What Causes Diaper Rash?

Diaper rash occurs when a baby's bottom becomes bright red as a result of the skin becoming inflamed. Although diapers are made to minimize this, external factors such as bacteria, skin sensitivity and even food can cause diaper rash. Knowing some of the common causes of diaper rash allows a parent to spot symptoms early and treat it before signs of infection appear.

  1. Stool and Urine

    • Prolonged contact with feces and urine is one of the most common causes of diaper rash. Babies with higher bladder activity and bowel movement will excrete more frequently and will require diaper changes beyond the norm. Closely monitor a baby's bowel activity, regularly change dirty diapers and thoroughly clean the baby's diaper area with antibacterial solutions.

    Foods

    • Baby's between 4 and 12 months of age start eating solid foods and start to scale back on breast milk and formula. This change in diet could indirectly be the cause of diaper rash in your child. The transition from breast milk or formula to solid foods changes the content and timing of a baby̵7;s stool, which might make the skin more prone to developing a rash. A breastfeeding mother who changes her diet can also see the same problem in her baby.

    Baby Products

    • Skin gets accustomed to fabrics and solutions over time. Thus, changing any one of these might cause a reaction and lead to diaper rash. Certain brands of disposable diapers and baby wipes may not be suitable for a baby̵7;s skin because of the fabric used and the content of the wipe̵7;s liquids. More severe cases of diaper rash occur when irritants in certain solutions cause a violent reaction almost immediately.

    Bacterial Infection

    • A more uncommon type of diaper rash is when yellowish, crusty spots or thinned skin layers appear in the diaper area. This is because of bacterial infection that is often associated with yeast. Antibiotics are also indirect causes of this kind of diaper rash. Because antibiotics indiscriminately kill good and bad bacteria, the resulting imbalance might trigger yeast infections as well. This type of rash is potentially more severe than a regular diaper rash. Contact a doctor immediately if you see these symptoms.

    Prevention Tips

    • Regularly changing a baby̵7;s diaper is one of the best ways to successfully prevent diaper rash. A diaper should be changed immediately after you notice it has been soiled, regardless of whether it is urine or feces. Avoid soaps and other irritant solutions to clean a baby and only use hygiene materials made specifically for babies. Leave a baby̵7;s diaper area exposed to open air from time to time; this keeps the area dry and helps reduce the risk of diaper rash.

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