The ABCs Of Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is one of the most common things that can afflict a baby’s skin.  Red, inflamed, and painful skin can make your baby uncomfortable and leave them fussy for days.  Although diaper rash is incredibly common, not every parent knows exactly what causes it and how to keep it from happening.

To help parents fend off this annoying ailment and keep their baby’s skin smooth and healthy, we’ve compiled a guide to the ABCs of diaper rash.  Read on to learn what diaper rash is, how it’s caused, and how to keep it from happening in the first place.

What Is Diaper Rash?

Diaper rash is a form of dermatitis that is common in babies or anyone who regularly wears diapers.  It usually forms around the buttocks and thighs, turning the skin red and patchy with inflammation.

Symptoms include inflamed, itchy, or tender skin within the diaper area, as well as the possible presence of sores.  It’s usually accompanied by some discomfort, which usually registers as fussiness or crying during a diaper change.

How Is It Caused?

Diaper rash often forms due to the presence of moisture within the area covered by diapers, although several things can cause different forms of diaper rash.  Here are a few common causes:

1. Prolonged exposure to moisture: If a baby sits in a wet diaper for too long, the excess moisture can cause the skin to become irritated and result in diaper rash.
2. Chafing: Sometimes it’s just the way a diaper rubs against the skin that creates sensitivity and causes diaper rash.
3. Ammonia: The combination of feces and urine can create ammonia, which is known to cause diaper rash.
4. Bacteria: Feces also contain bacteria such as staphylococcus, which can lead to diaper rash.
5. Fungus: Some diaper rash is actually caused by fungus.  This is known as a yeast diaper rash, and it has to be treated by antifungal medication.

How To Treat Diaper Rash

If you’ve got a baby with diaper rash, you’re going to want to act quickly to provide them with the relief they need.  The best way to treat a diaper rash is with at-home care, although you may need to visit a doctor if the rash is accompanied by a fever, bleeds/oozes, or doesn’t go away with home treatment.

When treating diaper rash at home, you’ll want to apply a diaper cream or, in the case of harder-to-treat rashes, a medically-prescribed ointment.

To use a diaper rash cream, you’ll want to clean the area and pat it dry with a towel before applying the cream.  Apply the cream liberally and as often as necessary, usually with each diaper change and especially at bedtime.  Try to give the baby some time without a diaper to help get rid of moisture and let their bottoms air dry.  Be sure to change diapers frequently–at least every 2-3 hours.

How To Prevent Diaper Rash

The good news about diaper rash is that the same tips to treat it can be used to prevent it.  In addition to frequent diaper changes and some diaper-free time, you can regularly apply diaper cream to your baby’s bottom to help prevent inflammation.

Creams like Triple Paste 3X Max Diaper Rash Ointment are a great option for both treatment and prevention. Triple Paste uses zinc oxide to heal, soothe, and treat irritated skin while forming a protective barrier to prevent future diaper rashes.

The new Triple Paste 3X Max has 40% zinc oxide, which is the maximum amount allowable by the FDA for diaper rash, and is triple the amount that’s in Triple Paste Original Diaper Rash Ointment Unlike many creams on the market, it’s hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, meaning it won’t irritate your baby’s skin with daily use.

Diaper rash doesn’t have to be inevitable.  By staying on top of diaper changes, giving your infant some time out of the diaper every day, and using a daily diaper cream, you can keep your baby’s skin healthy and prevent the common plague of diaper rash.