As parents, we have plenty on our plates. From stressing about feeding times to making sure our baby is getting enough ZZZs (and let's be real - making sure we get enough rest, too!), it seems like it's an unending string of things to worry about.
But one thing no parent should have to spend time worrying about is diaper rash.
Yet so many parents find themselves worrying about their little one's bottom, with diaper rash (also known as diaper dermatitis) occurring in the majority of babies and toddlers from time to time.
There are several different causes of diaper rash, and while it can be tough to treat, you don't have to do it alone. In our helpful guide to diaper rash 101, we'll tell you everything you need to know about this "pain in the butt" (literally!) condition so you can prevent it for good.
What is Diaper Rash?
As a parent or caregiver of a sweet little baby, it can be distressing to learn that they've developed a diaper rash. While diaper rash is, of course, more common in babies, it can technically affect anyone who wears a diaper (such as older adults). However, this article will focus predominantly on diaper rash in babies.
Let's start with some good news - baby diaper rash is usually mild and goes away on its own in a few days. With that said, in some cases, it can be severe and require medical attention.
And while diaper rash is not a serious condition in most cases, it can cause discomfort and distress to both the baby and the caregiver.
There are several types of diaper rash that can occur, each with its own set of causes and symptoms. The most common type is irritant diaper rash, which is caused by prolonged exposure to moisture and irritants such as feces, excessive urine and chemicals from the diaper. This type of rash is usually mild.
Below are a few more types to be aware of so you can understand how to get rid of diaper rash once and for all.
Candida (Yeast) Diaper Rash
Another type of diaper rash is candida diaper rash, which is caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the diaper area. This type of rash is more common in babies who are on antibiotics, have a weakened immune system, or are eating solid foods. Candida diaper rash is usually bright red, with well-defined borders and some scaling on the skin, and requires a more medically-tailored approach.
Bacterial Diaper Rash
Bacterial diaper rash is a less common type of diaper rash that is caused by infection with bacteria. This type of rash can be more serious and can cause pus-filled diaper rash blisters, sores, and scabs.
Bacterial diaper rash can be caused by different types of bacteria such as streptococcus or staphylococcus. It can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor and is often the side effect of "regular" diaper rash (irritant diaper rash) that's been left untreated.
Allergic Diaper Rash
Allergic reaction diaper rash can occur in babies who have sensitive skin or are allergic to certain ingredients in diapers, wipes, or diaper creams. This type of rash can be itchy, red, and bumpy.
It can take some detective work to figure out the cause of the allergic reaction, but once identified, it can be easily prevented by simply avoiding the allergen (ie, sticking with the same brand of diapers, wipes, and other products).
Ammonia Diaper Rash
Ammonia diaper rash is another type of diaper rash that occurs when urine and feces mix and create ammonia, which can irritate the skin. This type of rash is more common in babies who wear cloth diapers, as they tend to hold in more moisture, leading to more ammonia buildup.
Diarrhea Diaper Rash
If your baby has been suffering from diarrhea, you may notice a unique type of diaper rash during this time, too. That's because diarrhea stools contain enzymes that can irritate the skin, leading to redness, inflammation, and sometimes even bleeding.
Complications from Diaper Rash
In some extreme cases, diaper rash can lead to more serious conditions such as cellulitis or staph scalded skin syndrome.
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that spreads into the skin, causing redness, swelling, and pain.
Staph scalded skin syndrome is caused by the Staph bacteria and is characterized by widespread large blisters and bright red skin.
Both of these conditions require immediate medical attention.
What Does Diaper Rash Look Like?
Diaper rash symptoms caused by irritation or allergy typically appear as soreness and redness where the diaper touches the skin, along with peeling and fussiness. If you notice these signs, it's important to take action right away and give your baby's delicate skin some extra TLC.
One thing to keep in mind here is that if you see red bumps, blisters, or fluid seeping from red areas,your baby may have an infection. This can be a more serious issue that requires medical attention. Look out for blisters or open sores, pus-filled sores, and fluid seeping from red areas. These are all potential signs of an infection.
Remember, diaper rash can happen to any baby, regardless of how well you take care of them. It's simply a result of your baby's sensitive skin reacting to moisture, friction, and other irritants.
So don't blame yourself! Instead, focus on soothing and preventing further irritation, for example, by keeping your baby's diaper area clean and dry, using gentle products, and changing diapers frequently.
What Causes Diaper Rash?
From constant crying to discomfort during diaper changes, diaper rash can be hard for anyone to deal with - so what exactly causes it?
More often than not, diaper rash is caused by leaving a dirty diaper on for too long. This allows irritants to remain in contact with the skin or too long and lead to a nasty rash. Another cause is chafing or rubbing, which can be caused by tight-fitting diapers or clothes or even too much moisture in this area (a common problem during the sweaty summer months).
Using a new product, such as a new type of diaper or baby wipe, can also cause diaper rash. Sometimes these products can have harsh ingredients that can irritate a baby's sensitive skin, especially if they aren't used to them.
Again, a bacterial or yeast infection can cause diaper rash, too - this happens when bacteria or yeast grow in the moist and warm environment of a diaper, but it's not the most common.
When introducing new foods, some babies may develop diaper rash due to the increased acidity of their waste. Babies with sensitive skin can also be more prone to diaper rash.
Even using antibiotics can lead to diaper rash, as antibiotics can sometimes disrupt the balance of bacteria on a baby's skin.
One common question is, can teething cause diaper rash? Directly, no - teething does not cause diaper rash. However, if your baby is suffering from teething-induced diarrhea, that can increase the likelihood of a rash developing.
