Definition:

Dermatitis of the skin on the baby’s bottom can appear as patches of red skin.  Skin sensitivity and infrequent diaper changes play a major role in developing diaper rash.

• The causes of diaper rash vary and may include irritation from stool or urine, chafing or rubbing, infections, sensitivity to foods, skin conditions such as eczema, use of antibiotics, etc.
• Factors that increase the risk of diaper rash include formula feeding, diarrhea, use of plastic diaper coverings, and infants aged 9-12 months.
• Diaper rashes may cause discomfort, especially during diaper changes, leading to the baby’s fussiness and crying.
• See a healthcare provider if the rash seems severe or unusual, gets worse despite treatment, bleeds or oozes, gets infected or is associated with fever or other symptoms such as pain during urination or bowel movement.

Treatment:

• Diagnose and treat food sensitivities
• Diagnose and treat underlying medical conditions such as eczema and diarrhea

Environment/Lifestyle/Diet

• Breastfeed the infant for the first year of life if possible
• Change the diaper frequently, 6-8 times a day or more, and avoid the use of plastic diaper coverings
• Expose the diaper area to air as much as possible
• If you use cloth diapers, use vinegar in the last rinse
• Use water only to cleanse the diaper area. Avoid the use of baby wipes and other chemical-containing products.
• Use a barrier ointment such as petrolatum or lanolin with each diaper change
• Use a drying agent such as zinc oxide cream

Other Treatments

• Specific medications and supplements, tailored to each patient, can help in the treatment of this condition.
• Please contact us for an appointment to discuss appropriate evaluation and treatment.