You’re changing your baby’s diaper and once again you see those red, irritated patches that make your little one squirm. Diaper rash can show up as anything from mild pinkness to angry-looking bumps or chafed skin.
Of course, diaper rash is very common in young children who wear a diaper most of the day. And even though diapers are really good at absorbing moisture, your baby’s bottom is still close to wetness that can lead to irritation.
But moisture isn’t the only thing that causes diaper rash. Read on to learn more about the top causes of diaper rash.
What causes diaper rash? Ways that skin irritation, moisture and illness affect your baby’s bottom.
Diaper rash symptoms show up when the skin in the diaper area becomes irritated. Most often, it’s caused by a combination of moisture, friction (rubbing), and contact with urine or stool. But many different factors can affect what’s happening in your baby’s diaper, and some of these factors can make diaper rash more likely than others. Understanding these common causes of diaper rash can help you prevent irritation and treat rashes more effectively.
Ingredients in baby products can cause skin sensitivity and allergies
When babies are born, their skin is still developing and hasn’t built up strong defenses yet. This makes it more sensitive to everyday exposures, such as dyes, fragrances, soaps and other ingredients found in common baby products. Because of this sensitivity, it’s normal for babies to experience skin reactions in their first few months of life.
If your baby has diaper rash, the cause may be something that’s touching their skin every day. So a good first step can be looking at the ingredients in the diapers, wipes, diaper creams and laundry detergents you’re using. And if you haven’t done so already, try switching to fragrance-free, hypoallergenic options. If you’re using cloth diapers, washing them in a detergent designed for sensitive skin may help reduce irritation.
Dry skin may not be able to block moisture as well as it should
Frequent bathing can cause your baby’s skin to dry out and lose its natural moisture barrier. That’s why it’s so important to moisturize baby’s bottom, especially after a bath.
A too-tight diaper can cause rubbing or chafing
Yes, it’s possible for a diaper to be too tight. If you can’t get your finger between your baby’s belly and the diaper, it’s too snug. As long as you can’t fit your entire hand in there, it’s tight enough.
A dirty diaper that’s been left on for too long can irritate a baby’s skin
Because your baby’s skin is so new and sensitive, sitting or lying around in a wet or poopy diaper can take a toll. Baby poop that’s loose and runny can be especially tough on a baby’s bottom. That’s why doctors recommend you change the diaper as soon as you notice it’s dirty.
Illnesses and infections are a common cause of diaper rash
When babies are sick or fighting certain infections, changes in their bodies can make diaper rash more likely. Some illnesses cause more frequent bowel movements or diarrhea, which increase moisture and irritation in the diaper area. Others can cause rashes that spread into the diaper region or allow yeast and bacteria to overgrow on already irritated skin.
Diaper rash during illness is very common. However, if you notice symptoms such as a fever, blood in your baby’s stool, or skin that is raw, broken or bleeding, the diaper rash may be more severe. In these cases, it’s best to call your baby’s doctor or nurse advice line right away. Here are some illnesses and infections that can cause diaper rash or make it more likely:
Cold, flu or other illness
If your baby has a cold, flu or stomach bug, they may poop more often or have looser stools than usual. This increases the amount of moisture and irritation in the diaper area, raising the risk of diaper rash.
Yeast infection
Children taking antibiotics, or breastfed babies whose mothers take antibiotics, are at higher risk of diaper rash. Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the body, and this allows yeast to grow more easily. This can lead to a yeast (fungal) diaper rash, which often appears as patches of red, bumpy skin that can spread into the folds of baby’s skin and outside the diaper area. A yeast infection diaper rash is a severe type of diaper rash, so make sure to talk to a doctor or nurse if you think your baby has one.
Bacterial infection
A bacterial skin infection can start small and quickly grow in the warm, wet conditions of your baby’s diaper. This type of severe diaper rash can be dangerous if not treated.
Hand, foot and mouth disease
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a contagious viral illness that can cause sores or a rash not only on the hands, feet and mouth, but also in the diaper area. The rash may look more severe than typical diaper rash and can be painful. If your baby has other symptoms like fever, mouth sores or reduced appetite, it’s a good idea to check in with their doctor.
Teething doesn’t cause diaper rash, but it can play a role
During teething, babies tend to drool more and may swallow extra saliva, which can sometimes lead to diarrhea. More frequent or looser stools can increase moisture and irritation in the diaper area, making diaper rash more likely.
Talk to your baby’s doctor about managing diaper rash
If your kiddo wears a diaper, it’s pretty likely that they’ll get diaper rash at some point. But that doesn’t mean that you (or your baby’s bottom) need to take diaper rash sitting down. A good place to start is to try to keep baby’s diapers dry and take another look at the products you’re using. Your baby’s doctor can also provide suggestions during your next well baby visit.
If baby has a diaper rash, you can usually start with at-home remedies for diaper rash treatments. You can also call your clinic’s nurse line if you have any questions. But if you notice more severe symptoms, such as a fever or raw, broken or bleeding skin, it’s important you see your doctor right away.
A video visit appointment is often the fastest and easiest way to get diaper rash treatment. During the appointment, your doctor will ask about the rash and any other symptoms your baby is experiencing. They may also request photos of the affected area through your online account. These details help your doctor understand what’s going on and ensure your baby gets the right treatment to clear the rash as quickly as possible.