A diaper rash is a common problem that can occur in both infants and toddlers. It is typically a red, bumpy rash that appears in the diaper area. There are many different causes of diaper rash, but one of the most common is changing diapers not enough.
However, some over zealous parents may also be causing rash by changing their child’s diaper too often, this is particularly a problem if you use mass scented wipes and other non natural products on babies bum.
What is the main cause of a baby’s diaper rash?
Many parents are wondering what really causes diaper rash. When a diaper is kept on for too long and excrement (or the diaper itself) brushes against the skin frequently, a baby’s skin might become irritated. Any changes to a baby’s diet especially when you introduce the baby to solid foods can also lead to rashes.
Irritating diaper rashes can lead to a subsequent yeast infection. Yeast infections are vivid red in color. An allergic reaction to anything as well as bacterial infection can irritate skin. Our guide to the different types of diaper rashes can aid you in determining which type of diaper rash your baby has.
A diaper rash should heal in three days if properly handled. If not, yeast has most likely infiltrated it. Apply an anti-yeast lotion to the affected area.
Urine alters the pH of the skin, allowing bacteria and fungi to thrive more easily. The ingredients that prevent disposable diaper leaks also impede air circulation, resulting in a warm, wet environment in which bacteria and fungi can grow and cause a rash in tender looking skin.
Because stool contains bacteria, it can be quite unpleasant when left on the skin. Urine has no germs and does not normally irritate the skin unless it is particularly acidic.
This rash commonly appears on the scrotum or anywhere stool can hide. Small ulcers around the anus are frequently caused by continuous stool contact.
Diaper rashes can also develop in most babies with sensitive skin. Some detergents, soaps, diapers (or diaper colors), and baby wipes might irritate sensitive skin and cause a rash.
Does changing a baby’s diapers too often really cause a rash?
There is no definitive evidence linking frequent diaper changes to diaper rashes. It is, in reality, the opposite way around. Wet or seldom changed diapers, skin sensitivity, and chafing are all common causes of diaper rash. It primarily affects babies, although anyone who uses a diaper on a daily basis can get it.
However, if you use known skin irritants like scented wipes then yes this can cause a rash. The more you cover your baby with products filled full of toxins and chemicals, parfums and scents the more likely they are to irritate babies skin. If you are not sure, read our guide to the best natural remedies for diaper rash to see which diaper creams are safe for continual use on baby’s bum.
How often should you change a baby with a diaper rash?
Change diapers as frequently as possible. Disposable diapers should be changed every 2 hours or as soon as your baby poops or pees. This will assist to keep the rash from worsening.
It is critical to keep your baby’s bottom as clean and dry as possible if he or she develops a diaper rash. This can be accomplished by changing diapers as soon as they become moist or dirty.
When changing their diaper, you may also want to use natural diaper rash cream or zinc oxide barrier ointment or antifungal cream (for diaper rash caused by yeast infection).
Using a warm washcloth to wipe the area, patting it dry (do not rub), and adding additional diaper cream after each diaper change until the rash is gone are some diaper-changing advice. This also helps prevent diaper rash and further skin irritation.
What are ways of treating diaper rash?
Here are a few things you do to help heal your baby’s diaper rash:
- Hands should be washed before and after diaper changes.
- Change your baby’s diaper frequently and replace wet or dirty diaper as soon as possible
- Wash diapers thoroughly with mild soap especially if they are cloth diapers. Avoid using dryer sheets, fabric softeners or strong laundry detergent. A chemical-laden fabric softener can cause irritation.
- Make use of plain water instead of diaper wipes. Use a gentle cleanser to remove excrement from your baby’s skin.
- Rather than rubbing, gently pat the area clean and dry.
- If you must use baby wipes, use gentle ones. Avoid those that contain perfumes or alcohol. Alternatively, a clean, soft washcloth can be used.
- Avoid using talc or baby powder.
- Before putting on a new diaper, make sure your baby’s bottom is fully clean and dry.
- Allow your baby’s diaper area to breathe freely by removing the diaper whenever possible or letting your baby go without a diaper.
- Keep your baby’s diaper area and change them as soon as they become moist or dirty. Diaper rash is reduced when diapers are clean and dry because rash thrives in a moist environment.
- Wash your baby’s clothes and linens with gentle detergent.
- When introducing new foods, keep a close eye on any changes in your baby’s skin and digestion.
Conclusion
In summary, does changing a diaper too often cause a rash? In reality, it is the opposite way around usually however it can happen if the products you are cleaning the diaper area with are the skin irritants. Wet or seldom changed diapers, skin sensitivity and chafing are all causes of baby diaper rashes.
The best thing to do if your baby develops a diaper rash is to change their diaper as frequently as possible and keep the area clean with plain water only.
We hope this helps!
