We’ve all heard the term diaper rash. But what is diaper rash? What causes it & how do you prevent it from reoccurring?
Diaper rashes are red and itchy areas in your skin caused by the rubbing between your baby’s bottom and the diapers. This is a very common problem for both new and old parents. If left untreated, diaper rashes can become painful and lead to infection and other skin conditions.
Diaper rash can be caused by a variety of factors, including dampness, germs, yeast, and contact with urine or feces. Its any sort of irritation in the baby’s diaper area and it’s critical to figure out what’s causing the diaper rash so you can treat it properly.
In this article, we will discuss the causes of diaper rash, symptoms, treatments and preventions.
What Does Diaper Rash Look Like
There are several varieties of diaper rash, but they all share one feature: redness. Erythema multiforme is the most prevalent type of diaper rash, and it appears as small, red spots on your baby’s skin as well as bright red skin.
Other varieties of diaper rash may resemble a severe sunburn, with big regions of redness, or they may be more pimply in appearance.
Whatever the rash looks like, it’s critical to treat it as soon as you discover it. Diaper rash, if left untreated, can develop into a skin infection.
How do I know if it’s diaper rash or something else?
Your baby’s rash could be caused by a yeast infection, psoriasis, or impetigo, rather than diaper rash. It’s important to work out what your babies rash actually is as the treatments will vary.
A yeast infection is most common in the skin folds, which are warm and wet. Candida albicans is another name for a fungal infection.
In babies, psoriasis is uncommon. It shows on the legs, arms, or scalp as red thickened skin with silvery scales that may be itchy or irritating.
Impetigo is on the buttocks, lower abdomen and thighs and can be identified by golden brownish crusty areas and or pus-filled blisters.
What Causes Diaper Rash
Diaper rash can be caused by a number of factors, including:
Wetness: A damp diaper might irritate your baby’s skin and cause a rash.
Bacteria: Bacteria can grow in a damp diaper and cause irritation.
Yeast: Although yeast is commonly present in small levels in the gut, it can overgrow and create a rash.
Contact with urine or feces: Both urine and feces can irritate your baby’s skin and cause a rash.
Babies with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis or seborrheic dermatitis (eczema) are more prone to diaper rash.
Allergic reaction – this can be diet or every environmental. What you eat can be passed on through your breast milk and cause a rash so be careful when you eat new foods!
If you use cloth diapers make sure when you wash diapers you are using a scent free washing powder or mild soap and not using fabric conditioners or fabric softeners or dryer sheets. Baby powder can irritate skin so when putting on a fresh diaper on most babies you won’t need it.
Do diaper rashes hurt?
The majority of diaper rashes are not painful. However, if the rash is severe or infected, it can be excruciatingly painful.
Signs that your baby is in pain from a diaper rash are not usually subtle, and include crying and squirming during diaper changes, or, in the case of an older infant or toddler, reaching inside their diaper.
If you have pus filled sores this is indications of a more serious rash and will need proper treatment.
How To Treat Diaper Rash
If your kid gets a diaper rash, the following steps should be taken:
- At diaper change time thoroughly clean wash your baby’s bum and pat dry with a soft cloth.
- Don’t leave your baby sitting in wet and dirty nappies, change them frequently even during the night.
- At diaper change time apply a barrier cream.
- Bathe baby often in a soothing bath of either oatmeal or Epsom salts.
- Having diaper free time is critical, ensure your baby has several periods without a diaper on throughout the day. You can leave them lying on a towel to prevent mishaps.
If your baby’s rash does not improve within a week, take him or her to the doctor.
If your infant develops a fungal infection, you will need to use a topical antifungal treatment.
If your child develops a bacterial illness, you can treat it with antibiotic cream or topical or oral medications. These types of diaper rash require specific treatment.
For skin irritation, attempt to determine what irritated the skin and resulted in the baby’s rash.
How To Treat Severe Diaper Rash
If your baby’s diaper rash is severe, you may need to use a prescription cream to treat it. The most frequently used prescription cream for diaper rash is called topical corticosteroid. This cream aids in the alleviation of inflammation and discomfort.
Corticosteroids for topical use are available in both ointment and cream formulations. If your kid has a lot of open sores, your doctor will almost certainly prescribe a cream. For places with less irritation, an ointment is preferable.
Additionally, your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic to aid in the infection’s resolution. If a yeast infection is the source of your baby’s diaper rash, you will need to apply an antifungal cream.
How To Get Rid Of Diaper Rash Fast
Treating diaper rash at home with either natural remedies or over the counter creams is fine if your baby’s diaper rash is mild. The most important thing to remember is to keep the area dry and clean. When they have a wet or dirty diaper, change it asap, never leave them in a soiled diaper. The best diaper rash treatment will depends on the type of rash they have, so its vital to work that out first.
You can use a barrier cream or or diaper rash cream to protect the skin from moisture. Petroleum jelly, zinc oxide, and dimethicone are all acceptable options. If you prefer something more natural, there are a plethora of natural home remedies that work wonders for diaper dermatitis.
How Long Does Diaper Rash Last
With home treatment, most diaper rashes disappear within a few days. Call your child’s doctor if the rash does not improve after three days of home treatment.
Call your doctor right away if your child has a fever, is vomiting, or has diarrhea. These symptoms could indicate a more serious infection.
How To Prevent Diaper Rash
The most effective technique to avoid diaper rash is to keep the diaper region clean and dry. A few basic precautions will help reduce the chances of diaper rash forming on your baby’s skin.
