One of the most common reasons babies need to visit the pediatrician's office is diaper rash. Diaper rash is a skin irritation or inflammation that occurs near the buttocks, thighs and genital area of babies. Also referred to as napkin dermatitis, ammonia dermatitis or Jacquet dermatitis, diaper rash affects most babies at some point in their infanthood. While some babies get diaper rash within days of being born, this common newborn health issue can affect babies up to the age of 15 months old.

Understanding Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is not anyone's fault and is certainly not an indication of parental neglect. Although any skin irritation can cause diaper rash, the condition can result from diarrhea or an allergic reaction.

The most common symptom of diaper rash is red, dry, irritated skin. Babies suffering from diaper rash may be fussy or irritable. If you notice red dots within the creases of your baby's skin, (s)he may be coming down with diaper rash.

Diaper Rash Causes

A variety of factors can cause diaper rash, including:

• allergies: Occasionally, diaper rash is the result of an allergic reaction. A change in your brand of diapers, wipes, lotion or baby soap may be enough to treat your baby's diaper rash.
• antibiotics: If you are breastfeeding and taking antibiotics, you may be throwing off your baby's natural PH balance, which can contribute to diaper rash or yeast infection.
• plastic pants: The enclosed nature of the diaper keeps moisture close to the skin and can cause diaper rash. As the diaper seals in the genital area, it contribute to diaper rash by creating a hot, humid environment ideal for fungal and bacterial growth. Additionally, the naturally high levels of ammonia in urine and the bacteria in stools can worsen these rashes.
• sensitive skin: Some babies simply have more sensitive skin than others. Skin conditions like eczema or atopic dermatitis will make them more prone to developing diaper rash.
• tight-fitting diapers: If the diaper causes chafing or rubs too tightly against your baby's skin, this could result in a diaper rash.
• your baby's diet: Eating a lot of citrus food or drinking too much juice can cause your baby's diaper rash.

Diaper Rash Prevention

To prevent diaper rash:

• Avoid using tight-fitting diaper covers or plastic pants.
• Let your baby's skin completely dry before putting on a new diaper.
• Watch your baby's growth and regularly check the size of the diaper.

Some pediatricians suggest putting your baby to sleep on a flat diaper, as babies often urinate just after falling asleep. Check the diaper and, if it is wet, replace it. In general, always make sure:

• the diaper does not rub against the skin
• the diaper is changed immediately after you detect it is soiled
• the diaper is not too tight.

Diaper Rash Treatment

When treating diaper rash, keep your baby's skin as clean and dry as possible. A zinc oxide cream like Desitin® will provide an effective barrier against mild irritants. Your pediatrician may also recommend that you use a brand of Triple Paste Medicated Ointment, a type of diaper cream that contains:

• anhydrous lanolin
• corn starch
• white petroleum
• zinc oxide.

As you are treating diaper rash, use a larger size diaper that is looser fitting. Also, do not use scented wipes or anything with perfume in it to wash your baby while treating diaper rash, as perfumed products can further irritate your baby's skin.

Exposing your baby's skin to air is also a helpful diaper rash treatment. The open air will help get your baby's skin out of a moisture-ridden environment, allowing it to effectively dry out. Keep in mind to only let your baby roam diaper-free in private, clean areas that are safe and warm. Home is usually the best place for diaper-free roaming.

Complications from Diaper Rash

If your baby has a diaper rash, monitor him closely and take your baby to your pediatrician for a check-up. If the rash area becomes red or swollen or if your baby is in a lot of pain, he could have a staph, strep or yeast infection. These infections cannot be cured with an over-the-counter cream and may require a prescription antibiotic. Early detection and proper diaper rash treatment is the key to preventing complications.

Diaper Types and Diaper Rash

Many people assume that cloth diapers prevent diaper rash better than disposable diapers, as cloth allows the skin to breathe more. While cloth diapers do provide the skin with more air, they only do so when diapers aren't soiled. In fact, a soiled cloth diaper exposes the skin to more ammonia and bacteria than a soiled disposable diaper.

Disposable diapers are specially made with an absorbent gel (sodium polyacrylate) to draw moisture immediately away from your baby's skin area. While disposable diapers can absorb a large amount of urine, some residual moisture will still be present. As a result, changing diapers immediately after they have been soiled is more essential to preventing diaper rash than the choice of diaper itself. Only when your child is potty-trained will the risks of diaper rash be fully eliminated.

If your baby has diaper rash, don't get discouraged and remember that this condition is very common. Keep a close eye on it and, if it lasts more than a day or two, take your baby to the pediatrician for a check-up.

Resources

Family Doctor (2005). Diaper Rash: Tips on Prevention and Treatment. Retrieved January 30, 2008, from the American Academy of Family Physicians Web site.

Ianelli, Vincent, M.D. (2007). Diaper Rash: Expert Q & A. Retrieved January 30, 2008, from the About.com Web site.

Mayo Clinic (2007). Diaper Rash. Retrieved January 30, 2008, from the Mayo Clinic Web site.

Medicine Net (2002). Diaper Rash. Retrieved January 30, 2008, from the Medicine Net Web site.

Steele, Robert, M.D. (2008). Staph Infection: What You Need to Know. Retrieved January 30, 2008, from the iVillage Total Health Network Web site.