If your baby is experiencing a diaper rash, you may be wondering what could be causing it. While there are many potential causes, one possibility is that urine is to blame.
In this article, we’ll explore the link between urine and diaper rash, and we’ll provide tips for how to prevent and treat this common issue.
Does urine really cause diaper rash?
Yes, it causes diaper rash. In fact, pee or urine is one of the most common culprits of diaper dermatitis in babies and toddlers.
Skin pH is changed by urine, which makes bacteria and fungi more easily able to grow. In addition to preventing diaper leaks, the substances and materials in most disposable diapers also prevent air circulation, creating a warm, moist environment in which bacteria (bacterial infection) and fungi (yeast infection) can flourish on the sensitive skin of a baby, diaper rash occurs.
Diaper rashes are most often caused by urine that has been left on the skin for too long. Your baby’s skin can become irritated and burned by ammonia created by bacteria.
What causes babies to have acidic urine?
Acidity is often attributed to a baby’s diet that include processed foods, flavorings, preservatives, additives and colorings. In response to this acidic food, the baby’s digestive system becomes acidic, resulting in acidic urine.
What might be mistaken for diaper rash?
There are other conditions that can cause a rash on your baby besides diaper rash, such as yeast infections, psoriasis, or impetigo. It is common for yeast infection (candida infection) to occur in the folds of the skin, where it is warm and moist. Fungal infections or Candida albicans are other names for it.
Does diaper rash cream work?
The best way to prevent diaper rash is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. After cleaning the baby’s bottom and diaper area at changing time, a thick layer of ointment or cream can be spread on the bottom to prevent diaper rash or relieve an existing rash without further irritating it.
There are two types of diaper rash creams: creams that contain zinc oxide and creams that are petroleum-based. Try different diaper rash creams to see which works best for treating and preventing diaper rash on your child.
Make sure your baby’s skin is completely dry before applying ointment or cream. A bad case of diaper rash can be made worse by trapped moisture beneath the barrier cream.
Apply it thickly and gently like icing to the irritated skin in the diaper area. You do not have to remove it completely at each diaper change. Your baby’s skin will be damaged by rubbing and scrubbing, making it more prone to rashes.
Since some antibiotics can worsen skin irritation, pediatricians often advise against using over-the-counter ointments that contain antibiotics.
What does diaper rash caused by urine look like?
Have you ever wondered how diaper rash looks on your little one’s tender skin? One of the symptoms of diaper rash is an inflamed red rash on your baby’s genitals, bottom, or thighs is the telltale sign. It can range from being mild to covering the entire diaper area. Occasionally, it may spread to other areas. The condition can lead to pimples, blisters, or sores that ooze fluid or pus when they open up.
When you change diapers, your baby might fuss or cry because the area is being washed or wiped with baby wipes.
What to do if your baby develops a diaper rash caused by urine?
When a rash appears, don’t panic. Usually, it goes away on its way after two to three days. You can also help speed up the recovery process with quite a few changes to your diaper care routines and doing a few home remedies.
Frequent diaper changes
Change diapers as often as you can. Diaper rash can be prevented by replacing a wet or pooped-in nappy with a clean, dry one regardless of whether you are using cloth diapers or disposable diapers. Because your baby’s skin becomes more sensitive to rash-raising enzymes when it is damp for too long from a soiled diaper.
If you notice that your baby is wet or soiled, you should change her nappy right away, even if she isn’t fussing for a change. Make sure she gets a fresh nappy every one to two hours. Remember to apply diaper cream (zinc oxide), antifungal cream (for yeast infection), barrier ointment, protective ointment or petroleum jelly to the diaper area as well!
Avoid using alcohol-based baby wipes or diaper wipes on your baby’s sensitive skin to avoid further irritation. Instead, wash the skin gently using a cotton ball or soft cloth, warm water and very mild soap during diaper change.
Diaper-free time
Allow your baby’s bottom to breathe a little bit and air dry the area before replacing the nappy. You can also let her have a nappy-free time during the day. Use an absorbent pad or towel to cover the surface you plan to let her enjoy the breeze on in case she leaks. You should air out the area at least once a day for 10 minutes. Fan her dry with a clean nappy or blow on her bottom.
Loose fit
Make sure your baby’s diaper has some breathing space when it’s on. Your baby’s diaper should be snug enough to prevent leaks, but not so tight as to rub and chafe. Even going up a size will give you more room until the rash clears. Use breathable diaper covers when using cloth diapers.
Maintain a regular bathing schedule
Taking a warm bath every day or every other day with mild, fragrance-free soap can help keep the area free of irritation until the rash goes away. It’s important not to bathe your baby too much, which can also irritate their skin. If you’re unsure how often to bathe your baby, check with your pediatrician.
Wash diapers properly
Make sure to avoid using fabric softener, strong laundry detergent, dryer sheets when washing your baby’s cloth diapers. There are many irritant chemicals found in these laundry products that can irritate the skin. Instead, use a mild detergent.
Call the doctor
If you suspect a yeast rash, a bacterial infection or an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. Likewise, if the rash becomes worse and if you notice open sores or pus-filled sores.
Conclusion
So, what causes diaper rash? Urine is one of the most common culprits. When urine mixes with bacteria and fungi, it creates ammonia which can irritate your baby’s skin and cause a nappy rash. Be sure to change your baby’s diaper often and allow their skin to air out as much as possible to prevent these rashes from occurring.
If the diaper rash gets worse, contact your baby’s doctor for diaper rash treatment.
