Diaper Dermatitis – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

There is hardly anything worse for a mother than when the baby constantly cries and loudly complains of terrible pain. Even if you think a "wonderful bottom" is completely normal, you should be careful that the redness does not develop into diaper dermatitis. Because diaper dermatitis is terribly painful and heals poorly. We have compiled answers to the five most important questions on the topic of diaper dermatitis for you.

What is diaper dermatitis?

Diaper dermatitis is an inflammatory skin rash in the diaper area. It begins with redness in the diaper region, which gradually progresses to swelling, injuries, and blisters. Almost every baby experiences such a skin inflammation at least once. The main cause is considered to be contact with ammonia contained in urine, which damages the natural acid mantle of the baby's skin. The moist, warm environment inside the diaper provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and the yeast Candida albicans.

What are the causes of diaper dermatitis?

Have you ever ridden a really long distance on your bike? Then you surely know that constant rubbing puts a lot of stress on the skin between the thighs. Now imagine all of this happening inside a sealed diaper that is constantly moist and filled with a mixture of urine and stool. This unpleasant thought helps you understand how diaper dermatitis develops. The moisture in the diaper causes the skin to swell and disrupts its natural barrier function. In this environment, germs, bacteria, and fungi can thrive and penetrate the skin. Diaper dermatitis often occurs when babies are teething. If the baby has sour stool, or concentrated urine, the likelihood of developing diaper dermatitis is also significantly increased. Medications and intolerances to diaper materials and ingredients of skincare products also promote the development of diaper dermatitis.

How can you recognize diaper dermatitis?

Is your baby's skin in the diaper area heavily reddened, swollen, or oozing? Have blisters, flakes, or crusts formed on the skin that spread from the buttocks and heal poorly? Has your baby been crying frequently lately and is restless? Then your baby is probably suffering from diaper dermatitis. But don't worry: the sooner you start treatment for diaper dermatitis, the less severe the course will be. With prompt initiation of the correct therapy, you can definitely prevent bleeding spots and leaking pimples.

How to properly treat diaper dermatitis

To say it in advance: Whenever you discover blisters on your child, it bleeds, and they are cranky and crying for days, you should definitely see a doctor or ask your midwife for advice. However, if you recognize the first signs of diaper dermatitis early, you can easily start treatment on your own. If you suspect diaper dermatitis, you should change your child's diaper frequently and ideally let them kick around diaper-free for a few minutes several times a day. Moist cleaning wipes and perfumed lotions should be avoided during treatment. After the treatment, it is worth considering switching the brand of diapers and wipes. LILLYDOO offers especially and that are free of fragrances and other irritating ingredients.

Since diet has a significant influence on the composition of stool, you should prescribe a low-sugar, gentle diet to your baby in case of diaper dermatitis. If the pediatrician has identified bacteria or a fungus as the cause, they will prescribe an antibacterial or antifungal medication for your baby. If you apply a cream with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as zinc, cod liver oil, or dexpanthenol to your baby's diaper rash, the sore bottom will likely heal quickly.

How can you prevent diaper dermatitis?

Even if something goes wrong occasionally, you should let your child kick around without diapers for a longer period each day. Change the diaper frequently and regularly use a barrier cream, applying it thinly during diaper changes. If diaper dermatitis occurs more often, you should analyze your household's eating habits and consider how to enable a low-sugar diet for you and your baby. Why not skip the extra portion of breakfast cereal and instead opt for low-acid fruits?