Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesSymptomsRecurring SymptomsDiaper MaterialMinimizing Rash
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Symptoms
Recurring Symptoms
Diaper Material
Minimizing Rash
Some main causes of diaper rash are irritation, infection, and allergies. Infants' immature skin and the changing skin of older adults make these groups more vulnerable to skin irritation.
Other contributing factors include infrequent changes, diarrhea, and friction from tight diapers.
Diaper Rash Causes
Diaper rash(diaper dermatitis) affects at least half of all babies at some point.It’s an inflammatory condition involving general redness, inflamed, scaly red or purple bumps (papules), or white or yellow pus-filled bumps (pustules). It can be lighter or darker depending on skin tone. Several things can cause diaper rash. Sometimes, it’s a combination of factors.
Irritation (Irritant Dermatitis)
Irritant dermatitis happens when the skin in the diaper area spends too much time in contact with urine and stool.Teethingcan increase the chances of developing diaper rash due to swallowing extra saliva that passes through the gut.
When stool and urine stay in the diaper too long, they combine to makeammonia, causing a mild chemical burn.Diarrheastools contain enzymes that can irritate the skin.Skin can also become irritated when diapers fit too tightly and rub against the skin.
Infection
Allergies (Contact Dermatitis)
Skin in the diaper area can have an allergic reaction to any number of things, including:
New Foods
Rare Causes
Rare conditions that can cause a rash in the diaper area include:
Risk FactorsReasons babies andolder adultsare more vulnerable to diaper rash include:Newborn skin is susceptible to disruption in the skin barrier and absorption of irritants.With age, skin becomes drier and more acidic.Skin under a diaper has prolonged contact with urine and feces, leading to changes in skin pH.Diapers can cause friction on the skin.Malnutrition ormicronutrientdeficiencies are common in the older population and may impair the skin’s response to harmful stimuli.
Risk Factors
Reasons babies andolder adultsare more vulnerable to diaper rash include:Newborn skin is susceptible to disruption in the skin barrier and absorption of irritants.With age, skin becomes drier and more acidic.Skin under a diaper has prolonged contact with urine and feces, leading to changes in skin pH.Diapers can cause friction on the skin.Malnutrition ormicronutrientdeficiencies are common in the older population and may impair the skin’s response to harmful stimuli.
Reasons babies andolder adultsare more vulnerable to diaper rash include:
Severe Symptoms
Effects in Breastfed Babies
Breastfed babies tend to have diaper rash more often than bottle-fed babies. This is due to many factors, such as:
Why Symptoms May Return
Antibiotics can sometimes causediarrhea, which increases the risk of diaper rash. Antibiotics also destroy beneficial bacteria that keepCandidayeast in check. Even after you see improvement, symptoms may return if your child is on antibiotics or if you’re taking antibiotics and nursing.
Other reasons diaper rash symptoms may return are:
Role of Diaper Material Type
Disposable diapers are super absorbent and wick moisture away from the skin. Because they’re so absorbent, you may not change them as often, which keeps skin in contact with urine and feces. Also, different brands may have ingredients that affect sensitive skin.
Cloth diapers may be softer and less irritating to the skin. They also allow for better air circulation.However, they need to be changed more frequently. Not changing diapers enough or using harsh detergents when washing them may raise the risk of diaper rash.
Steps to Minimize Diaper Rash
If you use cloth diapers, avoid harsh detergents, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets. These can irritate the skin. Run an extra rinse cycle to make sure all the detergent rinses out.
Some other steps you can take tominimize diaper rashare:
Signs that you should consult with a healthcare professional include:
Summary
Several factors may cause a diaper rash. The most common causes are irritation, infection, and allergic reactions. A diaper creates a warm, moist area for bacteria and yeast to grow. Prolonged contact with urine and feces can also affect pH levels in the skin.
Most of the time, a diaper rash clears up on its own. Changing diapers frequently, avoiding harsh substances, and using barrier ointments can help protect the skin. See a healthcare provider for severe symptoms such as open sores, pus, and fever or if symptoms don’t improve with home treatment.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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