Diaper Rash Guide *With Pictures*

There are many types of diaper rashes.  Identifying the type of rash your baby has can ensure your baby is happy and rash free in a timely manner.  Below is a basic guide to the different types of diaper rashes, what causes them and how to best treat them based on my research and practical knowledge as a mother of 4.  I also added a little section for cloth diapering.  Bear in mind, I am not a doctor, the information here is not to be used to replace your doctor’s advice.

Contact Rash (common diaper rash)  

Cause

• Contact with a wet or dirty diaper.

Identification

• Early signs are redness and skin irritation.
• If not cared for it can lead to open sores.

Prevention

• Change diapers frequently.
• 30 minutes of diaper-free time daily.
• Apply a moisturizer at diaper changes (unrefined virgin coconut oil is a great option).
• Barrier cream.

Treatments

• Diaper-free time
• Topical cream, balm or salve
• For mild rashes, coconut oil works well.
• For more advanced rashes, a salve such as Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm works wonders.
• Apply breast milk topically to help heal and prevent infections.

Cloth Considerations

• If using a cream that isn’t cloth diaper safe, use a liner.
• Coconut oil works well for common diaper rash and is cloth diaper safe.

 

Friction Rash (Chafing dermatitis)

Cause

• Diaper rubbing against baby’s skin

Identification

• Redness and irritation, usually in areas where the diaper rubs such as around legs and belly.

Prevention

• Make sure diapers fit properly, not too loose, not too tight.

Treatments

• Diaper free time
• Topical cream, balm or salve
• For mild rashes, coconut oil works well.
• For more advanced rashes, a salve such as Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm works wonders.
• Apply breast milk topically to help heal and prevent infections.

Cloth Considerations

• If using a cream that isn’t cloth diaper safe, use a liner.
• Coconut oil works well for common diaper rash and is cloth diaper safe.
• Make sure diapers are fitting properly, rise snaps adjusted and elastic not too tight.

 

pH Imbalance (Perianal dermititis)

Cause

• Acidity in baby’s diet.
• Common in formula fed babies and babies starting solids.

Identification

• Redness and irritation, usually starting around the anus.

Prevention

• Avoid overly acidic foods
• Introduce foods one at a time and monitor baby’s reaction
• Change diapers frequently

Treatment

• Diet change
• Diaper free time
• Sitz bath (baking soda and oatmeal work well)
• Topical moisturizer, balm or salve
• Apply breast milk topically to help heal and prevent infections.

Cloth Considerations

• If using a cream that isn’t cloth diaper safe, use a liner.
• Coconut oil works well for common diaper rash and is cloth diaper safe.

 

Yeast (Candidal dermatitis)  

Causes

• Candida overgrowth
• Antibiotic use

Identification

• Early signs are a pink/red rash that appears like tiny dots or pimples.
• Usually found in the creases and folds of baby’s anatomy.
• If untreated it can spread and become increasingly deep red, raised and will produce weeping sores.

Prevention

• Low sugar diet
• Remove non-organic dairy products
• Probiotics
• Daily diaper free time

Treatment

• Probiotics (orally and topically)
• Air and sunlight exposure
• Eliminate sugar
• Gentian Violet (be careful, it stains)
• Thrush diaper cream.
• DIY Yeast Treatment
  • Clean area thoroughly. Spray with apple cider vinegar and air dry. Apply paste of 1 Tbsp unrefined virgin coconut oil, 1 tsp probiotic powder, 2 drops lavender essential oil and 2 drops tea tree oil.  Works great for thrush as well.
• OTC anti fungal cream (lotramin/monistat)
• RX anti fungal cream (nystatin)
• DO NOT use cornstarch on a yeast rash
• DO NOT apply breast milk to a yeast rash

Cloth Considerations

• If using a cream that isn’t cloth diaper safe, use a liner.
• Yeast will live in the cloth diapers and can return if the diapers are not treated.
• Strip your cloth diapers and/or add apple cider vinegar, grapefruit seed extract or chlorine free bleach to the wash.
• You may consider using disposable diapers until the yeast is gone.

Allergy 

Cause

• Allergy or sensitivity to a diaper, cream, food, etc.

Identification

• Appears like a pH or contact rash, but does not clear up with traditional treatment.
• Irritation only appears where the allergen comes into contact with the skin.

