How do you know if your baby has diaper rash?

Usually diaper rash shows up as a red and irritated-looking area under your baby's diaper. In some cases the skin might appear a little puffy, and if it gets really bad, diaper rash can spread to the tummy, thigh and back. Diaper rash pictures usually show a red and sometimes prickly looking region, but your baby's diaper rash may look very different from another baby's diaper rash!

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What causes diaper rash?

There are many reasons why a baby gets diaper rash. The most frequent reasons are excessive wetness from a wet diaper that is left on for too long, and sensitive skin. Baby's pee can be very harsh on the skin, especially when it combines with poop (which forms ammonia), so be sure to change wet diapers after every pee or two to prevent excessive moisture. Sometimes even when you change your baby's diaper a lot they can still get diaper rash because they have sensitive skin; so don't automatically assume that you as a parent have done something wrong!

Diaper rash can also be caused by sensitivity to the fragrances that some companies put in their diapers, or harsh detergents used to wash cloth diapers. Try to use diapers that are free of fragrances and other chemicals if your baby has sensitive skin. If you are using cloth diapers, try to use a detergent that is free of dyes and fragrances - these can work wonders for sensitive skin!

Beyond these causes, there are some other causes like chafing (the diaper rubbing against the skin during crawling/kicking/walking), the introduction of new foods (sometimes when your baby first eats solids, they will get diaper rash), or yeast infection from the excessive build-up of moisture.

Diaper rash treatment: what can you do?

Most cases of diaper rash can be treated without making a visit to your doctor. Of course, if the diaper rash looks like it might be infected (oozing yellow areas, open sores, pus-filled blisters or pimples), call your doctor immediately.

The best treatment for diaper rash is to change their diaper soon after your baby pees or poops, and try not to leave your baby in the same diaper all night long. Make sure you wipe down your baby's genitals and bum whenever you change a diaper, using wipes that are free of fragrances and dyes. Let the area dry a bit, then try applying an ointment. One of the most popular diaper rash ointments is A&D's, which we here at Mommyhood101 have found very useful! Other useful ointments are those containing petroleum jelly, lanolin, and/or zinc oxide.

You can also try to put your baby's diaper on a bit looser than usual - which will allow better air circulation - but don't put it on too loose or you will have quite a mess on your hands (and floor!).

Do not use talcum powder or baby powder. There are some studies showing increased cancer risk for talcum powder, and any powder is also not good for your baby's lungs (they inhale the tiny particles of powder).

Each of these treatment options is also a great way to prevent diaper rash.