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Diaper Rash: How To Prepare and Protect Your Baby

Diaper rash is one of the most common skin conditions in infancy, affecting nearly every baby at some point during their early years. It typically appears on the buttocks, genitals, and thighs and can range from mild redness to painful, open sores.

While often mild and easily treatable, it can be uncomfortable for infants and distressing for parents. Characterised by redness, irritation, or inflammation in the diaper area, diaper rash may stem from a variety of causes, including prolonged moisture, friction, infections, or sensitivity to products. Understanding what triggers diaper rash and how best to treat and prevent it is essential for maintaining a baby’s comfort and skin health. This article explores the major causes of diaper rash, effective treatment strategies, and practical prevention tips, supported by medical research and expert guidance.

1. What Does Diaper Rash Look Like?

Diaper rash can look different depending on the cause and severity, but generally it appears as inflamed skin in the diaper area on the buttocks, genitals, and thighs.  

Some common symptoms of diaper rash include: 

  • Red or brown bumps, which may be harder to see on darker skin tones, along with larger areas of sensitive or irritated skin around the diaper area or in the folds of your baby’s upper thighs. 
  • Peeling, flaking, or scaly skin. 
  • The affected area may look puffy and tender and feel warm to the touch. 
  • Your baby seems irritable or fussy. 
  • Blisters or open sores 
  • Pus-filled blisters 
  • Watery fluid or pus seeping from reddened patches.

2. What Causes Diaper Rash?

Irritant Contact Dermatitis (Irritant Diaper Dermatitis)

This is the most prevalent form of diaper rash. It arises when a baby’s skin is exposed to wetness, friction, or irritating substances for prolonged periods. Wet or soiled diapers, urine, and stool weaken the skin’s barrier, increase skin pH, and invite irritation from fecal enzymes and ammonia.

Yeast (Fungal) Infection

An overgrowth of Candida fungus often follows prolonged irritation, particularly when babies take or are exposed to antibiotics—because antibiotics can disrupt normal skin microbiota. Yeast-related rashes are often bright red, shiny, and may extend to the groin folds with small pimples or sores.

Bacterial
Infection

Less commonly, bacteria such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus can infect an existing rash, causing blistering, pus, or yellow crusting (similar to impetigo).

Allergic (Contact) Dermatitis

Some infants may react to chemicals in diapers, wipes, soaps, or detergents—leading to redness and rash due to allergic sensitivity.

3. Treatment and Management

Basic Home Care

Keep the area clean & dry. Change diapers promptly when wet or soiled. Clean with water and a gentle cloth—or sensitive, alcohol-free wipes. Pat dry gently. Apply protective barrier ointments. Use thick creams containing zinc oxide or petroleum jelly to form a moisture-blocking layer. Increase diaper-free time. Allow the baby’s skin to air out whenever possible.

Use breathable diapers

Whether using disposable or cloth, frequent changes matter more than the type of diaper. Stay away from scented or alcohol-infused wipes, soaps, detergents, and lotions.

4. When to see a doctor?

Seek medical attention when the rash doesn’t improve after 2–3 days of home treatment.

You notice blisters, pus, bleeding, or widespread rashes.

Rash is accompanied by fever or appears infected.

Your child is taking antibiotics, newborn, or rash spreads beyond diaper area.

Recommendations

    • Using Zinc-oxide diaper cream and petroleum jelly provides a barrier between the diaper and urine or stool while your baby’s damaged skin heals. Use at every diaper change in infants who frequently develop rashes.  
    • Always wipe gently and pat when cleaning the baby’s diaper area; never rub while cleansing the baby’s skin. Use irritant-free wipes and then warm water when cleaning stools. 
    • Do not use cloth diapers as they expose the baby to many irritants.  The protective advances in diapering technology have led to the recommendation of disposable diapers to help prevent diaper rash.  
  • Notice when and how your baby experiences diaper rash so you will be aware of any patterns. If the baby continues to develop diaper rash, talk to your baby’s padiatrician or nurse. 

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