What Are the Causes of Diaper Rash and How Can It Be Cured?




Diaper rash is a common problem that affects most babies at one point or the other especially between four and fifteen months. This looks like red, weepy skin in the diaper region on the buttocks, genital area and thighs. Diaper rash is fairly common and not usually a cause for concern but it can be quite uncomfortable for the baby. Understanding the causes of diaper rash and available diaper rash treatments is important for parents and caregivers.

The most common causes of diaper rash include irritation from urine and stool, chafing from the diaper, a yeast or bacterial infection, or an allergic reaction to the diaper or certain products. Knowing the cause of diaper rash in your baby will help you know the right way to go about it to cure it.



Diaper Rash Caused by Irritation



The major causes of diaper rash are leaving the baby in a wet or dirty diaper for an extended period of time. Prolonged exposure of the baby’s skin to urine and stool weakens the skin, and thus makes it prone to discomfort and rashes as a result of friction from the diapers. This is the most common of the diaper rash causes.

To minimize irritation as one of the main causes of diaper rash, change your baby's diaper promptly when wet or soiled. Wipe the skin softly with water or damp cotton or a mild baby wipe. Let the area to dry completely before putting on the new diaper to the baby. Using a thick barrier cream with zinc oxide or using petroleum jelly may prevent further irritation as well.



Infections as Causes of Diaper Rash



If the rash is red, spotted and does not heal even after using home remedies for a few days then it is probable that the baby has developed a yeast infection with Candida. This is another cause of diaper rash which demands an antifungal cream to cure it.

Less commonly, bacterial diaper rash caused by staph or strep bacteria can occur. Impetigo is another name for this type of rash and it presents itself as red sores with fluid filled blisters. If the diaper rash is caused by bacteria, then it is best to consult the doctor since this type of rash will need antibiotics.



Product Sensitivities and Diaper Rash



Babies with sensitive skin may get diaper rash which is an allergy to scents, colors or other chemicals in diapers, wipes or other baby stuff used in washing diapers or bath. Consider switching to dye- and fragrance-free products if this is one of the causes of diaper rash for your little one.

New foods as your baby starts solids can also contribute to diaper rash causes in some cases. Weaning increases the number and type of food into the child’s diet and may also alter the stool pattern. To help prevent diaper rash, keep your baby’s skin as clean and dry as possible and avoid introducing new foods if the rash appears.



Treating Diaper Rash at Home



With most common causes of diaper rash, some simple at-home diaper rash treatments can bring relief within a few days:With most common causes of diaper rash, some simple at-home diaper rash treatments can bring relief within a few days:

Diapers should be changed often and as soon as they become wet to prevent the child’s skin from being irritated.

Clean the diaper area with water only and then pat the area dry

It is advised to use a thick barrier cream or ointment which has zinc oxide or petroleum as one of its ingredients.

Do not massage or make any friction with the skin

For this, you need to give your baby some diaper-free time in order to let the baby’s skin breathe.

Applying these methods frequently ought to cure most cases of a so called diaper rash which is often caused by friction or wetness. Diaper rash bleeding or worsening rash should be evaluated by a doctor.






When to See the Doctor for Diaper Rash



While home remedies suffice for most causes of diaper rash, see the doctor if diaper rash treatment isn't working after a few days, the rash is severe or bleeding, or you suspect a bacterial or yeast infection. Additional causes of diaper rash to have checked include:Additional causes of diaper rash to have checked include:

-Rash that starts within the first six weeks of life of an infant.
-Rash may occur on the arms, face or scalp
-He or she may have blisters, pus, or open sores
-Fever then starts at the same time as rash.
-Itch is very uncomfortable for the baby especially when it is accompanied by rash.

Your baby's doctor can determine if one of these other causes of diaper rash is to blame and provide appropriate diaper rash treatment, such as antibiotics or antifungal cream, to clear it up. Rarely, a stubborn diaper rash may need a mild topical steroid to reduce inflammation.



Preventing Diaper Rash



Taking some simple preventative steps can go a long way to avoiding many causes of diaper rash in the first place:

-Make sure that the diaper area is clean and dry by changing the diaper as often as possible
-Do not use soaps, wipes or any other products that may cause a skin reaction
-You should where possible allow skin to breathe
-To combat this use a barrier cream regularly, especially at night.
-Rinse cloth diapers with dye and fragrance free detergent to avoid potential skin irritation of baby’s sensitive skin.

While even the best prevention can't eliminate all causes of diaper rash, these strategies can reduce how often they occur and how long diaper rash lasts. Swift diaper rash treatment at the first signs can also prevent rashes from worsening.



Final Thought



While diaper rash is common, understanding the different causes of diaper rash is key to providing prompt and effective diaper rash treatment. With adequate precautions and prompt treatment of the early signs, most instances of this condition that is quite painful but not life threatening can be avoided by parents and caretakers.