Causes Of Diaper Rash

October 15, 2023

Babies are sensitive to their surroundings due to the introduction of many new external factors that they are exposed to. Being in the mother's womb has protected them from the outside world; thus, making their skin vulnerable to many things. One common condition that babies develop is diaper rash. Diaper rash is a condition where the skin, usually around the buttocks, becomes red, irritated and inflamed. There are numerous reasons why diaper rash occurs and can range from skin sensitivity and infections to new foods being introduced into the infant's diet. Uncover the common causes of diaper rash to help prevent it from happening to your baby now.

Sensitive Skin

Babies have extremely delicate skin that can react to many conditions that they are exposed to. Especially in the first year, they can be susceptible to a lot of skin irritation. Urine and poop filled diapers can easily cause a diaper rash. When a baby sleeps at night, they stay in their dirty diapers longer and is prone to develop an irritated bottom. Diarrhea can also cause the skin to become inflamed due to the acidic content found in the stool. These factors significantly affect the already sensitive state of the baby's skin. The use of Huggies extra absorbent diapers can drastically reduce the chances of diaper rash. Frequent diaper changes can also keep the baby's skin dry and free from rashes.

Chafing And Rubbing From Diapers And Clothing

If a baby squirms and fusses frequently, it could be due to clothes or diapers chafing and rubbing uncomfortably on their body. If they are unusually uncomfortable during a diaper change, they could have diaper rash. The rash is usually red skin found around the buttocks, thighs, or genital areas. It can cause pain and discomfort if clothes and diapers rub against the already irritated skin. To alleviate this issue, put the diaper on loosely to prevent further chafing. Avoid any tight fitting and constricting clothing until the skin has healed. Use rapid relief diaper rash, fragrance-free cream. If possible, let the baby go without a diaper for a few hours at a time to give the agitated skin a chance to breathe. It is essential to allow the affected area to dry up as the friction from the clothes and diapers can cause excessive moisture, as moisture can exacerbate the diaper rash.

Irritation From Skin Products

Sometimes products used to help the baby ends up giving them a diaper rash. The use of soaps, wipes, and detergents to keep the baby clean can also give them irritated skin and cause a diaper rash. When a new product is introduced to the infant, there is a chance that their tender skin could react to it. Solutions to alleviating skin irritation include immediately discontinuing the use of the product in question and to seek another alternative that is compatible with the baby's sensitive skin, such as unscented products. Also, a moisture-barrier agent, like zinc oxide and petroleum jelly will help protect the sensitive skin from diaper rash.

Skin Infection

Some skin infections attribute to diaper rash, while other skin infections develop for different reasons. These infections include yeast infection, fungal infection, psoriasis, and impetigo. Common signs that the baby is experiencing a skin infection is the presence of red, swollen spots found around the diaper area and thighs. If the infection is severe, the skin can feel painful, itchy and may even bleed. A yeast infection is common and appears in the folds of the infant's body. It grows and spreads in areas where there are moisture and warmth. Impetigo is another common skin rash that can develop in babies and is characterized by yellowish, brown crusty patches, that can be pus-filled. They are commonly found on the buttocks, thighs and lower abdomen.

Introduction To New Foods

Diaper rash can occur when a baby is introduced to new foods. A newborn infant's diet consists of mostly milk. As the baby gets older, they are introduced to solid foods, which can cause a reaction to these new foods. One type of reaction they may develop from food is diaper rash. Certain foods such as juices, tomatoes, strawberries, pineapples, and citrus fruits can be responsible for the rash. These foods can be too acidic for babies to digest properly. As a result, painful, red rings around the anus and mouth can develop. It is suggested that a parent waits until their child is older to introduce acidic based foods to their diet, as a way to help prevent the chances of a diaper rash from developing.

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