When a baby gets a diaper rash, the sooner it goes away the better. The best way to get rid of a diaper rash or help to prevent getting one in the first place is to get to the root of the problem. Knowing the most common causes for diaper rash can help avoid future breakouts.

Many parents often wonder if they are at fault for the diaper rash. Diaper rashes are very common. Sometimes a diaper rash is caused by skin irritations that could have been prevented, but not every time. They also can occur for a variety of reasons that cannot always be avoided.

Chafing

One of the most common and most preventable causes of diaper rash is diaper chafing. It can occur from having a soiled diaper or from the diaper rubbing the baby's skin. Soiled diapers can cause irritation to baby's sensitive skin. This type of skin irritation is very common and generally occurs when baby is allowed to wear a soiled diaper for too long.

Changing diapers frequently can prevent diaper rashes from occurring in this way. Being sure diapers are the proper size and are not too loose or tight can also prevent chafing from occurring.

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections are also one of the more common diaper rash causes and can occur in various locations throughout the human body, the diaper area being one of them. Girls can get a yeast infection, which is one form of bacterial infection. There are also other bacterial infections that cause diaper rashes.

Impetigo is another common bacterial infection. Impetigo causes a blister-like diaper rash. Bacterial infections must be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional. If your baby's diaper rash does not clear up in a day or so, make an appointment with your child's pediatrician to be sure it is not caused by a bacterial infection.

Allergic Reactions

Some babies have more sensitive skin than others or may have allergies that will cause a diaper rash. Some common allergens that cause diaper rash are food allergies, fragrance, dyes, elastic diaper linings and artificial cloth fibers. All of these except the food products can be contained in your child's diaper, clothing, laundry detergent, bath soap and even diaper rash ointments.

All babies respond differently. However, choosing fragrance-free and dye-free items that use only natural fibers and ingredients can help avoid this type of situation, as can avoiding foods that contain artificial coloring and flavoring.

There are a variety of things that can produce allergens. If your child is getting a diaper rash frequently, it may be due to an allergy. It is best to see the child's pediatrician to figure out what might be causing the allergic reaction and determine what to do to avoid it in the future.

Eczema

Eczema can occur in all areas of the skin, even the diaper area. Eczema usually shows up as patches of red, scale-like skin. It can also appear in different forms. With eczema, the skin will generally be very dry. Eczema can be treated with fragrance-free and dye-free cream lotions or with petroleum jelly.

If the eczema is severe, your child's pediatrician may prescribe a steroidal cream or other prescription treatment. Whether the eczema is severe or not, it is wise to take your child to the pediatrician to have it examined.

Moisture

Excessive moisture can irritate baby's sensitive skin. Changing diapers frequently can prevent this type of rash from occurring. Moisture can also develop in the diaper area if diapering or clothing is too restricting or the weather is too warm for baby.

Keeping the baby dressed appropriately for the weather and in fresh, clean diapers and clothes can help to avoid a diaper rash that is caused due to moisture.

Heat

Human skin, especially that of babies, is sometimes sensitive to heat. When the temperature is too warm, it can cause a breakout in the diaper area. Heat rash can occur in many places, including the diaper area.

Babies should be kept cool with loose fitting clothing and diapering in warmer weather temperatures. Bulky diapering can also cause too much heat for baby's skin in cooler weather temperatures.

The main objective is to be sure that baby is dressed for the weather without being excessively covered in the diaper area. Rubber diaper cover-ups can also sometimes cause excessive heat or even moisture.

Not every rash in the diaper area can be treated by the parent alone. Any rash lasting more than a day or so without improvement (or one that is bleeding or otherwise questionable) should be looked at by a licensed medical professional, preferably your child's regular pediatrician.

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

It's three o'clock in the morning and your baby is not happy. You check all the usual needs. It's not yet time for a feeding. The baby does not seem to have gas. The pacifier is not satisfying him. You then check to see if the diaper is soiled. Now you know why the baby is upset. He is uncomfortable, due to a diaper rash. But, you have a problem. You have no diaper rash ointments and the stores are all closed.

Having multiple children, I've been there a time or two (or more). Don't worry. Those over-the-counter products are not always the best for baby's skin anyhow. Many home diaper rash remedies are simple to prepare and very effective. Below are three of my favorite home diaper rash remedies. You likely have at least one of these home diaper rash remedies on hand already.

An oatmeal bath is one of my favorite home diaper rash remedies. This simple homemade diaper rash remedy takes away the itching and discomfort. It also helps to heal and soften the skin. To make an oatmeal bath suitable for home diaper rash remedies, you'll need an adult-sized tube sock and some old-fashioned oats. Generic brands work just as well as brand names.

