What Causes Diaper Rash?

September 2, 2010 by Nichole Lyle  
Filed under Baby

As a parent it’s good to know the different types of diaper rashes that can occur so you’ll know what you’re working with. If you were unaware that there were different kinds then now you will know better. There are five kinds of diaper rashes, and you may find that you’re already aware of most of them.

The sensitive skin diaper rash is very common. Some babies’ skin is more sensitive than others. They may be more likely to get diaper rash if allergy symptoms such as asthma, hay fever and baby eczema run in your family. For babies who do deal with these kinds of symptoms a diaper rash cream or ointment is probably necessary at every changing.

The contact rash occurs after the skin has been in contact with either urine or feces. This can happen usually overnight. It’s important that you change baby’s diaper often. A contact rash usually turns skin pink or red. The rash is flat, but if you fail to treat it, it can then blister or peel. Use a cream that contains zinc oxide nightly to avoid reoccurrence.

Intertrigo is a kind of diaper ash that forms from the rubbing action in the folds of the skin. It’s usually seen in between the groin area and thighs. Intertrigo resembles a burn in that it looks like a bright red rash. The way to avoid or heal this rash is by applying a natural treatment in the dry skin folds before diapering.

The fourth kind of diaper rash is yeast rash. This rash occurs when yeast from the intestines infects damaged skin from diaper rash. Yeast rash is typically seen after taking antibiotics since the friendly bacteria are unable to keep yeast amounts in balance. This type of rash is more severe, appearing bright red with raised bumps. It is one that should definitely be looked at by a doctor. A natural treatment that doctors usually prescribe is called pro-biotic acidophilus.

Your baby could have a food allergy. This can be seen when a red ring, which resembles a burn, appears around the anus. Finding the right treatment for one of these rashes can make a huge difference. The right ingredients are critical too. Things like jojoba and olive oil are great for your baby’s skin. These are ingredients which moisturize. Aloe vera, calendula and chamomile are added bonuses which are anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory. They ease soreness and increase skin healing greatly. Baby ointments, including diaper cream and rash ointment with zinc oxide in it, are all carried at Babies R Us. Not only that but just about everything else baby related can be found at the superstore. Find out ways to prevent any type of diaper rash and save money doing so.

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