Diaper rashes are a common skin issue for infants and toddlers. They cause red patches and scales to show up in the diaper area and on your child’s bottom. However, there are simple ways to treat a severe diaper rash at home.
Diaper rashes are common because they thrive in warm, moist areas, making a diaper the perfect place for the rash to form.
Things that can make diaper rash more likely include:
- Diapers that are too tight
- Sensitive skin
- Irritated skin
- Antibiotics
- Introducing new foods
In some cases, a diaper rash may spread to your child’s legs or stomach. Luckily, most mild cases can be treated at home. Try these tips to help soothe your child’s diaper rash.
The most important thing you can do to prevent and treat a rash is to keep your baby’s diaper clean and dry. When you change the diaper, gently clean the area with a soft cloth or a spray of water from a bottle. Wipes are fine but be gentle.
Avoid rubbing the skin too hard and stay away from wipes with alcohol. It can also help to give your child some diaper-free time when they have a rash. You can lay down towels or disposable waterproof pads so your child can have some time without a diaper.
It's important to change your child's diaper as soon as you can. Even a little bit of moisture can irritate their skin and cause a rash. That's why you should change slightly wet diapers right away, especially if your child already has a diaper rash.
3. Switch to disposable diapers
Cloth diapers have many benefits, but they’re not the best choice if your child has a diaper rash. It can help to use super-absorbent disposable diapers until the rash heals. They will keep your child dry and help the rash heal faster.
4. Check the size of your child’s diaper
Wearing the wrong size diaper can make diaper rash worse and harder to heal. A diaper that’s too tight can trap extra moisture and make the rash worse. A diaper that’s too loose can rub and cause more friction.
Check your child’s diaper size. Switching to the right size might help.
You can use pastes or barrier creams with zinc to soothe your baby's skin and protect it from feces and other irritants. Apply a thin layer to keep stool or urine from touching your baby’s skin.
Jellies like Vaseline can also work well because they are cheap and usually have fewer dyes or perfumes. However, they might stick to cloth diapers and be hard to wash off. They also don’t provide as strong of a barrier as other creams.
When preventing and treating diaper rash, less is more. Avoid using strongly scented products like fabric softeners and dryer sheets. Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free options are less irritating for many babies.
You should also avoid using baby powder. It’s not safe because babies can inhale it, which can harm their lungs.
Diaper rashes happen when moisture and friction irritate your child’s skin. It often occurs when urine and feces sit against their skin in the diaper, causing redness and irritation. But this isn’t the only cause. Other causes include:
- Diapers rubbing, chafing, and causing irritation
- An allergic reaction to laundry detergent, bubble bath, wipes, or other products that touch your child's skin
- A reaction to antibiotics
- An allergic reaction to new foods
Are there factors that increase the risk of diaper rash?
Diaper rashes are common and can happen to any child who wears a diaper. However, some factors make it more likely for a child to get a diaper rash. These include:
- Being between 6 and 9 months old
- Having diarrhea
- Having a cold or other illness
When to contact your child’s doctor
Although diaper rashes can look painful and irritated, they often don’t bother your child. The only exception is when the rash becomes infected.
If you think your child’s diaper rash is infected, it's important to see a pediatrician. It’s a good idea to make an appointment if you notice any signs of infection.
Signs of an infected diaper rash include:
- Blisters on the diaper area
- Fever
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pus or discharge coming from the diaper area
- A rash that doesn’t go away after treatment or starts to get worse
Your baby’s rash can also turn into a fungal or yeast infection called candidiasis. It looks bright red and raw.
It can sometimes show up in the skin creases, and you might see spots of the rash outside the diaper area on the abdomen or thighs. These spots are called satellite lesions.
If you notice these signs, check with your doctor or nurse for a diagnosis. Your doctor might prescribe an antifungal cream if they think your baby has a fungal rash.
If your child becomes very upset or seems to be in pain because of the rash, these are also reasons to call the Docter.