You begin to change your baby's diaper, and you find it - a patchwork of bright red skin on your baby's bottom. Don't worry; you're likely seeing diaper rash, a common form of skin inflammation (dermatitis).
Almost all babies develop a diaper rash at some time. Diaper rash may be more prevalent after introducing solid foods to your baby's diet, when breast-feeding mothers consume particular foods or when your baby is taking antibiotics. Other factors that can cause diaper rash include continuously wet or infrequently changed diapers, diarrhea, and wearing plastic pants over diapers.
Diaper rash can worry parents and irritate babies, but most cases go away after only a few days with simple home remedies.
Diaper rash is identified by red, inflamed and tender skin in the diaper region - buttocks, thighs and genitals, and/or changes in your baby's mood. You may notice your baby seems more uncomfortable than usual, especially when you change their diaper. A baby with a diaper rash often fusses or cries when the diaper area is washed or touched. Diaper rashes can occur anytime while your child wears diapers, but they're more common in babies younger than 15 months, especially between 8 and 10 months old.
Causes of diaper rash can be traced to a number of sources, such as:
• Irritation from stool and urine. Prolonged exposure to urine or feces can irritate a baby's sensitive skin. Your baby may be more prone to diaper rash if he or she is experiencing frequent bowel movements, because feces is more irritating than urine is.
• Introduction of new foods. As babies start to eat solid foods, often when they're between 4 and 12 months old, the content of their stool changes, increasing the likelihood of diaper rash. Changes in your baby's diet can also increase the frequency of stools, which can lead to diaper rash. If you're breast-feeding, your baby may develop diaper rash because of something you've eaten, such as tomato-based or other acidic foods.
• Irritation from a new product, such as disposable wipes, a new type of disposable diaper, or a detergent, bleach or fabric softener used to launder cloth diapers; these can all irritate your baby's sensitive bottom. Other substances that can add to the problem include ingredients found in some baby lotions, powders and oils.
• Bacterial or yeast (fungal) infection. What begins as a simple skin infection may spread to the surrounding region. The area covered by a diaper - buttocks, thighs and genitals - is particularly vulnerable because it's warm and moist, making an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. These rashes often start within the creases of the skin, and there may be red spots scattered around the creases.
• Sensitive skin. Babies with skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or eczema, may be more likely to get diaper rashes. However, the irritated skin of atopic dermatitis and eczema primarily affects areas other than the diaper area.
• Chafing or rubbing. Tight diapers or clothes that rub against the skin can cause a rash.
• Use of antibiotics. Antibiotics kill bacteria - both bad and good. Without the appropriate balance of good bacteria, however, yeast infections can occur. This can happen when babies take antibiotics or when mothers who are breast-feeding their infants are taking antibiotics.
Diaper rash is usually easily treated and heals within several days after beginning home treatment.
If your baby's skin doesn't heal after a few days of home treatment with over-the-counter ointment and more frequent diaper changes, talk to your pediatrician. Occasionally, diaper rash leads to secondary infections that may require prescription medications. Have your child examined if the rash is severe, worsens despite home treatment or occurs along with any of the following:
• Fever
• Blisters or boils
• A rash that extends outside the diaper area
• Pus or weeping discharge
