Diseases & Conditions

Diaper rash

You start to change your baby's diaper, and there it is — a patchwork of bright red skin on your baby's bottom. Don't panic. You're likely seeing diaper rash, a common form of inflamed skin (dermatitis).

Most infants develop a diaper rash at some time. Diaper rash may be more common after solid foods are added to your baby's diet, when breast-feeding mothers eat certain foods or when your baby is taking antibiotics. Other factors that can lead to diaper rash include continuously wet or infrequently changed diapers, diarrhea, and using plastic pants to cover diapers.

Diaper rash can alarm parents and annoy babies, but most cases disappear after a few days with simple home treatments.

Diaper rash is characterized by the following:

• Skin symptoms. Diaper rash is marked by red, puffy and tender skin in the diaper region — buttocks, thighs and genitals.
• Changes in your baby's disposition. You may notice your baby seems more uncomfortable than usual, especially during diaper changes. A baby with a diaper rash often fusses or cries when the diaper area is washed or touched.

Diaper rashes can occur intermittently, anytime while your child wears diapers, but they're more common in babies during their first 15 months, especially between 8 and 10 months of age.

The best treatment for diaper rash is to keep your baby's skin as clean and dry as possible. If your baby's diaper rash persists during home treatment, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream or possibly a mild hydrocortisone cream as a diaper rash treatment.

Diaper rashes usually require several days to improve and can continue for weeks. If the rash persists despite prescription treatment, your doctor may recommend that your baby see a dermatologist.

Use creams with steroids only if your baby's pediatrician or dermatologist recommends them — strong steroids or frequent use can lead to additional problems.

Over-the-counter products
Various diaper rash medications are available without a prescription. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for specific recommendations. Zinc oxide is the active ingredient in many diaper rash creams. These products are usually applied in a thin layer to the irritated region throughout the day to soothe and protect your baby's skin. Zinc oxide can also be used to prevent diaper rash on normal, healthy skin.

Ointments or creams may be less irritating than lotions or liquid solutions, but ointments create a barrier over the skin and don't allow it to receive air. Creams dry on the skin and allow air through. Your doctor can tell you whether a cream or ointment would be better for your child's particular rash. As a general rule, stick with products designed specifically for babies.

Increasing airflow
To aid the healing of diaper rash, do what you can to increase airflow to the diaper region. These simple suggestions may help:

• Let your child go without a diaper for short periods of time.
• Avoid using plastic or tightfitting diaper covers.
• Use larger sized diapers until the rash goes away.

While your baby has a diaper rash, avoid washing the affected area with soaps and disposable, scented wipes. Alcohol and perfumes in these products can irritate your baby's skin and aggravate or prolong the rash.

In the past, it was common to use talcum powder to protect a baby's skin and absorb excess moisture. However, doctors no longer recommend this. Inhaled talcum powder can irritate a baby's lungs.