When to See a Doctor for Diaper Rash
As a caregiver, seeing your little one suffer from diaper rash can be absolutely heartbreaking - but the good news is that you probably don't need to rush out to the doctor's once you see it pop up.
In most cases, diaper rash can be treated with simple, at-home diaper rash remedies, like changing diapers often. If you know what to do for diaper rash, it's no big deal.
However, if your baby's rash persists or worsens despite home care, you'll want to seek medical attention. Severe symptoms to watch out for include:
- Bleeding
- Itching or oozing
- Burning or pain during bowel movements or urination
- Fever
- Unusual rash patterns
- The presence of pimples, open sores, or blisters in the affected area
- Pus draining from the rash
Ultimately, though, your baby's comfort (and your peace of mind) come first - so if you're hesitant at all, give your doctor a call.
How Many Days Does a Diaper Rash Last?
So how long does diaper rash last? The duration of a diaper rash can vary, but typically it lasts anywhere from two to four days. However, if the rash is severe, it can take up to a week to clear up completely.
And as mentioned earlier, failure to treat the rash can lead to a more serious bacterial or fungal infection - so address this early on if you're worried about it.
How to Prevent Diaper Rash
While diaper rash might seem like an inevitable part of the parenting experience - like a rite of passage for babyhood - the reality is that there are plenty of simple steps you can take to prevent it from popping up in the first place.
Change Diapers ASAP
The golden rule of preventing diaper rash is to change a soiled diaper immediately. Sitting in a soiled diaper for too long makes it difficult for the skin to breathe, causing it to become susceptible to diaper rash.
As such, you need to make frequent diaper changes to make sure that your baby's bottom remains fresh and dry - and rash-free.
Rinse With Warm Water
When you're changing your baby's diaper, if a rash already exists, use warm water to clean the bottom instead of wet wipes. Wipes contain chemicals that may irritate the skin. Wet wipes are also abrasive and can damage delicate baby skin.
Instead, rinse the bottom with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel. If using disposable wipes is a must, choose brands that are gentle, fragrance-free, and alcohol-free.
Gently Pat Skin Dry With a Clean Towel
When you're wiping your baby's bum, always use a clean and soft cloth or towel. Be gentle while patting the skin dry, taking care not to rub vigorously as this may damage your baby's delicate skin.
Avoid Talcum Powder
In the past, talcum powder was commonly used to absorb moisture on the skin and prevent diaper rash. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics has advised against using talcum powder because it can cause respiratory issues when inhaled.
Talcum powder also contains fine particles that may clog the pores of your baby's skin and lead to irritation or itching.
Instead of talcum powder, choose a cornstarch-based powder that is gentler on your baby's skin if you must still use powder. Otherwise, it's best to avoid using powders altogether as they can create clumps that could make rashes worse.
Use a Barrier Cream, Diaper Rash Ointment, or Paste
One of the most effective ways to prevent diaper rash is to use a barrier cream, ointment, or paste between diaper changes.
Barrier creams protect the skin by creating a physical barrier that prevents urine and stool from coming into contact with the skin. They also help to keep the skin moisturized.
Look for a diaper rash cream or ointment with ingredients like zinc oxide or petroleum jelly for maximum effectiveness - and smear it on thick to make sure it's doing its job correctly! Zinc oxide creams or pastes provide a protective barrier on the skin, which keeps moisture away from your baby's delicate skin and helps to reduce the risk of developing diaper rash.
Petroleum jelly, on the other hand, also acts as a protective barrier, which can soothe and calm inflamed skin.
Wash Your Hands Well
This one simple act can prevent the spread of bacteria that could cause an infection and ultimately lead to more severe diaper rash. So, both before and after changing your baby's diaper, take some time to lather up.
Make Sure the Diaper Isn't Too Tight
A tight-fitting diaper can trap moisture and create friction, which can cause irritation and ultimately lead to diaper rash. Always make sure the diaper isn't too snug and that there is some breathing room for your baby's delicate skin.
Let Your Baby Go Bottomless
Allowing your baby to go without a diaper for short periods of time can help reduce the amount of moisture and friction on their skin and promote air circulation.
This can be particularly effective during warm weather when there is a higher risk of moisture build-up and irritants in the environment. You don't have to embrace a 100% nudist policy in your household, either - just let your baby go diaper-free for an hour or two each day and you'll likely notice a big difference.
Be Mindful of Your Laundry Products if You're Using Cloth Diapers
If you prefer to use cloth diapers, it's important to be mindful of your laundry products. When washing cloth diapers, it's best to use a dye- and fragrance-free detergent and to avoid using fabric softeners or dryer sheets.
These products can not only be harsh on your baby's delicate skin but can also leave residue on the diapers, which can irritate their skin and ultimately cause diaper rash.
What Cures Diaper Rash Fast?
As a mom, it can be incredibly tough to see your little one suffer from diaper rash - it's uncomfortable for them and it's likely unbearable for you. You want to do everything in your power to make it go away fast.
The good news is that diaper rash often goes away in just a few days, especially if you're following each of the home care diaper rash treatment options recommended above (at worst, you may have to see your doctor for a prescription for antibiotics or antifungals) and know how to treat diaper rash effectively.
However, avoiding diaper rash in the first place is a far better solution. And that's where Nozy comes in. Using advanced sensor technology, Nozy can detect the very minute when a baby soils its diaper - and it sends real-time alerts to the baby's caregiver to prevent diaper rash from setting in.
No more guesswork. No more unnecessary wakeup calls. With Nozy, you can be confident in knowing that your baby is comfortable and happy throughout the day and night. Nozy is more than just a sensor - it's a comprehensive platform for baby wellness.
Join the Nozy family and get the peace of mind you deserve in knowing that your baby is happy, healthy - and always one step ahead of diaper rash.
