It's the rare baby who doesn't get at least a mild case of diaper rash from time to time. Diaper rash is a form of dermatitis or inflammation that causes patches of red skin on your baby's bottom. At least half of children ages 4 to 15 months will get diaper rash once or more in a two-month period, explains the American Academy of Pediatrics. Most cases of diaper rash clear within a few days.
Causes
Diet, ammonia in the urine and teething have wrongly taken the rap for causing diaper rash, explains the American Academy of Pediatrics. Infrequent changing of soiled or wet diapers, which can make a baby's skin more susceptible to chafing, typically cause diaper rash. Antibiotics, using plastic pants over diapers, and introducing solid foods to your baby's diet may also contribute to diaper rash.
Recommendations
Keeping the diaper area clean and dry is key to preventing and treating diaper rash. Use a soft wash cloth and plain water to gently clean the genital area and bottom as soon as possible after a diaper becomes dirty. Soap can be used if the stool doesn't wipe off easily, but don't use wipes that contain fragrance and alcohol. A squirt bottle of water can also help clean the skin without excessive rubbing on the already irritated area. Gently pat or air dry the diaper area. Cover the diaper area with petroleum jelly or a cream or ointment that contains zinc oxide. Applying a thin layer of zinc oxide can relieve diaper rash and protect the skin from future outbreaks.
Precautions
A diaper should fit securely, but when your baby has diaper rash, keep the diaper loose enough that it won't rub against the skin and cause irritation when it becomes soiled. Tight diapers prevent air from circulating through the diaper region, which increases moisture and the chance of diaper rash, points out Mayo Clinic. Contact your child's doctor if diaper rash doesn't clear with home remedies within a few days or if the rash gets worse. If prescription treatment doesn't help diaper rash clear, your doctor may suggest that your baby see a dermatologist.
Prevention
Letting your baby roam bare-bottomed whenever possible gives her skin a break from the diaper and a chance to let it naturally air dry. Diaper rash is less common in babies who wear disposable diapers. If you use cloth diapers, wash them in a mild detergent. Run them through the rinse cycle twice to remove all soap residue that could irritate your baby's skin.
