Diaper Rash: How To Prepare And Protect Your Baby

Most babies will have diaper rash (often also known as diaper dermatitis) at least once, even with superabsorbent diaper technology and frequent diaper changes. In most cases, mild diaper rash will clear up in a few days with simple treatment, and your baby’s skin will be back to normal.

Find out more about what causes diaper rash (hint: it’s not diapers), common symptoms, and how you can treat this condition as quickly as possible and prevent it from reoccurring.

What Is Diaper Rash?

Diaper dermatitis, also known as diaper rash, is one of the most common conditions among infants, affecting more than half of babies. A baby with diaper rash will have red, tender, and flaky skin in the diapered area.

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What Does Diaper Rash Look Like?

Common symptoms of diaper rash include:

• Red bumps along with larger reddened areas of the skin around the diaper area or in the folds of your baby’s upper thighs

• Peeling, flaking, or scaly skin

• The affected area may look puffy and tender, and feel warm to the touch

• Your baby seems irritable or fussy

If the rash comes from a skin infection caused by yeast or bacteria, for example, then you might see more severe diaper rash signs, such as:

• Blisters or open sores

• Pus-filled blisters

• Watery fluid or pus seeping from reddened patches

Remember, it’s possible your baby may be experiencing something different than diaper rash. For example, cradle cap and eczema are two other common conditions that present with similar symptoms to diaper rash. More information on how to recognize those rashes can be found on our article about Baby Rash.

What Causes Diaper Rash?

Diapers themselves do not cause diaper rash, but even with frequent changes, diaper rash can still occur. The four main causes of rash are poo on the skin, overhydration, friction, and an imbalance in skin pH. Overhydration commonly occurs when prolonged wetness from urine weakens the skin, and friction tends to occur from tight-fitting diapers or clothing, which may lead to chafing and irritation.

Imbalanced skin pH, often affected by enzymes in stool, may weaken the skin’s protective barrier. Prolonged contact with stool or from diarrhea, particularly during extended diaper use, could further aggravate and irritate the skin causing a rash.

Teething, which can alter stool composition due to increased saliva, is an additional 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 we mentioned in the section above, various causes of rash may lead to different types of rash in the diaper area, including the 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 most common diaper rash is caused by the following skin irritants:

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 come from a bacterial infection called impetigo, caused by either the 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

There are other conditions to look out for that can also cause diaper rash. For example, the rash may actually be seborrheic dermatitis, a condition in which the glands of the skin produce too much oil. Or the rash may be triggered by a genetic condition like acrodermatitis enteropathica, which is a zinc deficiency.

If you believe your baby’s diaper rash may be due to one of these conditions, or if you’re not sure what’s causing the rash, see your little one’s healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and appropriate 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.

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 the rash

• The rash is painful.

FAQs at a Glance

What is best to treat a diaper rash?

Most mild cases of diaper rash will clear up within a few days with

• frequent diaper changes

• using breathable disposable diapers

• using an ointment recommended by a health care provider.

Why does my baby suddenly have a diaper rash?

Diaper rash is common in babies, and the four main causes of rash are stool on the skin, overhydration, friction, and an imbalance in skin pH. Ensure you change your little one’s diaper frequently to ensure stool and urine don’t stay on the skin, clean your baby’s diaper area, and use breathable, well-fitted diapers to help prevent diaper rash from recurring or worsening. If you have any concerns about the rash in your baby’s diaper area, contact their healthcare provider.

How long do diaper rashes take to heal?

Mild diaper rashes usually go away after about 3 days. If your baby’s rash doesn’t go away or it gets worse, contact their healthcare provider.

How do you know if a diaper rash is fungal or bacterial?

A fungal diaper rash usually appears as shiny, bright irritated patches with sharp edges. You may notice pink bumps or pimples that may be harder to see on darker skin tones, and sores or cracked skin that oozes or bleeds. A bacterial infection may be caused by strep or staph bacteria. A strep infection will often show up as bright red or darker areas of skin around your baby’s anus, whereas a staph infection may appear as yellow crusting, weeping, or pimples. If you’re unsure about the type of diaper rash your baby has, contact their healthcare provider for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Does diaper rash itch?

The causes of diaper rash (stool on the skin, overhydration, friction, and an imbalance in skin pH), often leave a baby’s skin irritated which may cause some itching or discomfort in the area. Ask your baby’s healthcare provider for treatment options that may help soothe any discomfort in the diaper area.

_{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.}