Diaper Rash - Symptoms, Causes, Preventive Steps and Treatment

What is a Diaper Rash?

Diaper rash is a condition that occurs in the area covered by the diaper. Rash makes the baby skin red, sore, and tender. It is caused when a baby is left in wet diapers for a longer time or poop diapers are not changed immediately. It is also caused by the continuous contact of the diaper with the skin, which creates friction. Mild cases of rash can be cured at home in 3–4 days by applying rash ointments. But, for severe cases, it must be discussed with the doctor.

Symptoms of Diaper Rash

The skin seems to be red or pink.
Swelling around the diaper area.
The baby cries or seems fussy when we change the diaper.
Baby cries when he pees or poops.

Causes of Diaper Rash

1. Infrequent Diaper Changes

Diapers must be changed at least every 6 hours. If a baby is left in wet or soiled diapers for a longer duration, then it will develop a rash.

2. Friction

Long contact of the diaper with the skin causes friction, which can lead to a rash.

3. Wrong diaper size

When a baby wears a diaper that is smaller than his size, the diaper is in tight contact with the skin, which can cause friction and lead to rash.

4. Introduction to New Solids

When a baby starts eating solids, his poop content may vary. This can also cause a rash.

5. Moisture

The diaper area must be dry. Excess moisture can cause a rash.

6. Sensitive skin

Some babies skin is very sensitive, which causes a rash.

7. Bacterial Infections

The damp environment around the diaper area can lead to the growth of bacteria or yeast like candida, which can lead to severe rash infections.

8. Antibiotic Usage

Using antibiotics can modify the content of bacteria, which increases the chances of rash around the diaper area.

What are the best ways to prevent diaper rash?

1. Choose good-quality diapers

Always choose a good-quality diaper that is super soft, airy, breathable, easy to wear, and whose bottom edges should be soft and dematologically tested.

2. Choose the correct-size diapers

Diaper size is categorised into S, M, L, XL, XXL, and XXXL as per the baby’s weight. If a baby wears a smaller diaper, then the tight diaper is in continuous contact with the skin, which creates friction and can lead to rash. If the diaper size is too large, it can cause leakage.

3. Proper Cleaning of Diaper Area

While changing diapers, it should be cleaned with super soft wipes or mulmul wipes. Even if it is a peed diaper, it should also be cleaned with wipes and wait for 10–15 minutes to dry the bottom area before putting on another diaper. Clean the diaper area very gently. Do not rub the area.

4. Change Diapers Frequently

Diapers must be changed at least every 6 hours. A baby must not be kept in wet diapers for too long. Always check the diaper every 1-2 hours to see if the baby has pooped. Pooped diapers must be changed immediately.

5. Diaper-Free Time

The baby must be kept diaper-free for at least 10–15 minutes after every diaper change to naturally dry the bottom area. During a day, a baby should be given 1-2 hours of diaper-free time.

6. Apply Rash Ointment

After every diaper change, when the bottom area gets completely dry, then before putting on a fresh diaper, rash ointment must be applied. It acts as a protective layer between the diaper and the skin.