A diaper rash is an inflammatory skin disorder around the diaper area. Its something every baby and toddler will experience, however, some will experience them more often than others (as every child is different).
There are many reasons for a diaper rash, for example, illness or teething. However, the two major reasons are usually due to an irritant or a yeast infection. The approach for treating these types of rashes is different and is especially important when dealing with yeast. If the yeast is not treated properly, the rash can worsen or not go away.
Here is the breakdown of the two major types of rashes, causes and natural remedies you can do at home.
The 2 major types of diaper rash
1. Irritant diaper rash
An irritant diaper rash is caused by exposure to something that causes irritation to the baby. It usually looks scratchy, raised and can be scaly and can even spread up the babies’ back or legs. An allergic rash due to an irritant is also usually itchy for the baby. A few major irritants could be:
- Sensitivity. This can be from the chemicals or fragrances in diapers, lotions, wipes or the laundry detergent. The rash is usually itchy when it’s due to sensitivity. It also can be due to something the baby or toddler ate. This is particularly common when introducing new foods to babies. In some cases it’s a food allergy vs sensitivity, however, symptoms usually come in 3 so you will see more than just a rash (ex: gas, eczema, swelling, fever, etc).
- Dirty diapers/wet underwear. This doesn’t mean you aren’t changing them frequently enough. Babies and toddlers tend to dribble throughout the day and in a lot of cases, we don’t know the diaper or underwear is moist. This is also something that can happen when babies sleep through the night and pee their diaper in the late hours of the night vs early hours of the morning, meaning they spend more time in their dirty diaper.
- Chaffing. If the rash is localized in skin creases around the buttocks and inner thighs ( where the diaper goes), this could just be due to the chaffing.
How to treat:
- Change the diaper every few hours and if you are at home, diaper-free time is the best time.
- Try switching diapers as maybe one brand is causing the problem (especially if the rash keeps coming back). Conventional disposables often have chemicals and fragrances that can irritate a baby’s bum. Try a more natural brand or a cloth diaper and see if that helps. If you are on cloth diapers, take a break and use disposable ones until the rash fully heals.
- Avoid harsh chemicals through soaps, wipes, and lotions. If its an allergic topical response the culprits are usually fragrances, preservatives, and emulsifiers. Make sure your laundry detergent is free of dyes, fragrances, and harsh chemicals.
- Cleanse the area with warm water over wipes if possible. If you choose to use wipes make sure they are gentle and free from alcohol and irritants.
- A thick ointment with a high % of zinc helps protect the area from urine and poop ( I suggest something with 18% or higher). If it’s an allergic response, I recommend a cream containing calendula which will help soothe and reduce itching. Earth Mama Organics has a amazing organic diaper balm that works wonders.
- Express breastmilk onto the rash and allow it to dry. It contains incredible natural soothing and healing properties. However, make sure you only do this if you’re sure it’s NOT yeast. Breastmilk contains milk sugars which can make the yeast grow.
2. Yeast diaper rash
A yeasty diaper rash is caused when the skin barrier breaks down. In most cases, it starts as a basic diaper rash where the yeast took hold and turns into a yeast rash. The other cause of a yeast rash can be if your child has thrush or just had a course of antibiotics ( or mom had antibiotics and is breastfeeding). A yeast rash usually has a different appearance than a regular irritant diaper rash and appears in bright red patches/clusters that are outlined by a bright red line. It looks raw, might be surrounded by smaller red bumps (looks like pimples) and in a lot of cases is found in the folds of the skin, as yeast loves warm places. In girls, it’s usually seen a lot on their vaginas and in their groin area. A yeast rash does not go away quickly unless it treated properly. If your child has a diaper rash, that won’t go away, assume its a yeast rash and begin treating it for yeast.
How to treat:
- Yeast grows in damp environments so dry is extremely important. Change the diaper every few hours or even better diaper-free time is the best time. Avoid bathing when the rash is extra angry, however, if you do ensure the water is only lukewarm.
- Handwash the area after each diaper change with an apple cider wash ( 1 part apple cider vinegar to 3 parts water) then let completely dry. If the toddler is not in diapers, do this 2-4 times per day.
- Spray the area 2-3 times a day with collateral silver spray. It contains antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. It’s as close as it will get to a natural antibiotic ( works just as good as prescription creams such as Nystatin in my opinion). I also love it as it supports skin and wound healing and usually a yeast rash leaves very raw spots on the child.
- If the area looks sore or chapped, apply coconut oil as an ointment as it has natural antifungal and antimicrobial properties that combat yeast overgrowth. It also gives a nice layer of protection if dampness is the cause of the rash. You can add a bit of arrowroot powder too if you want to make all-natural baby powder.
- Consider using baby probiotics or feeding the child foods containing natural probiotics ( example: sauerkraut or kefir). Particularly if you suspect the yeast is from past or recent antibiotic use, the baby will need to re-balance their gut flora to prevent reoccurrences from happening.
Why dry is always best
The cause of a diaper rash is a breakdown in the skin barrier, regardless of the type of rash. A baby has greater cell turnover on the skin than an adult and the microbes living on a baby’s skin are very unstable. If you do bath your child with a rash, make sure the area is fully dry before putting on underwear or a diaper. Prolonged wetness weakens this barrier, making it more susceptible to friction, irritation or infection. I also always say to not use too much ointment or cream. If you trap the moisture below the cream you’re creating a damp environment and doing more harm than good.
XO
B