However, call your little one’s healthcare provider if you notice the following:

• A diaper rash that won’t go away, lasts longer than a few days, or gets worse

• Your baby’s diaper rash is bleeding, has blisters, or pus-filled sores

• They develop a bright red rash, edged with red spots, after taking antibiotics

• Your baby develops a fever with a rash

• The rash is painful.

The Bottom Line

Remember that a diaper rash is not caused by the diaper itself but is often linked to four main factors: overhydration, friction, imbalanced skin pH, and prolonged contact with stool. With help from your child’s healthcare provider, you can receive an expert diagnosis and treatment for managing symptoms.

Consider trying our Pampers® Swaddlers and Pampers® Sensitive™ Wipes together as a diapering regimen. These two powerhouse products are scientifically demonstrated to work together to balance pH levels, improving overall skin health and providing the ultimate comfort for your baby. Download our Pampers Rewards App to save on your Pampers Diapers and Wipes purchases.

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, as well as Pampers’ own safety and product experts. When applicable, you can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}