Diaper Rash – Treatments and Home Remedies
Is your baby’s bum looking a little angry and red these days? Do they cry their little throat sore if you so much as try to touch it? It could be a diaper rash! And before we continue – take a deep breath – it’s not your fault (most likely).
Your baby’s skin is newly exposed to the harsh climate of the outside world and is much more delicate and sensitive than an older child or adult’s. Everything from pee and poop to an uncomfortable diaper against their bum might end up giving them a bum rash.
But the good news is that diaper rashes are easy to treat, and they start responding to treatment right away! So, learn everything you need to know about baby diaper rash right here in this blog!
Types of diaper rash in babies
There are three types of diaper rash. It’s easy to believe that any ‘rash’ caused by ‘diapers’ in the ‘bum area’ is ‘diaper rash’, but there’s more to it than this basic classification:
Irritant dermatitis
This is your regular and the most common diaper rash; the one that comes to mind by default when you hear ‘diaper rash’. It is caused by irritants such as pee and poop, and looks reddish, shiny, and hot to touch. This rash affects the genitals, buttocks, thighs, and stomach, and it spreads to the chubby folds and creases in these areas.
Candida dermatitis
If your baby diaper rash looks like pimples, it could be Candida dermatitis, commonly referred to as yeast rashes. It has a deep red color and appears as patches within the diaper area most of the time, particularly in the folds and creases of the thighs. It can even extend beyond the diapered region.
Baby boys may experience scaling or redness of the penis, while baby girls may experience itching and a white or yellow discharge from the vaginal area.
Allergic dermatitis
These are rashes caused by allergic reactions due to repeated exposure to something irritating in the baby products you use. Find out what it is that’s causing this allergic reaction and avoid using it again.
Now let’s get to the causes of diaper rash, you’ll be even more surprised when you learn diapers aren’t the sole culprit causing diaper rash!
5 Possible Causes of Diaper Rash
One or more than one of these following factors can be the reason for your baby’s diaper rash:
- Dirty diapers
Let’s start with the most obvious one. When a diaper is left on for too long, the dampness and acidity in the pee and poo are an invitation for baby diaper rash. Change the diaper about every 3 to 4 hours and let your baby’s bum go diaper-free for a while.
Do not leave the diaper on for more hours than is recommended on the pack.
- Antibiotics
Antibiotics? And diaper rashes?? Yes, these two are more closely related than you might think.
The thing about antibiotics is that they can’t differentiate between the good bacteria and the bad bacteria. They kill both and pray it all works out in the end. As a result, the good bacteria responsible for keeping yeast growth in check may also get killed, resulting in yeast infection and diaper rashes.
- Tight diapers
Now this is on the person who picked the diaper (you, most likely 👀). The tight fitting can cause the diaper to rub against the skin too many times, resulting in diaper rashes.
A tight diaper also restricts air flow, which creates the perfect environment for diaper rashes to develop.
- Introduction of solid foods
When you introduce solid foods to your baby, the composition of their poop (or what makes up their poop) also changes which can increase the risks of diaper rash.
On another note, in breast-fed babies, baby diaper rash can also occur as a reaction to something the mom ate.
- Irritants and allergies
When your baby’s skin is irritated or shows signs of an allergic reaction after trying a new baby product, avoid it. These baby products can be anything from diapers, baby wipes, soaps, laundry detergents, moisturizers, to so much more.
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Top 6 Home Remedies for Baby Diaper Rash
Here’s 6 tips and suggestions on how to take care of baby diaper rash:
- Apply breastmilk on the diaper rash
No kidding. One of the most unexpected uses of breastmilk is treating baby diaper rash. Apply a few drops of breastmilk on the diaper rash and leave it to dry before changing into a new diaper.
- Apply coconut oil
A classic home remedy for diaper rashes in babies because of its antifungal and antibacterial qualities.
- Aloe Vera is great for diaper rashes
Aloe Vera packs almost everything you’d need to fight diaper rashes. Applying fresh Aloe Vera gel can:
- Fight the germs (if it’s an infection)
- Cool down the area of the diaper rash
- Promote healing
- Soothe the irritation caused by the diaper rash
- It also moisturizes the area (if the cause of the rash is dryness and restricted airflow)
- Diaper-free time reigns!
