Picture this: after a long day of dealing with your teething baby's fussiness, you finally have them settled down for the night. But as you go to change their diaper before putting them to bed, you're faced with the dreaded sight - a bright red rash covering their delicate bottom. Suddenly, you're left wondering - could this be caused by their teething? 

We're here to answer that age-old question: Can teething cause diaper rash? And if so, what can you do to get rid of it? Let's take a closer look.

What is Diaper Rash?

Diaper rash, the bane of every new parent's existence, is a common affliction that all babies experience at some point in their diaper-wearing journey. It's a skin irritation that occurs in the area covered by a diaper, causing redness, irritation, and discomfort. In severe cases, it may even lead to painful blisters or sores. 

There are several types of diaper rash that a baby might experience. The most common type is contact dermatitis, which is caused by the skin's reaction to urine and feces. It's characterized by red, glazed skin around the diaper area that may also have small bumps or pimples. 

Candidal diaper rash is caused by a yeast infection and is characterized by bright red patches that spread beyond the diaper area. Your baby can even develop diaper rash as the result of an allergic reaction or a bacterial infection.

It's important to understand the many causes of diaper rash because this will affect what kind of treatment you employ to get rid of it. In general, diaper rash is almost always caused by some kind of physical irritation, like urine and feces left in the diaper too long. However, sensitivities to wipes, diapers, and clothing are also common causes of diaper rash.

So can cutting teeth cause diaper rash? Keep reading to find out. 

Can Diaper Rash Be Caused By Teething?

If you haven't already been graced by teething's not-so-pleasant presence, know that it typically occurs between the ages of six and 24 months. It's the process of a  baby's teeth breaking through their gums. This can be a trying time for both baby and parents alike. 

During teething, the gums become extremely swollen, causing discomfort and pain for the baby. To alleviate this pain, babies tend to chew and bite on anything they can get their hands on - from toys to their own fingers.

The timeline for teething varies from child to child, but generally, the first tooth emerges around the age of six months, with a full set of 20 primary teeth coming in by the age of three. However, some babies might experience teething earlier or later than others, with a range of three to 12 months for the first tooth to emerge.

There are several difficult symptoms associated with teething, including swollen and tender gums, drooling, fussiness, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and loss of appetite. While these symptoms can be challenging to deal with, they don't directly cause diaper rash.

This is a common misconception - so where does diaper rash fit into the picture?

It all comes down to this: when babies are teething, they tend to drool excessively, causing irritation around their mouth, chin, and neck. So can teething cause diarrhea and diaper rash? Absolutely. This drooling might also lead to diarrhea and stomach upset, which further exacerbates diaper rash. 

Not only that, when babies chew on items, they can swallow air, which can cause gas and discomfort, which in turn can lead to frequent bowel movements and diarrhea. All of these factors combined can result in diaper rash.

So while teething doesn't directly cause diaper rash, the symptoms associated with teething can indirectly contribute to the development of diaper rash.

So, Can Teething Cause Diaper Rash? No - But Here's What Can

So, parents, it turns out that teething doesn't necessarily cause diaper rash. So what does?

We touched on some of the most common causes of diaper rash earlier in this post, but let's break them down a little further.

First and foremost - moisture. Moisture is one of the biggest culprits in causing diaper rash. When your baby's little bottom stays wet for too long, it creates the perfect breeding ground for nasty bacteria that can irritate the skin and cause a rash to form. So, be sure to change those diapers frequently and give your baby some airtime to let their skin breathe.

Another common cause of diaper rash is friction. When your little one's diaper is rubbing against their sensitive skin, it can create some serious irritation. This is especially true for babies who are sitting or crawling a lot, as the constant movement can exacerbate the problem. To combat this, try loosening up your baby's diaper a bit or opting for a different brand that fits better.

It's also important to pay attention to what your baby is eating, as certain foods can cause diaper rash. If your baby is eating acidic or spicy foods, it can be too harsh on their little tummies and lead to irritation down below. Keep track of what foods might be affecting your baby and try adjusting their diet to see if that makes a difference.

Certain medications, like antibiotics, can increase the likelihood of diaper rash as that disrupts the balance of bacteria on a baby's skin. Again, yeast infections and allergic reactions can also lead to diaper rash. 

Finally, some babies might simply be more prone to diaper rash than others. Some babies have more sensitive skin than others - and that's okay.

But it's important to remember that each baby is different and what works for one might not work for another. So, if your little one is suffering from diaper rash, don't beat yourself up – just keep trying different solutions until you find what works best for them.

