Introduction To Diaper Rash & How To Treat It

Dealing with diaper rash can be a painful, frustrating experience for babies and parents alike, and learning the proper diaper rash treatment techniques can be just as stressful. 

Luckily, parents can minimize diaper rash outbreaks by learning the root causes of diaper rashes and staying up-to-date on the best diaper rash creams, treatments, and tools available for treating and soothing baby. Additionally, learning the different types of diaper rash can save parents a lot of time and your little one a lot of irritation.

Read on to learn more about what causes diaper rash, how to treat it quickly, and what you can do to prevent the rash from harming your baby in the future. From newborn diaper rash to severe diaper rash blisters, learning the proper techniques for the most comforting cures will go a long way in soothing your little one.

What is Diaper Rash? 

Diaper rash is a painful skin inflammation that appears as a bright red patch on babies’ bottoms and legs. While diaper rash can be uncomfortable for babies –– and distressing for parents –– even a bad diaper rash will typically fade in two to three days. 

There are multiple types of diaper rashes parents should watch out for. Learning to spot these different diaper rash types can help parents identify the root cause of their baby’s outbreak and expedite proper treatment, from diaper rash ointment to proper aftercare.

What Causes Diaper Rash?

Unfortunately, diaper rashes can be caused or influenced by several factors, including:

• Wet Diapers - prolonged exposure to urine and stool in wet diapers is the most common cause of baby diaper rash. Ammonia in urine and enzymes in stool increases the pH of your baby’s skin and can cause irritation that leads to diaper rash.

• Chafing - Friction (the force responsible for chafing) weakens the protective layer of the skin over time. Consistent friction between snug clothing, diapers, wipes, and more can lead to painful diaper rashes for your baby. 

• Dietary Changes - Sudden dietary changes can also lead to diaper rash. Breast-fed infants may experience diaper rashes due to their mothers’ diet changes. Older babies with expanding diets often experience stool content changes that irritate the skin and lead to diaper rashes.

• Sensitive Skin - Skin sensitivity varies widely and can leave some babies more susceptible to diaper rashes than others. Conditions like eczema can also increase babies’ susceptibility to diaper rashes. 

Fortunately, parents have one major diaper rash treatment tool they can usually rely on - diaper cream! When applied properly, diaper cream can seriously minimize –– or eliminate –– these root causes and protect babies from uncomfortable skin irritation or inflammation.

How Long Do Diaper Rashes Last?

Diaper rashes typically don’t last longer than two to three days. However, if left untreated, baby diaper rashes can lead to yeast infections and other painful conditions that cause more severe diaper rash symptoms, like: 

• Prolonged fevers
• Raw/peeling skin
• Spreading redness and inflammation
• Tiny diaper rash blisters or pimples in the affected areas

How Do You Get Rid of Diaper Rash Fast?

Diaper rash treatment in 24 hours is certainly possible, but not super easy. It takes time for the skin to heal, but persistent parents can expedite this timeline with a few simple tips and tricks.

For example, switching from your normal baby wipes to washing with warm water can reduce inflammation and significantly help the healing process for baby and newborn diaper rash. Parents can also take a break from diapers to allow the damaged skin to heal without ongoing friction. 

Parents can also soothe diaper rashes more quickly by carefully applying a high-quality diaper rash cream. The best diaper rash ointments are an essential tool in the fight against diaper rashes because they create a soothing and protective barrier on the skin.

What Does a Diaper Rash Look Like?

Diaper rashes typically appear as areas of bright pink or red inflammation. Diaper rashes can also lead to swelling, dryness, sensitivity, and peeling in the affected areas, depending on the severity of the diaper rash. 

If your baby’s rash appears dark red, white, or scaly, your baby may be dealing with a more complicated yeast infection or psoriatic diaper rash.

What Are the Different Types of Diaper Rash? 

There are four main types of diaper rashes parents should watch out for. These types are:

• Irritant Contact Dermatitis - The most common type of diaper rash, Irritant Contact Dermatitis, is caused by exposure to urine and stool in wet diapers. Look for the characteristic redness, inflammation, and discomfort to identify this diaper rash type. 

• Yeast infections - Yeast infections most often occur in the folds and creases on babies’ thighs. Yeast infections can be identified by deep, dark red rashes as well as discharge, redness, or itchiness around the genitals. 

• Bacterial Skin Infections - Minor bacterial infections can quickly spread in the warm, humid conditions inside your baby’s diaper. Bacterial skin infections are more likely to cause pimples, blisters, sores, and scabs compared to I.C.D or yeast infections.

• Allergic Dermatitis - Babies can develop diaper rash due to new products that irritate their sensitive skin. Diapers, wipes, creams, and ointments can potentially cause allergic reactions that lead to redness and itching.

How Can I Treat Diaper Rash? Three Diaper Rash Remedies 

Depending on the type and severity of your baby’s diaper rash, you may need to see a pediatrician for treatment. Yeast infections, bacterial infections, and allergic dermatitis are bad diaper rashes that call for a trip to your local doctor’s office. For instance, if your baby’s diaper rash blisters continue to grow or appear more painful, it’s probably time for a visit.

However, most cases of diaper rash are relatively mild and caused by irritant contact dermatitis (a.k.a. wet diapers). If your baby is facing a mild case of diaper rash, there are a few diaper rash treatment options you can pursue. 

Diaper rash ointment creates an essential layer of protection between your baby’s skin and diaper that prevents further friction or chafing. The best diaper creams also soothe and moisturize your baby’s skin, healing diaper rashes faster and with less discomfort.

(Note: Be sure to apply your diaper creams properly, or your baby’s rash could worsen!)

Diaper rash treatment can often come down to outside factors. If any of your baby’s products are contributing to their diaper rash, it’s essential to replace them with a gentler alternative. Make sure your diapers, wipes, and creams are free of chemicals or fragrances that are known to be potential irritants to avoid slowing down your efforts to treat the relevant diaper rash.

Ensuring your baby’s diapers fit securely (without being too snug!) can prevent friction and chafing that breaks down the skin and causes mild to severe diaper rash. If your baby constantly struggles with friction while wearing traditional diapers, switching to cloth diapers may help.

Can Diaper Cream Make Diaper Rash Worse?

Like many things, the effectiveness of diaper creams relies on the way they’re used. When applied correctly, diaper cream is a fantastic diaper rash remedy that creates a smooth, friction-fighting barrier that soothes, heals, and protects irritated skin. 

However, if diaper rash ointment is applied incorrectly (like while the skin is damp or the cream is rubbed too heavily into the skin), diaper rashes can become more inflamed, more painful, and take longer to heal.

How to Safely Apply Diaper Cream

To safely apply diaper cream, start by cleaning and drying the baby's diaper area thoroughly. Ensure your hands are clean to prevent the spread of bacteria. Apply a small amount of cream to your fingertips, and gently spread a thin layer over the affected area, covering it completely without applying too much pressure. If you're using a zinc oxide-based cream, it should be visible but not excessively thick. Avoid contaminating the cream by not dipping your fingers back into the container after touching the baby's skin. After application, wash your hands thoroughly. Monitor the baby's skin for any reactions and consult a pediatrician if the rash worsens or does not improve. Changing diapers frequently and ensuring the diaper area remains clean and dry are crucial steps alongside the use of diaper cream.