Diaper rash has worried parents for centuries. One of the most common skin concerns for babies, diaper rash is something almost every parent will have to deal with at some point. Today, not all of us know what causes diaper rash or how to best treat it.
Our guide will help you to avoid the common triggers for diaper rash and help you to treat it if it does occur, as well as how to prevent it.
What is Diaper Rash?
Before knowing what causes diaper rash and how to treat it, it is important to know what it actually is.
- Diaper Rash: A form of dermatitis that is usually found around the thighs, buttocks, and genitals. The skin is often inflamed and sore. In some severe cases, the skin may be broken.
The Most Common Causes of Diaper Rash
It helps to understand what the main causes of diaper rash are if you are looking to prevent it.
Trapped Moisture
Young babies spend all their time wearing diapers. Often, these diapers are damp or wet. Skin that is in constant contact with moisture can easily develop diaper rash. As diapers are designed to be leak-proof, this moisture is often trapped, which can make rashes worse.
Friction
Poorly-fitting diapers can rub the skin and cause irritation. This is particularly common around the thigh and leg area, but it can occur all over.
Dirty Diapers
If left unchanged, dirty diapers can irritate the skin. It can also lead to infection and bacteria.
Other Common and Overlooked Triggers
As well as the three main causes of diaper rash, there are some other common causes that parents sometimes overlook.
New Products
Using a new type of wipe or cream on your baby can cause a reaction. This can lead to diaper rash and irritated skin.
Antibiotics or New Foods
Giving your baby a new food can cause a reaction. This is sometimes due to an intolerance or allergy, but sometimes it is just while their body adjusts. Antibiotics can also cause diaper rash.
Sensitive or Allergy-Prone Skin
Just like with adults, some babies are just born with sensitive skin. This makes them more likely to develop diaper rash and irritated skin. Some babies are also more allergy-prone than others. They may react to certain ingredients in baby products, causing inflamed skin or a rash.
How to Treat Diaper Rash Effectively
Luckily, there are several things you can do to treat diaper rash when it occurs.
Clean Gently and Frequently
The most important and easiest thing, you can do is keep the area clean. This means cleaning it frequently and changing a diaper as soon as it is dirty. If the skin is sore, consider using water to clean the area. If you prefer baby wipes, choose ones that use natural ingredients.
Barrier Cream with Zinc
To keep the area protected, apply a diaper cream that contains zinc oxide, like Dr. Talbot’s Diaper Rash Ointment with 18% zinc. This will form a protective barrier on the skin to stop more moisture from coming into contact with it.
Diaper-Free Time
As constantly wearing diapers can cause a rash to break out, it is a good idea to give your baby some diaper-free time. For the best results, this should be built into your daily routine. Many parents find the best time is just before or after bath time in the evenings.
Consulting a Pediatrician
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, diaper rash simply doesn’t go away. If the rash persists for several days, speak to a pediatrician. They will be able to prescribe a stronger diaper cream to help the rash clear up. If your baby frequently suffers from diaper rash, they may also be able to help prevent further outbreaks.
Tips for Preventing Future Rashes
Once you have managed to treat diaper rash, there are a number of things you can do to reduce the likelihood of diaper rash returning.
Daily Care
You should always change your baby’s diaper as soon as it is dirty. Make sure you clean the area thoroughly and always wash your hands before applying any diaper cream. Dr. Talbot’s Diaper Cream Brush allows you to clean and gently apply cream without using your hands. Its easy-to-clean design reduces the presence of bacteria and germs.
Keep the Area Protected
Using a zinc-based diaper cream will help protect the skin from moisture and bacteria. You should try to apply this daily, or more frequently if your baby has particularly rash-prone skin.
Conclusion
Although diaper rash can be a cause of worry for parents, it is usually incredibly manageable and treatable. Keeping the area clean and dry will make a great difference, as well as applying a suitable zinc-based diaper cream. Now that you understand what causes diaper rash, you can take easy steps to help prevent it from occurring in the future.
All of Dr. Talbot’s products are made using natural ingredients for a gentle yet effective approach. Our Mom Blog and Wellness Blog have lots of helpful articles to deal with everything parenting has to throw at you.
FAQs
Can diaper rash appear suddenly?
Yes, it can appear especially quickly after the skin has been exposed to an irritant or your baby is teething.
What helps most with diaper rash?
The best things to do are keep the area as dry as possible and regularly apply a zinc-based diaper cream to protect the skin.
Is a bad diaper rash dangerous?
Yes, if left untreated, it can lead to an infection, which can be very dangerous. This is why it is so important to act quickly.
