Shutterstock Alamy Home remedies to prevent diaper rash But remember: When in doubt, confirm it with your pediatrician and don't try to diagnose your baby at home. Here are some photos to check your baby's bottom against. Your baby may express discomfort by fussing or crying when the area is washed or wiped during diaper changes. In worse cases, it can lead to pimples, blisters or sores that may open up and start to ooze fluid or puss. It may be mild, or it can cover a large portion of the diaper area. Sometimes, it can spread beyond the diaper region. Wondering what diaper rash looks like on your little one's tender skin? The telltale sign is a red, inflamed rash on your baby’s genitals, bottom or thighs. Since that pretty much sums up what your baby's bottom is exposed to most of the day and night, it's no wonder she (like many of her compadres-in-diapers) isn't always sitting pretty. You may notice the same happening when your baby starts eating solids and is exposed to more foods. A breastfed baby’s stool can change in consistency and frequency based on what Mom eats.
The ingredients in disposable diapers, wipes, bath products, baby lotions and laundry detergents can all irritate baby's delicate skin and cause diaper rash. What's more, if Mom is breastfeeding and taking antibiotics - or if baby needs these medications - it can increase the risk of yeast infection (and diarrhea), bringing on diaper rash.
Yeast is another common culprit, particularly in persistent rashes, as yeast loves warm, moist environments. Diaper friction. When your baby’s soft skin folds chafe or rub against each other, or against the diaper itself, it can step up skin irritation and trigger a rash.The enzymes in your baby’s poop can irritate her sensitive skin. Wetness (when is your baby not wet?) can also make those chubby cheeks more susceptible to diaper rash. Most rashes are triggered by prolonged exposure to dirty diapers.
What causes diaper rash?Ī combination of factors often contribute to your baby’s diaper rash, including: You may want to discuss them with your baby’s doctor before giving them a go. While some people have found success with these types of alternative treatments, they’re not guaranteed to work. If diaper rash does develop, you may consider also trying alternative treatments to help clear it up, such as: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends skipping over-the-counter ointments that contain an antibiotic, since some ingredients in those products can actually worsen skin irritation. Don’t worry about removing it completely at each diaper change - rubbing and scrubbing is likely to damage your baby’s skin and make it more rash-prone. Trapped moisture beneath the barrier cream can make diaper rash more likely - or make a bad case of diaper rash worse.īe sure to slather it on thickly, like icing, and gently. Every baby’s bottom is different, so experiment to see which diaper rash cream works best for treating and preventing diaper rash on your little one.īefore you spread the ointment or cream on baby's bottom, make sure her skin is completely dry. There are two types: petroleum-based products (like A&D ointment or plain old petroleum jelly) and those containing zinc-oxide (like Desitin or Balmex). Is Baby Powder Safe to Use During Diaper Changes? Spreading a thick, protective layer of ointment or cream on baby's bottom after cleaning it at changing time can help prevent diaper rash or relieve an existing rash and avoid irritating it further. Prevention is the best cure for diaper rash.
Yeast infections (aka candidal dermatitis): a bright red, tender rash that usually starts in the creases between the abdomen and thighs and spreads from there.