Your baby is crying constantly and is clearly in pain. Nothing is worse for parents. Soreness on the buttocks isn’t always a reason to panic, but you do need to be careful that red spots on the skin don’t develop into diaper dermatitis or diaper rash. Bare little bottoms can be extremely painful and slow to heal. All the more reason to answer the five most important questions about diaper eczema here. Read on.

What is diaper rash?

Diaper rash is inflamed skin in the diaper area. It often starts with red spots where the diaper normally sits, and then the rash can spread, with blisters, sores, and swelling. Almost every baby experiences diaper dermatitis at least once. The main cause is your child’s urine, which contains ammonia. Your child’s skin can usually handle this quite well, but inside the diaper it is often warm and moist. And that’s exactly where bacteria and the fungus Candida albicans feel at home.

What are the causes of diaper rash in a baby?

If you regularly cycle long distances, you probably know the chafing sensation between your legs, which can feel quite uncomfortable. Not a pleasant thought, but now imagine that this friction happens inside a closed, moist diaper. No wonder a rash, inflammation, and eczema can develop under those conditions. Dampness in the diaper softens the skin, making it less resistant to external influences. This creates the perfect breeding ground for germs, bacteria, and fungi, which can cause diaper rash.

Diaper rash and fungal infections often occur in children who are teething. Does your baby have somewhat acidic stool, or is the urine strongly colored? If so, there is also an increased risk of diaper dermatitis. Medications and allergies to diaper materials and certain care products can also cause diaper rash in babies.

How do I recognize diaper rash?

Is the skin around your child’s diaper area red, swollen, or moist? Are there blisters, flakes, or crusts on the skin that spread from the buttocks and heal poorly? Does your child cry often and seem restless? Then your baby probably has diaper dermatitis. But don’t worry: the sooner you treat diaper rash, the milder it will be. That’s why it’s wise to keep a close eye on red or chafed buttocks and, if in doubt, contact your health visitor or general practitioner immediately. What to do about diaper rash? You can read about it below.

What to do about diaper rash?

If diaper rash is still in its early stages, you can do a lot yourself for your little one. If you suspect your baby has diaper rash, change the diaper regularly and let your child stretch their legs without clothes for a while. Do you often reach for moist wipes or perfumed baby lotion? To treat diaper rash, it’s better to set those products aside for now. After treatment, you might consider trying different diapers and taking a close look at what’s on the packaging of your cleansing wipes. LILLYDOO offers diapers that are extra gentle on sensitive baby skin, and our cleansing wipes contain no fragrances or other ingredients that could be harmful to the skin.

Nutrition has a significant impact on bowel movements, and it is advisable to avoid sugars. Has your midwife or pediatrician told you that the diaper rash was caused by a fungus? Then he or she will probably prescribe an antibacterial or antifungal medication. Also apply an ointment with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as zinc, cod liver oil, or dexpanthenol to the affected skin. This will help your child’s skin heal even faster.

How can I prevent diaper rash in my baby?

Let your little one happily kick or run around without a diaper for a while. Of course, a small accident can happen quickly, but your little explorer’s skin will thank you. Also, change your baby’s diaper regularly and apply a barrier ointment to that little bottom.

If diaper rash keeps recurring, take a look at your diet and try to avoid sugars as much as possible. After all, what you leave out won’t end up in your breast milk either. Instead of sweetened muesli, for example, eat an apple, grapes, or a ripe banana (or other fruit that contains little acid). This can help support healthy bowel movements for your baby.