Diaper rash is a
common skin condition in babies. Usually, the rash is due to irritation caused by
the diaper and moisture, but it can have other causes not related to diapers.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Diaper Rash?
Irritant rashes are most common and are caused by skin
contact with pee, poop, and sweat.
Signs of diaper rash include:
soreness
red bumps and larger red areas
peeling
scaly skin
fussiness
Rashes also can be caused by a skin infection due to
or
. If the rash is due to an infection, signs may
include:
red bumps
blisters or open sores
pus-filled sores
fluid seeping from red areas
What to Do
Try to keep the skin dry.
Whenever possible, increase the amount of time your baby spends without a
diaper.
With each diaper change,
wash your baby's diaper region gently with warm water. Try to avoid soaps and baby
wipes (these can irritate skin).
When your baby has diaper rash, use disposable diapers.
Use a diaper ointment or paste that contains zinc oxide with each diaper change.
Get Medical Care If:
the diaper rash doesn't get better after several days
there are pimples, blisters, or open sores in the diaper area
The best way to prevent diaper rash is to keep your baby's skin as dry and clean
as possible. Change diapers often so pee and poop won't irritate the skin.
