When changing your baby's diaper, you may notice a bright red rash or other irritation under your baby's diaper; this may be diaper rash. The causes of diaper rash are many, but are usually related to an infection due to poor hygiene or skin irritation. Diaper rash can go away with increased cleaning and dryness, although you should contact your doctor if the rash spreads or does not improve in two to three days.
Diaper Rash
According to the National Institutes of Health, diaper rash can be caused by a skin infection of the diaper area or chemical irritation. Infrequent changing, poor cleaning and a moist area can increase the risk of developing diaper rash. Chemicals--including acids and ammonia produced from waste--soaps, or other products used for cleaning also may cause skin irritation resulting in a rash.
Creams
According to the Mayo Clinic, your doctor may prescribe antifungal or hydrocortisone cream to treat persistent diaper rash. Although full treatment may take weeks, you should see improvement within a few days. If your child's diaper rash does not respond to treatment, make an appointment with a dermatologist.
Hygiene
The best way to prevent and treat diaper rash is to keep the area covered by your baby's diaper clean and dry. However, do not use corn starch or talc powder; corn starch can worsen a yeast-based diaper rash and talc can be dangerous when inhaled. Be sure to wash your hands before and after changing a diaper. Pat the area dry and allow it to finish drying in the air before replacing the diaper.
Avoid Further Irritation
Choose cleaning wipes that do not contain alcohol or perfume; these may irritate the skin or cause it to become too dry. Change your baby's diaper often to avoid waste irritating the skin. If you are using cloth diapers, do not use fabric softeners. Rinse cloth diapers well to ensure that all soap has been washed out.
Avoid Excess Moisture
Avoid putting your baby's diaper on too tight. This will trap moisture and increase the chance that a rash will form. Use highly absorbent diapers to absorb excess moisture. Especially when using a cloth diaper, avoid putting plastic or rubber pants over the diaper as these will not allow air flow, and will trap moisture.
