Patches of red skin covering your newborn's bottom indicate the presence of diaper rash, a skin irritation that causes tenderness, discomfort and sometimes pain. Diaper rashes are most common around eight to 10 months old; however, even newborns are susceptible to the skin irritation, according to the Mayo Clinic. Treat your baby's diaper rash right away to prevent more severe skin problems.
Causes
That smooth skin covering your newborn's bottom is much more sensitive than an adult's skin. Diapers catch the urine and stools and keep it close to that sensitive skin. The combination of the moisture, warmth and chemicals in most diapers creates an ideal environment for skin irritation. Friction resulting from the diaper rubbing against the skin adds to the irritation. In some cases, diaper rash results from bacteria or yeast overgrowth.
Prevention
Because newborns frequently urinate and defecate, changing the diaper often helps prevent rash. The stools are often soft and spread out, unlike older babies with more solid stools. As soon as you notice a bowel movement, change the diaper, wiping the area clean. Make sure the skin is dry before placing a new diaper. Some babies benefit from a different brand of diaper that fits better or requires fewer chemicals to produce. Infants prone to diaper rash benefit from an application of diaper rash ointment with each change.
Treatment
Increase the frequency of diaper changes if your newborn gets a rash so the urine and stools don't sit on the rash and further irritate. Switch to only water to wipe your baby's bottom. Leave the diaper off for a few minutes to give the skin time to dry thoroughly, if possible. Longer periods of exposure to the air aids in the healing process. Diaper rash ointments help with healing while providing a barrier against urine and stools.
Medical Attention
Diaper rash is likely to stick around for several days but should start improving with treatment at home. If the rash continues to worsen or doesn't respond to the treatment, call the doctor for advice. A yeast infection potentially causes a more severe rash with raised patches. This type of rash usually requires a prescription anti-fungal treatment such as Nystatin.
