Warmth to the touch Red rash. [3] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source Pimples, blisters, or other sores
Seeming uncomfortable, especially during diaper changes Fussing or crying when you touch the diaper area Crying when diaper area is cleaned. If you notice this, try wiping with just a water-dampened cloth rather than baby wipes, which can be irritating.
If your baby took antibiotics, they may have contracted a yeast infection. See your child’s doctor if home care doesn’t help the rash, as yeast is a fungus and special ointment may be warranted. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Irritant rashes may also appear on other parts of the body exposed to these substances. [11] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Eliminate potential irritants one by one until you figure out which one is causing the diaper rash.
Recognize that an allergic rash may occur in combination with an irritant rash. [15] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source It may also appear on other parts of the body exposed to the allergen. [16] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source This may also be contact dermatitis, a skin reaction to something your baby touched.
Intertrigo rashes can also occur on other parts of the body exposed to heat or moisture. [18] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source This is especially true for sensitive skin under the chin. Miliaria, a type of prickly heat rash, can also present like diaper rash.
A seborrheic rash may also indicate atopic dermatitis or Seborrheic dermatitis, or eczema in rare cases. These conditions usually affect areas other than the diaper area. Consult your child’s doctor if the rash doesn’t go away with home care. [21] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Avoid fastening the diaper too tightly. This can keep soiled parts close to the skin and make the diaper rash worse. [24] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Clean the area with warm water and a soft washcloth or scent- and alcohol-free baby wipe. [26] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Pat the area dry to minimize further irritation.
Try ointments made of witch hazel, calendula, or aloe vera. These can effectively soothe diaper rash and promote healing. [29] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Use products designed for babies. Avoid anything containing baking soda, boric acid, camphor, phenol, benzocaine, diphenhydramine, or salicylates. These ingredients may be toxic to babies. Wipe away the product as needed. This may be at every diaper change or once a day. [30] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Use a larger diaper than usual until the diaper rash disappears. This increases airflow to the baby’s skin. Avoid overdressing your baby in winter. Loosen their clothing when you are inside during this time of year to prevent irritation and keep moisture from developing.
Use products that are labeled scent-, fragrance-, and dye-free. [34] X Expert Source Mohiba Tareen, MDFAAD Board Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
Persists for three days or more Gets worse Is more red-dotted than solid, which can indicate a yeast infection Is accompanied by a fever Seems very painful Presents with blisters or pus-filled sores, which can indicate Impetigo. [36] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Hydrocortisone cream Antifungal cream for fungal and yeast infections Topical or oral antibiotics for bacterial infections
Removing potential food allergens such as cow’s milk[39] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Trying scent-, alcohol-, and detergent free diapers, wipes, and cleansers[40] X Research source Switching to natural fabric, breathable clothing that isn’t too tight Discontinuing use of baby powders or cornstarch on the affected area
