What can cause a diaper rash?

January 23, 2020

What can cause a diaper rash?

Diaper rash can be common, especially in the first year of a child's life. No matter how careful you are; like most babies, your little one will probably get diaper rash at some point. So, plan ahead - learn what can trigger an angry, red rash to prevent flare-ups.

Diaper rash can be caused by anything from a newly introduced  food, drugs to your child's own urine. Here are the most likely causes:

Chafing or chemical sensitivity

Your child's diaper rash may be the result of the diaper rubbing against the skin, especially if your baby is particularly sensitive to chemicals like the fragrances in a disposable diaper or the detergent used to wash a cloth diaper.

Skin wetness

Diapers were created to keep moisture from getting out, so that means that outside air cannot get in. This causes skin to become warm and moist. Add in urine - which releases ammonia when it breaks down - and the prolonged exposure to wetness can cause diaper rash. Frequent bowel movements and diarrhea can further irritate the area.

New foods

It's common for children to get diaper rash when they start eating solid foods or are introduced to a new food. Any new food changes the composition of the stool and might increase the frequency of your child's bowel movements as well. If you are breastfeeding, your child's skin could even be reacting to something you are eating. Keep an eye on certain foods like dairy, citrus, and tomato-based products, that are known to cause irritation.

Antibiotics

Children on antibiotics or whose breastfeeding mothers are on antibiotics have a higher chance of getting a diaper rash. Drugs reduce the number of healthy bacteria that help keep yeast in check. But since yeast thrives in areas that are moist and warm, the bacteria flourishes in the cracks and folds of your child's skin and causes a rash. Antibiotics can also cause diarrhea, which can contribute to diaper rash.

To help ease the discomfort of diaper rash and help prevent new rashes, create a moisture barrier - without chemicals. Use a natural ointment like Deserving Health Baby Specialty Cream, which  soothes and protects the delicate skin of infants and children with pure herbal extracts of Calendula and Roman Chamomile. Use only all-natural safe and gentle products without harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances and colorants, specially made to calm irritated skin. We recommend the brand's Super Sensitive Shampoo & Body Wash with Silk Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein and Calendula, and Body Lotion with Calendula, Shea Butter and Green Tea Extract for 24-hour moisture protection.