How to Treat Diaper Rash

Co-authored by Joel Warsh, MD

Last Updated: July 26, 2022 References

Diaper rash (also known as nappy rash in the UK) typically happens when the extremely sensitive skin of a baby is exposed to the moisture and rubbing that occurs on the bottom of a diapered baby. There are several treatments ranging from store bought medicines to home made herbal treatments which can provide your baby some relief. Different methods work for different diaper rashes. Experiment to see what works for your baby.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Treating the Rash

1
Keep things clean and dry as much as possible.^{[1]
X
Research source} Wash off your baby's bottom with warm water. Resist the temptation to wipe the area if possible. A bulb syringe can be used to spray water to the sensitive spots. Gently remove any remaining poop with a dab of a baby wipe or wet cloth.
- If you do use a baby wipe, don't use one with any alcohol or fragrance.
- Diaper rash is a common kind of contact dermatitis where the skin gets inflamed due to prolonged contact of urine and fecal matter on the skin of the baby.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Joel Warsh, MD
  Board Certified Pediatrician
  Expert Interview. 20 July 2021.} If not caught early it may become infected by bacteria or yeast. ^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- Avoidance of irritants and frequent diaper changes are -- hands down -- the best preventive measures.^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Jami Yaeger
  Parenting Specialist
  Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.}
2
Let the baby air dry. If you must towel dry, dab gently. Don't rub! That'll just irritate the skin further. Consider the following options:
- Place a new diaper on your baby, but place it loosely (or use one that's too big).
- Keep your baby in the buff for even just a few minutes. The more time she can air out, the better.
- Consider having your baby sleep diaper free, too. You can put down a protective sheet on your baby's crib to keep from having to deal with disasters in the wee hours of the morning.
  - For the record, drying the rash in open air is effective in helping clear up the diaper rash.^{[5]
    X
    Research source}
Advertisement
3
Apply diaper cream. Various diaper creams are available without a prescription. Zinc oxide is an ingredient in many creams and can be effective alone to treat a moderate rash.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Joel Warsh, MD
Board Certified Pediatrician
Expert Interview. 20 July 2021.} But petroleum ointment or petroleum jelly, non-petroleum jelly, and lanolin products work, too.
- Diaper creams can help decrease the rash and provide relief from it. Avoid bandages as this may make it worse.
- Zinc oxide, commonly known as Desitin, provides an effective barrier against skin irritants which lessen friction to irritated skin.^{[5]
  X
  Research source} (In other words, it protects against stool and urine.)
- Skip the talcum powder; it's bad for the lungs.^{[7]
  X
  Research source} If you must, opt for a cornstarch powder, but even that isn't great -- it can cause yeast to grow and lead to another rash.^{[8]
  X
  Research source}
- For a natural remedy, try a product with calendula, shea butter, or coconut oil. If it gets worse, you can do a barrier cream (like a zinc oxide type cream).^{[9]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Joel Warsh, MD
  Board Certified Pediatrician
  Expert Interview. 20 July 2021.}

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Parenting Smart

1
Know why your child got diaper rash in the first place. Though general moisture was probably the culprit, there are a number of reasons your baby could have gotten the rash in the first place:^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Chemical sensitivity. Try switching what diapers (or if you use cloth diapers, switching detergents), lotions, or powders. It's possible your baby's skin just doesn't handle certain products well.^{[11]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Jami Yaeger
  Parenting Specialist
  Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.}
- New foods. If you've recently started introducing solid food -- or even just a different kind of food -- the change in diet could produce a change in stool, eliciting the rash. And if you're breastfeeding, it could be something you're eating.^{[12]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Jami Yaeger
  Parenting Specialist
  Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.}
- Infection. If it doesn't go away, it's possible it's a bacterial or yeast infection. We'll cover that next.
- Antibiotics. If your child is on medication (or you are and you're breastfeeding), the antibiotics could be reducing the amount of good bacteria in your or your child's system, allowing the bad ones to fester, producing a rash.
2
Know if you should see a doctor. While general diaper rash is nothing to break a sweat over, if it doesn't go away in 3-4 days, your baby may have a yeast infection. Regular diaper creams won't solve the problem, so you'll need to visit your local pharmacy for an over-the-counter mild corticosteroid cream or your pediatrician for a prescription.
- The protocol for handling a yeast diaper rash is basically the same as with regular diaper rash (provided you don't see any other symptoms other than a rash). Keep your baby as dry as possible, use an antifungal cream, and give it a few days.
3
Prevent it from recurring. If you're following the steps above, diaper rash shouldn't be a problem. Get your baby's bottom thoroughly clean, pat it dry, and, if he seems susceptible to rash, use an ointment after every diaper change.^{[7]
X
Research source} Skip the powders and secure the diaper loosely.
- Introduce new foods one at a time. Since new foods can cause problems to sprout up, it's best to know which ones you need to avoid.
- Breastfeed your child for as long as you can; the natural antibodies in breastmilk can up her defenses against infections.
- Make sure all his alternative caregivers follow the proper protocol.
- Take your child to a doctor if the rash gets progressively worse (bright red, blisters, or not clearing up).^{[13]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Joel Warsh, MD
  Board Certified Pediatrician
  Expert Interview. 20 July 2021.}
4
If all else fails, try a home remedy. Moms and dads are the kickstarters of the home remedy, so rest assured you'd be in good company. If for some reason you can't follow the standard steps, consider one of the following ideas:
- Try spreading on a thin layer of virgin coconut oil and zinc oxide. Use it just like you would a diaper cream.
- Give your baby a sitz bath with a spoonful of baking soda. Some mothers also believe in adding some oatmeal as an inflammatory agent.
- Mix a paste together of Nystatin, Desitin, and Hydrocortisone for ultimate effectiveness.
  - Always be wary of home remedies, especially when it comes to your baby's health. Talk to a doctor before you try anything.

Expert Q&A

Question

When should I take my baby to the doctor for diaper rash?

Jami Yaeger
Parenting Specialist
Jami Yaeger is a Parenting Specialist, Doula, and the Owner of AustinBorn, an online community offering comprehensive and modern education to growing families. With 10 years of experience, Jami specializes in whole family support for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting. Jami earned her BA in Theatre Performance from San Diego State University and earned her Certification as a Lactation Education Counselor from the University of California, San Diego. She is a Certified Infant and Child CPR Instructor, Birth and Postpartum Doula, and Childbirth Educator.

Jami Yaeger

Parenting Specialist

Expert Answer

If you've kept the area clean and have tried changing diaper brands and food, you should contact a pediatrician to find out the next steps.
Question

What should I do if my baby has a bloody stool with the rash?

Community Answer

If your baby has a bloody stool, you should take them to see a physician. When introducing solids, sometimes foods with bright colors (carrots, for example) may change the color of stool to have orange bits or an overall orange appearance. However, this would not cause red or blood-colored stool. If you fear there is blood in the baby's bowel movements, you should definitely take the little one for a check-up.

Warnings

Should you notice the condition worsening, contact a doctor.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 8 Not Helpful 1
Only use steroid creams if prescribed by a doctor. They can create other health problems.^{[1]
X
Research source}

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0