Hark! What manner of barbaric parent, be they mother or father, doth confine their tender babe’s buttocks in swaddling garments day in and day out? (Translation: Don’t confine your baby’s buttocks in diapers all day. Babies love diaper-free time!)
- Yogurt for diaper rash works too
Yogurt contains the good that can fight the bad bacteria responsible for the diaper rash (if it’s a rash caused by infection). Additionally, yogurt can provide soothing relief to inflamed skin and minimize friction between the skin and the diaper, thereby promoting rapid healing.
Apply a thick layer of yogurt on the affected area and allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water. Repeat this process twice a day, and you will notice a reduction in the rash within a couple of days.
- Diaper rashes remedies & creams
Furthermore, other substances such as corn starch, diluted apple cider vinegar, and baking soda possess their own diaper rash-fighting and healing properties, making them additional options to consider.
You can also apply diaper rash cream or ointment available at your local pharmacies and online. The best baby diaper rash cream will contain zinc oxide which protects and soothes their skin and helps promote healing.
Now you know how to how to prevent diaper rash in babies, and even how to treat it. Give yourself a silent clap!
If you’re looking for a diaper that keeps your little munchkin happy, look no further! Try Teddyy Baby Diapers – India’s first baby diaper brand! Established in 1987 and manufactured by one of Asia’s top three Diaper Manufacturing Companies, Teddyy understands your baby’s needs better than any other diaper. Teddyy diapers are specifically designed to prevent baby diaper rashes.
- Rapid absorption: Our diapers boast exceptional absorbency, swiftly locking away moisture to keep your little one dry and fresh for longer durations.
- Breathable Comfort: Teddyy diapers are crafted with cloth-like breathable materials, allowing air circulation and reducing the risk of diaper rash formation.
- Gentle on Skin: We prioritize your baby’s delicate skin by making use of ultra-soft, ultra-cushy, and anti-bacterial materials that minimize friction and prevent irritation.
- Secure Fit: Teddyy diapers feature a snug yet flexible design, ensuring a secure fit that minimizes the chances of leaks or discomfort.
- Anti-bacterial properties: Every Teddyy diaper is enriched with a unique anti-bacterial formula that stops the growth of harmful bacteria and keeps your little one protected.
Teddyy diapers come with a wetness indicator so that you know the perfect time for a diaper change!
Now, remember that baby diaper rash is quite common and not a sign of negligence on the parents’ part! With the help of the home remedies mentioned in this blog, you can effectively manage diaper rashes.
In the meantime, avoid any products that can worsen the diaper rash. Also remember that if the diaper rash refuses to get better or progressively gets worse, it’s important to seek medical assistance. See you in another blog!
Diaper rash is usually diagnosed based on its appearance. Doctors can identify diaper rash by examining the affected area, which typically appears as red, irritated skin in the diaper area.
Baby diaper rash treatment involves keeping the diaper area clean and dry.
- Change diapers frequently to minimize moisture and irritation.
- Gently clean the diaper area with mild soap and water or a gentle baby wipe during each diaper change.
- Allow the skin to air dry or pat it gently with a soft towel.
- Apply diaper rash cream, aloe vera, yogurt or breastmilk on the affected area to promote speedy healing.
To prevent diaper rash, follow these tips:
- Change your baby’s diaper frequently, every 3 to 4 hours, or as soon as it becomes wet or soiled.
- Clean the diaper area gently during each diaper change and allow it to dry completely before putting on a fresh diaper.
- Avoid using overly tight diapers or diaper pants that restrict airflow.
- Give your baby some diaper-free time to allow the skin to breathe and stay dry.
In most cases, diaper rash improves within a few days with proper care and treatment. However, the duration of diaper rash can vary depending on its severity and how well it is treated. If the rash persists or worsens despite home remedies, please contact your doctor.
It is generally recommended to change your baby’s diaper every 3 to 4 hours or as soon as it becomes wet or soiled. Regular diaper changes help to keep the diaper area clean, dry, and free from irritation, reducing the risk of diaper rash.
