Diaper Rash
A diaper rash is a common problem for many babies. If your baby’s diaper area is red, chances are it’s a diaper rash. It happens on any part of the area covered by a cloth or disposable diaper. Leaving a wet or dirty diaper on too long causes diaper rash. Also, diaper rash happens after using scented detergent, soaps, diapers, or baby wipes, especially for babies with sensitive skin.
The sooner you treat a diaper rash, the faster it heals.
What does diaper rash look like?
A rash looks different in each baby but is usually red with little raised areas like pimples.
- Red
- Itchy
- Sore
- Peeling
- Blistered
Do I need to take my baby to a doctor?
Before taking your baby to see a doctor or nurse practitioner, try treating the rash at home.
- Change the diaper when it is wet or dirty.
- Change the diaper after each poo.
- Remove the diaper, wash the area with warm water on a soft cloth, and pat the area or let it air dry.
- Use unscented baby wipes that don’t contain alcohol (if you use wipes).
- Cover the rash with a zinc oxide paste or petroleum jelly ointment made for diaper rash before putting on a clean diaper. When changing a diaper, you do not need to completely remove the paste or ointment.
- If you use cloth diapers, consider switching to disposable when there is a rash, as disposable diapers trap pee away from the skin.
Call a doctor, nurse practitioner, or public health nurse if the rash does not clear up after a few days or worsens (blisters or sores). If it is yeast or bacteria, a medicated treatment is needed.
Things to avoid
Avoid using powders such as cornstarch or talcum powder (baby powder). The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends never using baby powder. It can cause breathing problems and serious lung damage if your baby inhales it.
Avoid using baking soda and boric acid powder because they can be absorbed by the skin and harm your baby’s health.
Services related to this information:
- Contact your Public Health Nurse
- 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555