Diaper Rash

What is Diaper Rash?

Skin irritated and sore because of the wetness and bacteria in the baby's pee and poop, or the soap used to wash cloth diapers. It may cause discomfort for the baby but is rarely dangerous.

Symptoms:

• Redness on bum and upper legs
• Baby cries when their diaper is wet

Home Care:

• Always wash your hands before and after changing your baby's diaper.
• Change your baby's diaper as soon as possible when it is wet or dirty
• Leave the diaper off for 5 to 10 mins when you change your baby, if possible.
• If you use cloth diapers, wash them in mild detergent and put them through the rinse cycle 2 times. Do not use bleach. If you hang them out in the sun, it will help to get rid of the stains.
• Plastic pants keep the wetness in, so if your baby has problems with diaper rash, stop using them for awhile.
• Protect their skin under the diaper with zinc oxide.
• Cornstarch works well sprinkled over your baby's diaper area. It helps to absorb the wetness.
• Change diapers often. Clean the skin with plain warm water and pat the skin dry or air dry after every diaper change. Wash the diaper area once per day with a mild soap.
• Try using ointments to protect the skin (ask the pharmacist), but stop using them if your baby gets a rash.
• Change the brand of diaper you are using.
• Do not use really thick or many layered diapers.
• Stop using plastic pants until rash gets better.
• Try a different detergent, if the rash does not get better.
• If you are using cloth diapers, try putting some vinegar in the rinse water. When washing your diapers always rinse twice.

Go see the doctor or return to the Emergency Department IF:

• The diaper area gets really red, raw or sore looking or it has blisters, pus, peeling skin or crusty areas.
• The rash is mainly in the skin folds. It may be caused by a yeast infection.
• The rash does not get better in a few days.