It’s never a pleasant surprise to open your baby’s diaper and see a red, bumpy rash, but it’s an unavoidable aspect of caring for a little child. Where did it come from? Why does it appear angry? Should you be worried?
Fortunately, most occurrences of diaper rash are mild and can be treated at home—but that doesn’t make them any less terrible for you or your unhappy baby. They seem to appear unexpectedly, leaving you frightened and wondering how it might have been avoided.
What is a diaper rash?
A diaper rash is a skin inflammation induced by contact with a diaper. This discomfort is caused by the combination of stool and pee in the diaper region, as well as the extra moisture that comes with it.
Diaper rashes are quite common—at least half of all newborns will get one at some point. Diaper rashes are classified into four categories, each with a distinct set of symptoms.
- Irritant Dermatitis – Irritant dermatitis is the most prevalent sort of diaper rash (which you’ve certainly seen once or twice). Patches of pink or red skin that seem lumpy. The skin in your baby’s small creases and folds is normally unaffected since the diaper provides extra protection.
- Yeast infection – Diaper rashes caused by a yeast infection produce glossy pink or crimson spots with sharp or defined borders. Pink lumps or pimples, sores, or cracked skin that oozes or bleeds should be reported to a pediatrician. Unlike irritating dermatitis, the wrinkles or groin folds can also get infected.
- Bacterial infection – Although less prevalent than yeast infections, bacteria can occasionally cause diaper rash. These diseases are known as impetigo. When this happens, you’ll see bright red skin around the anus, yellow crusting, and pimples. This may imply a strep or staphylococcus (“staph”) infection.
If you suspect your infant has a bacterial infection, contact your physician for confirmation and treatment.
- Allergy rash – Unlike the other three forms of rashes, allergic rashes usually appear only after being exposed to certain products, such as wipes, lotions, or diapers. When this happens, you will see red, spotty regions. It is more prone to arise in newborns with extremely sensitive skin.
Causes of diaper rash
Unfortunately for babies, there are several reasons why a diaper rash may appear. While some are avoidable, others are simply beyond your control.
Infrequent diaper changes
It is not uncommon for your child to sit in their diaper for an extended period. (Life with children can be chaotic, after all). Unfortunately, if diaper changes are not done regularly enough, it might result in a diaper rash.
The longer their delicate skin is exposed to pee and excrement, the more probable a rash may appear in the form of irritating dermatitis.
Diarrhea
When an infant has a stomach condition, such as diarrhea, the likelihood of irritant dermatitis increases. Exposure to frequent bowel movements in the diaper might irritate a baby’s delicate skin. Overall, feces is substantially more irritating than pee.
Prolonged exposure to feces can also lead to more serious problems, such as tiny ulcers around the anus, which should be checked by your baby’s physician immediately.
Antibiotics
If your kid is taking oral antibiotics, you may see a rash caused by a yeast infection. This is because, while antibiotics are effective in treating bacterial infections, they can also kill the good microorganisms that help keep yeast in check.
A yeast overgrowth might lead to an infection. Unfortunately, yeast flourishes in warm or humid settings, so your baby’s diaper is the ideal habitat for development.
Introduction to solids
When you introduce meals to your infant, the composition of their feces may alter, and they may experience more frequent bowel movements. This rise in poopy diapers increases the probability of your infant developing a diaper rash.
Along similar lines, breastfed babies can suffer diaper rashes in response to anything the nursing mom eats.
Using new products
This is the primary cause of contact allergic diaper rash. If you’re trying out new wipes, ointments, or diapers, they may induce an allergic response. Once you determine the cause, the rash may still linger for two to four weeks after you stop using it.
How to treat diaper rash
Fortunately, there are several ways to treat your baby’s diaper rash. From over-the-counter (OTC) creams to home cures, your child will feel better in no time.
Triple Paste Diaper cream
Triple Paste is a soothing zinc oxide medicated diaper rash cream that soothes, cures, and prevents red, irritated skin caused by diaper rash without using harsh chemicals or needless components. Recommended by pediatricians and tested by dermatologists, Triple Paste is the premium choice to provide lasting relief from raw, irritated skin in a skin treatment safe for everyday use.
Triple Paste Diaper Rash Ointment offers a portfolio of rash creams to meet the expanding needs of parents and babies:
• Triple Paste Original Diaper Rash Ointment: this pediatrician-recommended diaper rash ointment features a triple-action formula to treat all diaper rashes from mild to severe, soothing baby’s bum and preventing future rashes from occurring. Its gentle yet effective formula combines 12.8% non-nano zinc oxide with nourishing oat extract and glycerin to provide fast-acting relief while forming a protective barrier against future irritations. Available in tubes for diaper changes on the go and jars for home use.
• Triple Paste 3X Max Diaper Rash Ointment: a maximum-strength zinc oxide ointment for stubborn and severe diaper rashes, working to prevent, treat, and soothe raw, irritated skin. With 40% zinc oxide, this formulation contains three times more zinc oxide than the original Triple Paste formula to protect and heal severe cases of rash.
• Triple Paste Sheer Zinc Diaper Rash Ointment: great for both baby butt cheeks and your face, this multi-purpose ointment is formulated with 12.8% zinc oxide to prevent, treat, and soothe raw, irritated skin caused by mild to moderate diaper rashes. Its creamy texture makes for easier application and less mess, rubbing in clear with minimal residue. It’s also safe to use as a multi-purpose skincare solution on other areas of the body, like for drool rash, heat rash, or dry spots.
Meet Amber, a busy work-at-home mom to four fantastic kids: Damian (27), Rosaleigh (15), Carlyn (12), and Naomi (9)! 🌟 When she’s not running Metro Detroit Mommy, she loves to dive into creative projects like drawing, photography, and crafting, or unwind with some gardening, reading, and meditation. 🌿🎨📸
Amber cherishes the moments she gets to spend with her kids and feels incredibly fortunate to provide them with endless opportunities and experiences through her work. She’s also on a personal journey, focusing on improving her emotional health every day. 💖✨
Life is full, fun, and always an adventure with Amber and her crew! 🎉