Prevention

• Be aware of sensitivities your child is at risk for
• Avoid fragrance in products
• Introduce foods one at a time to identify any sensitivities

Treatment

• Identify and remove the allergen
• Sitz bath (baking soda and oatmeal work well)
• Topical moisturizer, balm or salve
• Apply breast milk topically to help heal and prevent infections.

Cloth Considerations

• If using a cream that isn’t cloth diaper safe, use a liner.
• Coconut oil works well for common diaper rash and is cloth diaper safe.
• Consider using natural fiber diapers and/or inserts for your baby (hemp, bamboo, cotton)

 

Eczema (Atopic dermatitis)

Cause

• Food allergy
• Heredity

Identification

• Red, dry, scaly, itchy patches.
• May blister and/or ooze.  Usually starts in the creases, but can spread.
• Baby may grab at their genitals when there diaper is off due to the itching.

Prevention

• Common causes are dairy and egg allergies, so eliminating those can prevent outbreaks.
• Probiotics
• Exclusive breastfeeding for the first months of life has been found to reduce cases of eczema.
• Avoid artificial fragrances.
• Don’t bathe baby too often, soap can cause outbreaks.

Treatment

• Mild cases can usually be cleared up with topical treatments such as coconut oil, essential oils (lavender/tto) or salve.
• Sitz bath (baking soda and oatmeal work well)
• More severe cases may need hydrocortisone.
• Apply breast milk topically to help heal and prevent infections.

Cloth Considerations

• If using a cream that isn’t cloth diaper safe, use a liner.
• Consider using natural fiber diapers and/or inserts for your baby (hemp, bamboo, cotton)

 

Impetigo (Staphylococcus/Streptococcus) 

Cause

• Staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcus progenies (Group A Strep)

Identification

• Appears as a crusty, blistering area on the skin.
• Highly contagious.

Prevention

• Impetigo generally happens when the skin is already broken and the strep or staph bacteria enters the sores.
• Preventing common diaper rashes will help prevent this infection.
• Probiotics

Treatment

• Antibiotic ointment.
• Apply breast milk topically.
• VERY contagious, so treat any clothing or bedding that has come into contact with the infection.

Cloth Considerations

• Bacteria will live in the cloth diapers and can return if the diapers are not treated.
• Strip your cloth diapers and/or add apple cider vinegar, grapefruit seed extract or chlorine free bleach to the wash.
• You may consider using disposable diapers until the infection is gone.
• If using a cream that isn’t cloth diaper safe, use a liner.

 

Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis)

Cause

• Common skin condition in infants.
• Can be irritated by overheating.
• Can be related to allergies.

Identification

• Oily, yellow colored rash.

Prevention

• Keep area moisturized
• Most children grow out of this condition.

Treatment

• Use unrefined virgin coconut oil as a moisturizer
• Air and sunlight exposure.
• Essential oils (lavender and tea tree work best)
• Apply breast milk topically to heal and prevent infection.
• Hydrocortisone cream.

For cloth

• If using a cream that isn’t cloth diaper safe, use a liner.
• Consider using natural fiber diapers and/or inserts for your baby (hemp, bamboo, cotton).

 

 All diaper creams are NOT created equal

Many of the diaper rash treatments on the market today are filled with harmful chemicals that can harm your baby and you.  EWG has a great list of safe creams that are good for your baby, you and the environment.  Here is a list of our favorites:

• Badger Zinc Oxide Diaper Cream
• Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm
• Motherlove Herbal Company Diaper Rash & Thrush
• Alba Botanica Un-Petroleum Multi-Purpose Jelly
• Aquaphor Baby To Go
• Boudreaux’s Butt Paste
• California Baby Diaper Rash Cream
• DIY Cloth Diaper Safe Bottom Balm:  1/2 C Unrefined Virgin Coconut oil, 1/2 C Olive Oil, 1/4 C Beeswax/Candelilla Wax (vegan), 30 drops Lavender Essential Oil (To make: melt oils and wax together in a double boiler.  Pour into an airtight storage container.  Add essential oil and allow to cool.)

 

Sources

https://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/articles.asp?ID=260

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diaper-rash/basics/prevention/con-20019220

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/understanding-eczema-prevention

http://kidshealth.org/kid/ill_injure/aches/rashes.html

http://www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/preventing.html

http://www.breastfeeding-problems.com/using-breast-milk.html

http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/skin/impetigo.html

http://www.newbornfree.com/tips-and-advice/dr-greene/december-2013/diy-natural-remedies-for-diaper-rash,-eczema,-and