To treat your baby’s diaper rash, also known as diaper dermatitis, you must first confirm that a rash is actually present. Check if the skin in contact with the diaper, such as the buttocks, genitals, groin, or lower abdomen, is red, warm, or covered in tiny bumps.
When a baby has a diaper rash, they often become irritable and may cry during diaper changes. This occurs because the skin in the affected area becomes extremely sensitive and painful to the touch.
To effectively manage diaper rash, it is recommended to apply a protective barrier ointment and avoid using commercial wet wipes for cleaning. Additionally, letting your baby go without a diaper for a few minutes each day can significantly speed up the healing process.
What to do for diaper rash treatment
To treat a baby's diaper rash, you should adopt the following care measures:
-
Give your baby diaper-free time every day to allow the skin to breathe. This helps heal the rash because trapped heat and moisture are the primary causes of diaper dermatitis.
-
Fasten the diaper more loosely to prevent constant friction against the skin. Reducing chafing helps prevent the irritation from worsening.
-
Apply a thick layer of a barrier ointment, such as Aquaphor or Desitin, at every diaper change. These products protect the skin and provide a barrier that promotes healing.
-
Change diapers frequently to ensure that urine and stool do not stay in contact with the skin for too long. It is best to change the diaper before or after every feeding and immediately after every bowel movement.
-
Clean the diaper area using only water and a soft gauze pad or cotton cloth. Many store-bought wet wipes contain fragrances or alcohol that can further irritate damaged skin and delay recovery.
Diaper rash is usually a temporary condition that clears up quickly with proper care. However, if left untreated, it can lead to a secondary bacterial infection or a yeast infection (candidiasis), which requires specific medical treatment prescribed by a pediatrician.
Over-the-counter options
Treatments you can purchase at the pharmacy to treat a diaper rash include:
-
1. Zinc oxide: This is the most common active ingredient found in diaper rash pastes and creams. It creates a thick, physical barrier that prevents moisture and irritants from reaching the skin while providing anti-inflammatory properties to soothe redness. To apply, spread a thick layer (like frosting a cake) over the clean, dry diaper area at every change until the rash clears.
-
2. Petrolatum (Petroleum jelly): This clear, ointment-based skin protectant is an effective occlusive that seals out wetness and protects the skin from the acidity of urine and stool. It is often used for daily prevention or to treat mild irritation because it is hypoallergenic and easy to spread. Apply a thin layer to clean skin, ensuring the area is completely dry before application to avoid trapping moisture.
-
3. Dimethicone: A silicone-based ingredient often found in lighter creams and spray-on treatments that helps repel water and reduce friction. It is less greasy than traditional ointments, making it a good choice for sensitive skin that needs a breathable but effective barrier. Apply the cream or spray directly to the affected area after cleaning to seal out environmental irritants.
-
4. Topical cornstarch: Used as a drying agent, cornstarch helps absorb excess moisture and reduces friction between the skin and the diaper. It is primarily used for mild cases or as a preventative measure when the skin is prone to sweating. To apply, shake a small amount into your hand first (keeping it far away from the baby's face) and then gently pat it onto the dry skin.
These over-the-counter treatments are typically effective within a few days when combined with frequent diaper changes and proper hygiene. Read more about diaper rash creams that your doctor may recommend to help speed-up healing.
What can cause diaper rash
The most common causes of diaper rash in babies include:
-
Excessive heat and moisture trapped in the diaper.
-
Prolonged skin contact with urine or feces.
-
Allergic reactions to ingredients in wet wipes or detergents.
-
Inadequate cleaning of the diaper area.
In addition to redness and occasional skin peeling or small bumps, severe diaper rash may cause tiny spots of blood to appear on the diaper. If you notice bleeding or intense irritation, it is important to start treatment immediately to provide your baby with relief.