Diaper Rash

What is diaper rash?
It is a red rash that a baby gets in the diaper area.  The rash may also be shiny or peeling.  The rash feels sore and itchy to the baby.

What causes diaper rash?
bulletMoisture, urine and stool can irritate the baby's skin and can cause diaper rash
bulletHarsh chemicals in laundry soaps or bleach can make cloth diapers irritating
bulletSoaps, medications or scented lotions applied to the baby's skin
bulletSome baby wipes can irritate the skin, especially if they are scented or perfumed
bulletDiapers or rubber pants that keep rubbing against the skin

If you use cloth diapers...
bulletDon't use rubber or plastic pants.  These pants trap moisture on the baby's skin, making the rash worse.  Instead, put 2 or 3 diapers on the baby and use a rubber pad under the bed sheet to keep the mattress dry.
bulletWash cloth diapers in the washing machine in hot water.  Rinse them with diluted vinegar.  (1cup of white vinegar to 1/2 of a washing machine full of water.)
bulletDry cloth diapers in a hot dryer or in the sun if possible.

What to do to prevent diaper rash
  1. Keep your baby's diaper area as clean and dry as possible.
bulletIf you use disposable diapers, use the super absorbent kind to reduce wetness.
bulletChange the diaper as soon as it is wet or soiled.
bulletExpose your baby's bottom to air as frequently as possible during the day.
  1. After each diaper change, clean the baby's diaper area with plain warm water.
Use warm water and a mild soap such as Dove® if your baby had a stool in the diaper.
bulletAllow your baby's bottom to air dry completely before putting on a clean diaper.
bulletAvoid using baby powder.  Babies can inhale the powder into their lungs when the powder is shaken form the can onto the diaper area.
bulletAvoid using baby wipes while the baby has diaper rash.  The wipes may irritate or sting the baby's skin.  Use a warm washcloth instead.
bulletDon't use a blow dryer to dry your baby's bottom after a diaper change.  This can cause burns.
  1. Make sure the diaper is the right size.
bulletDiapers that are too small or too tight trap moisture.  They also rub and irritate your baby's skin.
  1. Apply a thick layer of Balmex®, Desitin®, Vaseline® or Vitamin A & D ointment to the affected area after every diaper change.
bulletWhen changing your baby's diaper, wipe off the old layer of ointment.  Wash skin with plain water, then apply a fresh layer of ointment.
bulletIf the zinc oxide (Balmex®) or Desitin® is hard to remove with water, use mineral oil.

Make sure your baby drinks enough liquids to keep his/her urine diluted.  Diluted urine is less irritating to the skin.

Diaper rashes sometime become infected
Call your baby's health provider if the rash:
bulletdoes not get better after 3 days of following theses steps, or
bulletthe diaper rash is dark red, or
bullethas blisters or little red pimples, or
bulletspreads to the skin folds near the groin.  You may need a medicated diaper rash cream.

* This information is not a substitute for professional medical care.  Diagnosis and treatment should be done only by your health care provider. For more information contact your local health department or physician.