Common Causes of Diaper Rash

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by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

When a baby gets a diaper rash, the sooner it goes away the better. The best way to get rid of a diaper rash or help to prevent getting one in the first place is to get to the root of the problem. Knowing the most common causes for diaper rash can help avoid future breakouts.

Many parents often wonder if they are at fault for the diaper rash. Diaper rashes are very common. Sometimes a diaper rash is caused by skin irritations that could have been prevented, but not every time. They also can occur for a variety of reasons that cannot always be avoided.

Chafing

One of the most common and most preventable causes of diaper rash is diaper chafing. It can occur from having a soiled diaper or from the diaper rubbing the baby's skin. Soiled diapers can cause irritation to baby's sensitive skin. This type of skin irritation is very common and generally occurs when baby is allowed to wear a soiled diaper for too long.

Changing diapers frequently can prevent diaper rashes from occurring in this way. Being sure diapers are the proper size and are not too loose or tight can also prevent chafing from occurring.

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections are also one of the more common diaper rash causes and can occur in various locations throughout the human body, the diaper area being one of them. Girls can get a yeast infection, which is one form of bacterial infection. There are also other bacterial infections that cause diaper rashes.

Impetigo is another common bacterial infection. Impetigo causes a blister-like diaper rash. Bacterial infections must be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional. If your baby's diaper rash does not clear up in a day or so, make an appointment with your child's pediatrician to be sure it is not caused by a bacterial infection.

Allergic Reactions

Some babies have more sensitive skin than others or may have allergies that will cause a diaper rash. Some common allergens that cause diaper rash are food allergies, fragrance, dyes, elastic diaper linings and artificial cloth fibers. All of these except the food products can be contained in your child's diaper, clothing, laundry detergent, bath soap and even diaper rash ointments.

All babies respond differently. However, choosing fragrance-free and dye-free items that use only natural fibers and ingredients can help avoid this type of situation, as can avoiding foods that contain artificial coloring and flavoring.

There are a variety of things that can produce allergens. If your child is getting a diaper rash frequently, it may be due to an allergy. It is best to see the child's pediatrician to figure out what might be causing the allergic reaction and determine what to do to avoid it in the future.

Eczema

Eczema can occur in all areas of the skin, even the diaper area. Eczema usually shows up as patches of red, scale-like skin. It can also appear in different forms. With eczema, the skin will generally be very dry. Eczema can be treated with fragrance-free and dye-free cream lotions or with petroleum jelly.

If the eczema is severe, your child's pediatrician may prescribe a steroidal cream or other prescription treatment. Whether the eczema is severe or not, it is wise to take your child to the pediatrician to have it examined.

Moisture

Excessive moisture can irritate baby's sensitive skin. Changing diapers frequently can prevent this type of rash from occurring. Moisture can also develop in the diaper area if diapering or clothing is too restricting or the weather is too warm for baby.

Keeping the baby dressed appropriately for the weather and in fresh, clean diapers and clothes can help to avoid a diaper rash that is caused due to moisture.

Heat

Human skin, especially that of babies, is sometimes sensitive to heat. When the temperature is too warm, it can cause a breakout in the diaper area. Heat rash can occur in many places, including the diaper area.

Babies should be kept cool with loose fitting clothing and diapering in warmer weather temperatures. Bulky diapering can also cause too much heat for baby's skin in cooler weather temperatures.

The main objective is to be sure that baby is dressed for the weather without being excessively covered in the diaper area. Rubber diaper cover-ups can also sometimes cause excessive heat or even moisture.

Not every rash in the diaper area can be treated by the parent alone. Any rash lasting more than a day or so without improvement (or one that is bleeding or otherwise questionable) should be looked at by a licensed medical professional, preferably your child's regular pediatrician.

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