Fill the tube sock about halfway with the old-fashioned oats. Then, tie the open end with a knot. Run the bathwater as usual. Swish the sock around in the water for about 30 seconds. Remove the sock from the water and squeeze the excess liquid into the water. Then, give the baby a bath as normal. This method works in a baby bathtub or regular bathtub. Use the appropriate bathtub for your baby, depending on his or her age.

Another of my favorite home diaper rash remedies, homemade baby powder, has been around for centuries. Home diaper rash remedies are often very simplistic in nature, but many are effective as well. For this homemade diaper rash remedy, it is no different. All that is need for homemade baby powder is flour and a saucepan. Heat a medium-sized saucepan over medium-low heat.

Add 1 cup of flour. Stir it around for about 30 seconds until lightly browned. Pour into a cup. Test the flour before applying to baby's diaper area. The flour should be warm to the touch, but should not be warm enough to irritate the skin. This should be applied after each diaper change. This home diaper rash remedy helps to soak up excess moisture. Excess moisture is a leading cause of many different types of diaper rash. While a common ingredient in over the counter baby powders, talc (or talcum) can be harmful when breathed into a baby's lungs.

Milk of Magnesia (commonly used as a treatment for heartburn) is also on my favorite list of home diaper rash remedies. This simple home diaper rash remedy only requires a bottle of milk of magnesia and a soft cloth. Simply apply milk of magnesia to the affected area with the soft cloth after each diaper change. Allow the area to fully dry before placing a clean diaper on baby.

Note: These home diaper rash remedies are for common diaper rashes. Diaper rashes due to a bacterial or viral infection must be examined by a licensed medical professional. If a baby's diaper rash is not improving, see a licensed medical professional. These tips are intended for informational purposes only.

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Diaper Rash Treatment

* I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

 Diaper rashes can be very uncomfortable for babies. Therefore, parents must learn about diaper rash treatment to keep an affected baby happy. There are many different causes for diaper rash in infants. Therefore, diaper rash treatment will vary, depending on the cause and symptoms.

In simple terms, diaper rash is an irritation to baby's diaper area. Diaper rash does not always appear the same, due to the variety of causes. No matter the type of diaper rash, it can be uncomfortable to a bay, so prompt treatment is necessary.

The most common symptom of diaper rash is obviously a rash in the diaper area. Diaper rash may also be accompanied by pain, itchiness, or discomfort by baby. In some cases, the skin also may become raw, which is painful.

The first and best treatment for diaper rash is prevention. Because diaper rash can be caused by many things, preventing diaper rash lies in understanding the main causes. The most common cause of diaper rash is diaper chafing. Diaper chafing can occur for various reasons, many of which link to excess moisture or skin irritants.

To prevent diaper rash from diaper chafing, keep the baby's diaper clean with frequent changes. Also, make sure the diaper is not too tight or too loose. The materials should be 100% natural and if they are cloth diapers, should be cleaned only in mild detergents that do not contain chemicals, dyes, or fragrances. All natural detergents are best.

Never use bleach on cloth diapers or baby clothing and always use an extra rinse cycle. Other causes for diaper rash include infection and allergic reactions (from detergents, diaper fibers, clothing fibers, elastic, baby wipes, foods, etc...).

Treatment of diaper rash will depend on the cause. Aside from keeping baby changed frequently, heated, unbleached flour can be used to keep moisture away from the affected area. An oatmeal bath can also be given to baby. This will moisturize the skin and ease the discomfort from the itching and pain. Allow baby to air dry after each change, as well as after the oatmeal bath. Fresh air can help the healing. Also, keeping the skin dry can prevent excess moisture in the diaper area.

If the diaper rash is due to a yeast infection or other infection, the doctor will likely prescribe a topical treatment in an ointment form. Follow those guidelines as directed by a licensed medical professional. It is normal for babies to get a yeast infection in the diaper area, due to the possibility of excess moisture.

Any diaper rash that does not show improvement after a day or so should be followed up with an appointment at the pediatrician's office. Only a licensed medical professional can diagnose an infection and make the recommended treatment. It is better to go and find out that it is a normal diaper rash than to avoid going and learn through your baby's discomfort that you should have gone sooner.

Note: The author is not a licensed medical professional. She simply is an experienced parent, sharing knowledge she has gained through years of parenting and research. This guide is meant for informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed medical professional for medical advice.

