Diaper Rash: Causes, Prevention & Treatment Options

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SPOT Diaper Rash

Almost every baby will have a case of diaper rash before the age of three. There is a range of diaper rash, and it can show up very quickly or rather gradually. Typically diaper rash will start off appearing as a bright red patch in the area the diaper covers. If this phase goes untreated, the diaper rash can progress and this results in an overgrowth of yeast and it becomes a red rash with smaller patches of red bumps and pustules.

What Causes Diaper Rash?

• Irritation from stool and urine. Your baby’s skin is more sensitive than adult skin, so prolonged exposure to pee and poop can irritate it. Infrequent wet diaper changes, tight diapers that are too small, or episodes of diarrhea can lead to diaper rash.
• Changes in the diet. Diaper rash is most common when a baby starts to eat solid food.  A change in diet commonly results in stool changes, and this can be more irritating to a baby’s skin.
• Use of antibiotics. Antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria, so when a baby is taking antibiotics, the amount of good bacteria in his gastrointestinal system changes.  This good bacteria has many functions, one of which is regulating yeast (or what doctors call Candida) growth.  When the good bacteria is altered, thanks to antibiotics, diaper rash can occur.
• Chafing simply means rubbing. Tightfitting diapers or clothing that rubs against the skin can lead to a rash just by irritation. A similar comparison would be that of a tight wet swimsuit
• Candidiasis is secondary yeast (fungal) infection. When the diaper rash starts simply as a red, irritating inflammation (also known as dermatitis), you want to act quickly because untreated dermatitis is the perfect environment for secondary yeast to grow. Picture this — the area covered by a diaper is especially warm and moist.  Add in dermatitis and you have the perfect storm.  Secondary candidiasis is full blown diaper rash and it looks worse with more redness and dermatitis and patches of red bumps and pustules.

How To Prevent Diaper Rash?

Prevention of diaper rash is key. Don’t even let your baby’s bottom get red. The main way to prevent the irritation and rash is to protect the baby’s sensitive skin. Application of a diaper rash treatment ointment such as Baby Pibu’s Hydrating Ointment with every diaper change can provide a protective layer between the baby’s skin and the elements (pee and poop). For longer naps and overnight sleep, application of an ointment with zinc oxide is recommended, as zinc oxide provides further protection. Baby Pibu’s Bottom Balm can be used for this purpose. If there are any initial signs of redness or irritation in the diaper area, begin using Baby Pibu’s Bottom Balm or other diaper rash treatment products with every diaper change.

SOOTHE Diaper Rash

When red bumps or pustules appear along with the redness in the diaper area, your baby has developed full-blown diaper rash with secondary candidiasis. When this happens, you need to take steps to treat the diaper rash.

• Increase the frequency of diaper changes and make sure the diapers aren’t too tight.
• You may want to let your baby’s bottom breathe by letting your baby go diaperless for short periods of time.
• Use a warm washcloth instead of a wipe may be less irritating and more soothing.
• Apply a thick diaper cream with zinc oxide at every diaper change. Baby Pibu’s Intensive Bottom Relief is a good formula for this. This diaper rash treatment ointment has thymol (a natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal) and cornstarch to help relieve the rash.
• You can also mix in over-the-counter topical Lotrimin AF cream with clotrimazole with the diaper cream if needed.

When to Call the Doctor

If the diaper rash doesn’t improve within two to three days, even after using diaper rash treatment products, consult your pediatrician or dermatologist.

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