You’re changing your baby’s diaper and once again you see those red, irritated spots that make your little one squirm. Diaper rash can manifest as anything from a slight pink color to angry-looking bumps or skin irritation.
Of course, diaper rash is very common in young children who wear a diaper most of the day. And although diapers are great at absorbing moisture, your baby’s bottom is still close to moisture, which can cause irritation.
But wetness isn’t the only thing that causes diaper rash. Read on to learn more about the main causes of diaper rash.
What causes diaper rash? Ways skin irritation, moisture, and illness affect your baby’s bottom.
Diaper rash symptoms appear when the skin in the diaper area becomes irritated. In most cases, it is caused by a combination of moisture, friction (rubbing), and contact with urine or feces. But many different factors can affect what happens in your baby’s diaper, and some of these factors can make diaper rash more likely than others. Understanding these common causes of diaper rash can help you prevent irritation and treat it more effectively.
Ingredients in baby products can cause skin sensitivity and allergies.
When babies are born, their skin is still developing and has not yet developed strong defenses. This makes it more sensitive to everyday exposures, such as dyes, fragrances, soaps, and other ingredients found in common baby products. Because of this sensitivity, it is normal for babies to experience skin reactions in their first months of life.
If your baby has diaper rash, the cause may be something that touches his skin every day. So a good first step may be to look at the ingredients in the diapers, wipes, diaper creams, and laundry detergents you’re using. And if you haven’t already, try switching to hypoallergenic and fragrance-free options. If you use cloth diapers, washing them with a detergent designed for sensitive skin can help reduce irritation.
Dry skin may not be able to lock in moisture as well as it should.
Frequent bathing can cause your baby’s skin to dry out and lose its natural moisture barrier. That is why it is so important to hydrate the baby’s bottom, especially after bathing.
A diaper that is too tight can cause chafing or irritation.
Yes, it is possible for a diaper to fit too tight. If you can’t get your finger between your baby’s belly and the diaper, it is too tight. As long as you can’t get your whole hand in there, it will be tight enough.
A dirty diaper left on for too long can irritate your baby’s skin.
Because your baby’s skin is so new and sensitive, sitting or lying down with a wet or poopy diaper can take its toll. Baby poop that is loose and runny can be especially hard on your baby’s bottom. That is why doctors recommend changing the diaper as soon as you notice that it is dirty.
Illnesses and infections are a common cause of diaper rash.
When babies are sick or fighting certain infections, changes in their bodies can increase the likelihood of diaper rash. Some illnesses cause more frequent bowel movements or diarrhea, which increases wetness and irritation in the diaper area. Others can cause rashes that spread to the diaper region or allow fungi and bacteria to overgrow on already irritated skin.
Diaper rash during illness is very common. However, if you notice symptoms such as fever, blood in your baby’s stool, or raw, torn, or bleeding skin, diaper rash may be more serious. In these cases, it is best to call your baby’s doctor or nurse’s advice line immediately. Here are some diseases and infections that can cause diaper rash or make it more likely:
Cold, flu or other illness
If your baby has a cold, flu, or stomach bug, he or she may have more frequent bowel movements or looser stools than usual. This increases the amount of moisture and irritation in the diaper area, increasing the risk of diaper rash.
fungal infection
Children who take antibiotics or breastfed babies whose mothers take antibiotics are at increased risk for diaper rash. Antibiotics can upset the natural balance of bacteria in the body and this allows yeast to grow more easily. This can lead to fungal diaper rash, which often appears as patches of red, bumpy skin that can spread into the folds of the baby’s skin and outside the diaper area. Candidiasis diaper rash is a serious type of diaper rash, so be sure to talk to a doctor or nurse if you think your baby has one.
Bacterial infection
A bacterial skin infection can start small and grow quickly in the warm, moist conditions of your baby’s diaper. This type of severe diaper rash can be dangerous if left untreated.
Hand, foot and mouth disease
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious viral disease that can cause sores or rash not only on the hands, feet, and mouth, but also in the diaper area. The rash may appear more severe than typical diaper rash and may be painful. If your baby has other symptoms such as fever, mouth sores, or lack of appetite, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor.
Teething does not cause diaper rash, but it can influence
During teething, babies tend to drool more and may swallow more saliva, which can sometimes lead to diarrhea. More frequent or looser bowel movements can increase wetness and irritation in the diaper area, increasing the likelihood of diaper rash.
Talk to your baby’s doctor about how to manage diaper rash.
If your child wears a diaper, there is a good chance that he or she will get diaper rash at some point. But that doesn’t mean you (or your baby’s bottom) have to endure diaper rash sitting down. A good starting point is to try to keep the baby’s diapers dry and double check the products you are using. Your baby’s doctor can also give you suggestions during your next well-child visit.
If the baby has diaper rash, you can usually start with home remedies for diaper rash treatment. You can also call your clinic’s nurse line if you have any questions. But if you notice more serious symptoms, such as fever or raw, broken, or bleeding skin, it’s important to see your doctor right away.
A video visit appointment is usually the quickest and easiest way to receive treatment for diaper rash. During the appointment, your doctor will ask you about the rash and any other symptoms your baby is experiencing. They can also request photographs of the affected area through their online account. These details help your doctor understand what is happening and ensure that your baby receives the right treatment to clear the rash as quickly as possible.