RELATED:
How to Prevent Diaper Rash
Cure Baby Diaper Rash Quickly and Naturally

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

Most babies will get diaper rash at some point. As a mother to multiple children, I have dealt with diaper rash more than once, for sure. According to pediatricians I've talked to, as well as through personal experience, I learned that prevention techniques can make those occurrences minimal. To prevent diaper rash, it is important to know the main underlying causes and what can be done to avoid them.

This hopefully goes without saying, but a baby should always be kept clean. This means that a baby should be cleaned during diaper changing, but it also means regular baths. Before a fresh diaper is put back on, baby's skin should be completely dry. This can prevent diaper rash that occurs due to moisture.

Diaper chafing is likely the number one cause for diaper rash. This type of rash can be very uncomfortable. To prevent diaper rash due to diaper chafing, be sure that the baby is changed frequently. Being in a soiled diaper for too long can irritate (or chafe) the skin.

Another type of diaper rash can actually be caused by the diaper itself. Some babies have sensitive skin. Thus, to prevent diaper rash caused by diapers, it is important to note what materials they are made of prior to using them on the baby. For instance, diapers that contained too much elastic or were made with fibers other than 100% cotton would irritate the skin of a couple of my children as babies.

Another cause for diaper rash can actually lie in the products labeled for use during diapering. For instance, many baby wipes contain harsh chemicals and fragrances that can irritate a baby's sensitive skin. This can be confusing, especially to first-time parents. These companies are likely not out to intentionally harm anyone. It just is common practice to add scents to cleansing products. However, in order to prevent diaper rash, it probably is a good idea to avoid diapering products containing these.

The baby wipes are not the only diapering products to look out for. Chemicals, fragrances, and dyes that may irritate baby's skin and cause a diaper rash can be contained in baby wash, baby powder, diaper rash cream, lotion, and just about any other product that may come in contact with a baby's skin. To prevent diaper rash due to these sensitive ingredients, check all ingredients listed.

Diaper rash cream itself is one of the products that surprised me by irritating the skin of my first child. Apparently, some babies can be sensitive to the zinc oxide, the main ingredient in most diaper rash creams. In addition to that, it also contains fragrance and other chemicals. To prevent diaper rash, it is better to use nothing on baby's skin than to use baby powder and diaper rash cream. If you are unable to prevent diaper rash, natural air and frequent diaper changes are the best treatments, unless a bacterial or other infection is involved. In which case, a doctor should be consulted for the best treatment.

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Cure Baby Diaper Rash Quickly and Naturally

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Diaper rash is a very common ailment among babies. There are so many different remedies out there. But there’s no need to waste time researching and buying any of them. As an experienced nanny and mom of many, I found the most effective cure for diaper rash was also the simplest one.

Step One: Bath Time with Specific Soap

As soon as you notice a sign of diaper rash, give your baby a lukewarm bath with a very mild, fragrance-free moisturizing soap. I prefer homemade soaps. But of course, not everyone feels like making homemade soaps. Health food stores usually have similar choices. Look for those with the least amount of ingredients, that have no fragrance, and that contain mostly moisturizers.

Step Two: Air Dry

Once your baby is done with the bath, pat the skin dry gently, with no rubbing.  Then, place him or her on a towel to air dry with an open diaper underneath, in case of an accident. If your baby can play, provide some toys for entertainment. Leave the baby like this as often as possible until the rash is gone. The air helps keep moisture away from the affected area and should feel good on the rash. You will likely notice your baby is much happier without the diaper, for this reason.

Step Three: Homemade Powdering

If the simple air dry technique isn’t working, try making a homemade powder. Never use over-the-counter powders, as they contain talcum, fragrance, and other ingredients that can cause or worsen diaper rash. Talcum is also bad for your baby’s lungs. To make the homemade powder, simply heat up some plain, unbleached flour in a saucepan. Test the temperature and when it’s warm, but not too hot for baby, sprinkle the flour onto the baby’s skin and on the open diaper. Be careful not to allow the baby to inhale the flour. While it is less harmful than talcum powder, it is still not ideal for your baby to inhale it.

Extra Tips

I recommend never using the over-the-counter diaper rash treatments. With many babies, these can cause more problems than they resolve and are full of harsh chemicals.

If the above advice isn’t working, it’s possible your baby may have a yeast infection, rather than diaper rash. It causes similar symptoms and looks similar. Yeast infections are extremely common in baby girls, due to the moisture from the diapers. Your pediatrician can prescribe medication safe for your baby, if this is the case.

Switching from disposable to cloth diapers can help alleviate diaper rashes, especially frequent ones. The cloth helps your baby’s skin breathe easier. Disposable diapers also have chemicals and other harmful materials that may be causing your baby’s skin to get irritated.

*I originally published a version of this elsewhere (no longer published there).