Diaper Rashes In Babies Treatment And Remedies

Diaper Rashes In Babies - Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Prevention, And Home Remedies

Diaper rash is a type of skin irritation that causes red patches, splotches on the baby's bottom, or in the genital area. These rashes mostly occur in warm and moist places. These rashes make your baby's skin red, sore, and tender.  Most babies get diaper rashes at some point. Read this article to learn about the types, causes, symptoms of diaper rashes as well as how to treat and prevent them.

Types of Diaper Rashes

The different types of diaper rashes are:

1. Irritant Dermatitis (Contact Diaper Rashes)

Irritant dermatitis looks like red or pink patches on the skin. The skin covered by the diaper remains in contact with urine and poop. Leaving the wet or soiled diaper for too long can cause the skin to chafe.

2. Bacterial Infection (Impetigo)

Strep and Staph are the two types of bacterial infections that can cause diaper rashes. Yellow, the fluid-filled bump can be a sign of staph infection while bright red skin around the anal area can be a sign of strep infection. 

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3. Yeast Infection

Yeast infection can also cause diaper rashes. Such infection caused due to the overgrowth of a fungus that is naturally found in the digestive tract. It usually develops when the baby is taking antibiotics or nursing mom is taking antibiotics. Your baby's pediatrician may prescribe topical antifungal cream for the rashes caused by yeast infection. It looks like bright red, pink patches with sharp edges or may have little pink bumps.

4. Allergic Reaction

The babies with sensitive skin have the chance of developing rashes caused due to allergic reactions. They may have an allergic reaction to a specific ingredient in diapers, wipes, or creams. 

Signs and symptoms of diaper rashes

The common signs and symptoms of diaper rashes in babies are:

• Redness on the skin of diaper area

• Small Blisters or pustules on baby's bottom

• Peeling or Scaling of the skin covered by the diaper

• Bleeding from the skin on baby's bottom

Causes of Diaper Rashes

Diaper rashes can cause due to the following reasons:

• Sensitive Skin

• Irritation from urine and stools

• Allergic reaction

• Tight Diaper

• Yeast Infection

• Bacterial Infection

• Moisture and wetness from stool and urine also cause diaper rashes

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The chances of getting diaper rashes increases when the baby:

• Change in baby's diet

• Has Diarrohea

• Has Eczema

• Sleep in soiled diapers

• If the baby is taking antibiotics or breastfeeding mom is taking antibiotics.

• Trying acidic foods

Some babies also get rashes after switching to a new type of diaper. If your baby's skin is sensitive then try to choose diapers that are free of dyes and fragrances. Some baby's skin is so sensitive that they got the rashes even by the wipes too. In such a situation you can use a soft washcloth for your baby.

Diaper rashes home remedies

These home remedies can help to relieve the symptoms of diaper rashes:

1. Coconut Oil

Gently apply coconut oil on the baby's affected skin to get rid of the rashes. Coconut oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties that help to treat diaper rashes effectively. 

2. Breastmilk

Apply a few drops of breastmilk to the rashes and let it dry naturally so that it can work effectively on the rashes.

3. Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly works as a barrier between the baby's skin and the diaper's texture. It helps to treat rashes.

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4. Aloe vera

Extract the gel from aloe vera leaves and apply it to your baby's rashes. It helps to soothe the skin irritation caused due to the rashes. 

5. Baking Soda

Mix two tablespoons of baking soda in warm water. Wash your baby's affected area by this solution regularly. It will help to soothe the irritation caused by the rashes.

Diaper Rashes treatment

To treat diaper rashes you can apply creams or ointments that contain zinc oxide or petroleum. Such creams or ointments help to soothe your baby's skin irritation and also prevent moisture.

How to prevent diaper rashes in babies?

Follow these tips to prevent diaper rashes in babies:

• Choosing a high absorbent diaper is a good way to prevent diaper rashes in babies. 

• Change the diapers frequently. Change soiled or wet diaper as soon as possible. Clean the area and pat it dry.

• Keep your baby's diaper dry and clean.

• Let your baby diaper-free for several hours during the day that will help to keep the diaper area dry.

• Make sure your baby's diaper isn't too tight as tight diaper will rub against the skin and can cause rashes.  Don't wrap the diaper tightly. 

• Pat the baby's diaper area with a soft washcloth and allow the skin to air-dry. Don't rub your baby's skin.

• Clean baby's diaper area gently don't rub washcloth or wipe hardly on the baby's skin. Avoid scrubbing the baby's diaper area as it can irritate the rash.

• Make sure that the baby's skin dries completely before you put on another diaper.

• Apply a thick layer of barrier paste in the skin covered by the diaper.

• Avoid using a wipe that contains alcohol or fragrance.

• If you use cloth diapers then choose mild, hypoallergenic detergent to wash them.

• Use mild products for bathing your baby.

(Also read: Importance of Prenatal Massage)

When to call your baby's pediatrician?

If diaper rashes look infected then you should call your baby's pediatrician. The symptoms of infected diaper rashes include:

• If the baby has a fever along with the diaper rash

• Pimples, Blisters on the diaper area

• Swelling on the diaper area

• If rashes don't go away with treatment or start to worsen

• Sores appear on the diaper area

• Staph or Strep Bacterial Infections that appeared like yellow, fluid-filled bumps

• Fungal or yeast infection called Candidiasis that appears bright red, or pink patches with sharp edges

• Pus is draining from the rashes.

• If your baby seems fussier than usual 

If you notice any of these symptoms call your baby's pediatrician right away for the diagnosis. Diaper rashes usually go away within 2 to 3 days. If the diaper rashes don't go away after two to three days of treatment, start to worsen talk to your child's pediatrician. The pediatrician may prescribe an antifungal or antibiotic cream. Sometimes if it doesn't work then the doctor may prescribe a mild steroid cream for a few days until the diaper rash goes away. 

Don't use any cream or ointment on your baby's delicate skin without consulting the pediatrician. If you've any questions regarding your baby's diaper rashes talk to your pediatrician. 


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• Is it safe to eat Avocados during pregnancy?

• Benefits of eating Black Plum during pregnancy

Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information only and it should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. The given content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or any diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for more information. Our website doesn't claim responsibility for this information.