How to Help Your Teething Baby Recover From Diaper Rash

So, your little baby is going through a tough time teething - we feel you! It's never easy seeing your little one in pain and discomfort, but combining teething with diaper rash is a real kick in the you-know-what. It's not fun, and this unpleasant duo can be tough to deal with. 

Here are some tips to help your baby (and you) get through this phase of life (mostly) unscathed.

Treat the Symptoms of Teething

Before you do anything else, make sure you're addressing those uncomfortable teething symptoms. If you notice your baby's gums are red, swollen, or they're drooling up a storm, then it's time to bring in the reinforcements.

Offer them a cold teething toy (store it in the fridge for some extra coolness) or a washcloth soaked in cold water to soothe their sore gums. You can also give them some infant pain reliever (always check with your pediatrician first!) to ease their discomfort.

Be Mindful About Diapering

Prevention is the best cure, so the first step is to change your baby's diaper frequently, every two to three hours. That can decrease the chances of prolonged exposure to moisture and reduce the friction from the diaper.

Also, make sure that you clean your baby's bum thoroughly and gently every time you change their diaper. Use a mild cleanser and soft wipes, or just rinse the area with clean water and pat it dry with a soft towel. Let your baby's skin air-dry for a few minutes before putting on a fresh diaper. 

Make Sure They're Hydrated

Diarrhea is common when babies are teething, and frequent bowel movements can lead to more severe diaper rashes. Ensure your baby drinks enough fluids to stay hydrated and help regulate their bowel movements.

Keep Things Gentle

Another tip is to avoid rubbing harsh fabrics or using strong detergents on your baby's clothes or towels, as that can irritate their delicate skin. Opt for gentle laundry detergents and use soft cotton clothes for your baby.

During your baby's teething phase, try to keep their chin and neck clean and dry, since the saliva can trickle down and cause irritation. Use a soft cloth to wipe their face and neck, and keep a bib handy to absorb excess drool. 

Let Your Baby Go Diaper-Free

One of the best remedies for diaper rash is to let your baby go diaper-free for a while. That might be a messy affair, but it allows their skin to breathe and heal naturally.

You can lay down a towel or a waterproof mat to contain any accidents, and encourage your baby to play on their tummy or back. Just be mindful that too much exposure to air can also dry out the skin, so don't overdo it.

Use a Diaper Rash Cream

Another tried and tested remedy is to apply a diaper cream or ointment that contains zinc oxide. Zinc oxide creates a barrier between the irritated skin and the diaper, protecting it from moisture and friction.

You can also try applying petroleum jelly, coconut oil, or aloe vera gel, which have anti-inflammatory properties and soothe the skin. Just remember to wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying any cream or ointment.

Talk to Your Pediatrician

If your baby's diaper rash seems severe or doesn't improve after a few days, you can consult your pediatrician. They might prescribe a medicated cream or suggest some other remedy, depending on the severity of the rash.

Try a Natural Remedy

There are also a few natural remedies to try.

For example, if you're breastfeeding, a natural remedy for diaper rash is to apply some breast milk on your baby's irritated skin. Breast milk has natural antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that can help reduce inflammation and speed up healing. Simply express a small amount of breast milk and apply it to your baby's skin after cleaning and drying the area.

Coconut oil is another  versatile natural remedy that can be used for various skin conditions, including diaper rash. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help soothe and heal your baby's skin. Apply a small amount of coconut oil to your baby's diaper area after cleaning and drying the skin.

You can also try oatmeal, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and itching. You can add some oatmeal to your baby's bathwater or make a paste with ground oatmeal and water and apply it to your baby's skin. Leave it on for ten to fifteen  minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. 

Take Care of Yourself, Too

And lastly, don't forget to take care of yourself too. Being a parent is hard work and seeing your baby in pain can be emotionally draining. Take a break if you need it, call in reinforcements from family and friends, and remember that you're doing an amazing job.

The Takeaway

So can teething cause bad diaper rash? Not directly, but when those adorable little teeth start popping through the gums, it can cause a lot of discomfort for your little one - and that discomfort can manifest itself (indirectly, of course) as diaper rash. 

But fear not, because there's now a preventative solution that can keep diaper rash at bay: Nozy. 

Nozy is the ultimate baby wellness platform that uses advanced sensor technology to detect when your baby soils their diaper - and sends real-time alerts straight to your phone. No more guessing if it's time for a diaper change, or waking up unnecessarily to check on your baby. With Nozy, you can be confident in knowing that your bub is always comfortable and happy while they are away from you in their crib - and diaper rash free. 

It's the 21st century, so why are we still trying to deal with diaper rash like it's 1910? Join the Nozy family today and bring your parenting into the modern world.