Diaper Rash (Diaper Dermatitis)

 

Why does my baby have a diaper rash?

Diaper rash (also called diaper dermatitis) is a rash caused by irritants—mainly urine and stool. Our waste isn’t meant to sit on skin for long. While diapers do a good job of absorbing moisture and reducing irritation, rashes can still happen when:

  • A diaper stays on too long

  • A baby eats foods (or adults eat foods) that make urine or stool more acidic

  • Skin is sensitive or already irritated

Note: Adults who wear diapers can get the same type of rash for the same reasons. These steps apply to babies, children, and adults alike.


How do I prevent diaper rash?

You can lower the chance of diaper rash by keeping the skin healthy, dry, and protected:

  • Moisturize daily — Apply ointment or cream morning and night.

    • Best: thick, greasy ointments like Vaseline or Aquaphor (strongest barrier).

    • Next best: CeraVe cream or Vanicream cream (less greasy but still protective).

    • Avoid lotions—they contain more alcohol and can dry the skin.

  • Change diapers frequently — Urine and stool are very irritating to skin. Change diapers as soon as possible after they get wet or dirty.

  • Use more absorbent diapers — Not all diapers perform the same. In my experience with 6 kids of my own:

  • Go fragrance-free for sensitive skin — Fragrance is a common trigger for irritation.


How do I treat diaper rash?

  • Be gentle with wiping

  • Calm the redness with steroid ointment

    • Over-the-counter hydrocortisone ointment (not cream) works best.

    • Apply a thin layer twice daily until the rash clears.

    • Safe for all ages when used short-term.

    • ⚠️ Warning: Overuse of steroids can cause skin thinning, stretch marks, and easy bruising.

  • Protect with a barrier cream

    • Apply a thick 40% zinc oxide cream after the hydrocortisone.

    • This is far stronger than 10% zinc creams and shields the skin while it heals.

    • It’s thick and sticky—hard to apply and wash off—but worth it for protection.

    • Tip: wipe extra cream off your finger with the clean diaper before washing your hands.


Additional tips and tricks for diaper rash:

These don’t help every case, but they’re worth trying if the basics aren’t enough:


What if the diaper rash isn’t getting better?

Most diaper rashes clear with the steps above. But sometimes other skin conditions (like eczema, psoriasis, or yeast infection) can look like diaper rash. Severe diaper rashes may need prescription creams or even oral medicines. If your baby’s rash isn’t improving after a week of home care, it’s time to see a doctor. Look for a board-certified dermatologist in your area. If you are in or near Utah, see one of my excellent colleagues at the University of Utah or me virtually with Honeydew.


DISCLAIMER

The statements expressed and content of this website are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Readers should seek their own professional counsel for any medical condition or before starting or altering any treatment, exercise, or dietary plan. Please see our full disclaimer here.

 
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Cradle Cap (Seborrheic Dermatitis)