Diaper rash is widespread among babies, but not all cases of diaper rash are caused by the same thing.  If your baby is crying and they’ve got red skin around their bottom, it can help to know which type of diaper rash they’re suffering from.  And if what looks like diaper rash is actually something else, then it can help to identify what’s causing it to help you find the right course of treatment.

Here’s what to know about the different kinds of diaper rash:

Irritant Contact Dermatitis

This is the most common type of diaper rash, usually caused by a wet diaper rubbing up against the skin for too long.  The irritant in this case can be urine, feces, the diaper itself, or chemicals in the baby wipes or ointments you use in the diaper area.  It usually looks like red bumps or spots around the diaper area, although severe cases might have open, bleeding welts.  Even a common case of irritant contact dermatitis can get a secondary fungal or bacterial infection, so make sure you treat it quickly with a reliable diaper cream and frequent diaper changes.

Allergic Dermatitis

Allergic dermatitis happens when your baby develops an allergy to something you’re using on their skin.  This can occur with certain ingredients in baby wipes, ointments or creams, chemicals in disposable diapers, or even detergents used to wash cloth diapers.  Allergic dermatitis usually looks like a red, scaly rash in places that come in contact with the allergen.  This type of diaper rash will get better if you stop using whatever product contains the allergen, while a diaper cream can help with symptoms.

Candida Dermatitis

Candida is a kind of yeast that lives inside the gut and in feces.  When it finds its way into a baby’s diaper, it can cause diaper rash if left too long as the yeast will grow.  The yeast usually develops into a rash against moist skin, so changing diapers frequently and keeping a baby’s bottom dry is key to preventing candida dermatitis.  A yeast diaper rash will show up as patches of deep red and inflamed skin, possibly with a few swollen white blisters.  This kind of diaper rash is best treated with an antifungal cream, which may need to be prescribed by a doctor.

Bacterial Skin Infection

This is a more serious skin ailment that may mimic a common case of diaper rash but usually comes with other more serious symptoms.  If a baby has a bacterial infection of the diaper area, they’ll have red, swollen, and inflamed skin that may spread if not treated quickly.  If the bacteria is A Streptococcus, then their rash will usually be bright red and located around the baby’s anus.  If it’s Staphylococcus aureus, then they might have swollen blisters filled with a yellow-brown pus.  Babies with bacterial infections can develop a fever or bleeding, so take them to the doctor immediately if they develop these symptoms.  They’ll need prescription antibiotics to treat a bacterial skin infection.

Eczema/Psoriasis

Some babies are prone to cases of eczema or psoriasis, and many of the causes of diaper rash can exacerbate these skin conditions.  They will usually mimic normal cases of diaper rash in appearance, but the treatment and prevention are the same as with diaper rash.  Make sure to use fragrance-free products, a diaper cream with zinc oxide, and stay on top of frequent diaper changes.

Finding The Right Diaper Cream

If your baby has a standard case of diaper rash, eczema, or psoriasis, a high-quality diaper cream is a great way to soothe your baby’s symptoms.  Brands like Triple Paste Diaper Rash Cream work great as both a treatment and a preventative, creating a protective barrier against the skin that prevents the skin from getting irritated.  Recommended by pediatricians and loved by experienced parents, Triple Paste is the go-to, tried-and-true remedy for parents and caregivers facing persistent and pesky diaper rashes. The products work quickly and effectively, helping moms soothe their babies and get on with their day. The latest formulation is Triple Paste 3X Max Diaper Rash Ointment, and it’s the perfect option for summer, as warmer weather and more humidity tend to increase diaper rash issues. With 40% zinc oxide, the new maximum-strength Triple Paste 3X Max Diaper Rash Ointment provides relief for stubborn and severe diaper rashes, preventing, treating, and soothing raw, irritated skin.

The next time your baby has a case of diaper rash, try using a reliable, effective diaper cream right away.  If the rash gets worse or they develop symptoms, chances are they might have a fungal or bacterial infection, so see a doctor if you become concerned.