Change diapers frequently. Diapers that are damp or filthy should be changed as soon as possible. If your child is in child care, request that the workers do the same.
As part of each diaper change, rinse your baby’s bottom with warm water. You can do this with a sink, a tub, or a water bottle. Cleansing the skin with moist washcloths, cotton balls, and baby wipes might help, but be careful. Wipes containing alcohol or fragrance should not be used. If you must use soap, use a light, fragrance-free variety.
Allow the skin to air dry or gently pat it dry with a clean towel. You should not scrub your baby’s bottom. Scrubbing might aggravate the skin even more.
Avoid overtightening diapers. Tight diapers impede ventilation into the diaper region, creating a damp environment that is conducive to diaper rashes. Chafing at the waist or thighs can also be caused by tight diapers.
Allow your baby’s bottom to go longer without a diaper. Allow your baby to go without a diaper whenever possible. Allowing skin to dry naturally and gently is a good technique to do so. To avoid messy mishaps, try lying your infant on a large towel and engaging in some bare-bottomed fun.
Use ointment on a regular basis. Apply a barrier ointment to your baby’s skin during each diaper change if he or she gets rashes frequently. Many diaper ointments contain time-tested components such as petroleum jelly and zinc oxide.
After changing diapers, thoroughly wash your hands. Hand cleaning can help keep bacteria and yeast from spreading to other regions of your baby’s body, you, or other children.
Yeast Diaper Rash
An overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans in the diaper area causes the rash. This yeast is commonly found on the skin and is completely safe. It can, however, cause a red, itchy rash if it multiplies excessively. Other symptoms, such as itching and burning, may accompany the rash.
A fungal diaper rash differs from a bacterial diaper rash and must be treated accordingly. What may be effective against bacteria may aggravate a fungal rash. When a diaper rash appears, it is critical to determine the type of rash on the irritated skin and treat it properly.
A bacterial infection or allergic reaction can be treated by modifying the infant’s food, using baby wipes or laundry detergent, and thoroughly cleaning the diaper region. Switch to more natural items if your child has sensitive skin.
If your kid has a yeast diaper rash, the rash will most likely be red and somewhat elevated. The skin may also be glossy and prone to tiny pimples. The rash might cause the baby’s skin to peel in severe circumstances.
How To Treat Yeast Diaper Rash
An over-the-counter antifungal cream is the most effective way to treat a yeast diaper rash. To protect the baby’s skin, apply a barrier lotion such as petroleum jelly or zinc oxide.
Aside from using medication, it is critical to keep the diaper area clean and dry. Change your baby’s diaper frequently and thoroughly clean the area. Allow the skin to dry before putting on a new diaper.
Many moms report much relief from apple cider vinegar (ACV) baths. ACV has been proven to kill the candida spores and it is very soothing on the skin.
If you use cloth diapers, make sure to wash them after each use in hot water with detergent. You should also think about using a bleach-free detergent.
How to Prevent Yeat Diaper Rashes
Many of the techniques for preventing a yeast diaper rash are identical to those for treating it at home.
Diaper rashes are prevalent because diapers are frequently warm and damp. The easiest approach to avoid rashes and a yeast diaper rash is to keep your kid clean and as dry as possible.
Consider the following preventive measures:
- Bathe the baby on a regular basis in warm water. Every time you change their diaper, clean the diaper area.
- Change diapers frequently. Baby should not be left in a wet diaper.
- Allow baby’s bottom to air-dry for as long as possible after changing diapers. Patting baby’s bum with a soft cloth or using a cool-air blow drier may assist speed up the process.
- Allow your baby diaper-free time on a regular basis.
- Do not wear rubber pants or diapers that restrict air flow. These can trap moisture close to the skin.
- To help preserve your baby’s skin, consider applying diaper cream. Creams act as a barrier between the skin and urine and stool, which can irritate it and cause a rash.
- Baby goods containing scents and colours, such as lotions or soaps, should be avoided. These additives have the potential to irritate the skin.
- Antibiotics should not be given to a baby unless absolutely required, as they can induce an imbalance of good bacteria and yeasts in the body.
Will a yeast diaper rash go away on its own?
Antifungal drugs can be used to treat a yeast diaper rash, but it normally goes away on its own. However, because yeast is a living entity that must be eradicated, yeast infections can last for weeks.
In most circumstances, a yeast diaper rash will go away on its own in a week or two. However, if the rash is severe or persists for more than a few weeks, you should consult your doctor for an evaluation and possible treatment. D Your doctor may advise you to use an over-the-counter antifungal medicine or a prescription cream to treat the infection. If your infant has regular yeast-based diaper rashes, you should take a look at the solid foods he or she is eating.
When should I be concerned about diaper rash?
The majority of diaper rashes go away on their own, but there are a few instances where you should be concerned. Consult your physician if the rash does not resolve after a few days of home treatment or if it worsens. Furthermore, if your baby has a fever or is particularly irritable, these could be indicators of something more serious going on, and you should contact your baby’s doctor.
Take Away
Diaper rash is a frequent skin issue among babies, especially those with sensitive skin. Diaper rash is best treated with an over-the-counter antifungal cream or a prescription treatment. You can also assist avoid diaper rashes by following some easy guidelines, such as often changing your baby’s diapers and keeping the area around their bum dry.
If you’re having difficulties dealing with yeast-based diaper rashes, try using mild wipes or detergent that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals. Diaper rash normally goes away on its own after a week or two, but if it persists for more than two weeks, see your doctor right once!
