How Does Diaper Rash Occur?

It̵7;s a rare parent who hasn̵7;t dealt with a diaper rash at some point. Between the ages of 4 and 15 months, the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that about half of all children develop a diaper rash. Some children have frequent problems with diaper rash. Your baby might get diaper rash for a variety of reasons.

  1. Moisture is Major

    • Diaper rash often occurs with a change in diet or an illness that causes diarrhea. The increased moisture and constant contact with urine or feces can be irritating to the baby̵7;s skin. Urine contains ammonia, which can also be irritating. When a baby wears a wet diaper for a period of time, the diaper rubs as she moves and chafes the skin. Sometimes your baby might be sensitive to chemicals in disposable diapers or to the laundry detergent or bleach you use to wash cloth diapers.

    Clean, But Just a Little

    • Diapers keep air away from a baby̵7;s skin, which can increase the chances of diaper rash or make it worse. When you change the diaper and clean your baby, you can irritate her skin if you rub too vigorously. Human skin has oils that can be stripped away by the use of soap and water or other cleaning solutions, which can also contribute to diaper rash. Once your baby already has a rash, diaper wipes can make it worse, as they may be irritating.

    Other Possibilities

    • Sometimes what looks like diaper rash is actually something else. For example, Boston Children̵7;s Hospital notes that a yeast infection can develop in the diaper area, especially if your baby has been on antibiotics. Dyes or other materials in the diaper can cause an allergic reaction, according to medical information website Up-to-Date, that eventually results in a rash. Several kinds of skin infections as well as eczema can also result in a rash. The warm, moist environment of the diaper makes the first signs of these problems more likely to occur in that area.

    Prevention and Other Strategies

    • Prevention is always the best way to deal with a diaper rash, according to Boston Children̵7;s Hospital. Frequent diaper changes help to ensure that your baby̵7;s skin won̵7;t remain in contact with urine or stool any longer than necessary. Although it̵7;s important to keep the skin clean, be gentle. Take your baby̵7;s diaper off and expose her skin to air for a few hours each day. Up-to-Date recommends you use unscented, alcohol-free diaper wipes. If your baby develops diaper rash despite your efforts or if you have any questions or concerns, contact your doctor.

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