Diaper rash – red spots on baby's bottom

You've probably heard or read a lot about the skin problem called diaper rash or diaper dermatitis.

It is important to read about its symptoms and treatment methods so that we can immediately recognize the onset of inflammation and quickly begin its healing.

The sooner we restore the skin condition, the less discomfort we have to expect and the more complications we can avoid. If we know what can cause the symptoms, we can filter out the causes that triggered the inflammation of the skin in our own child. This way we can prevent it from recurring, because unfortunately there are chances of this happening.

Parents usually notice diaper rash when it is still mild and start successful home treatment in time. However, this requires attention.

What happens to a baby's skin during diaper rash? 

There are stages of inflammation at each point, from scattered red dots with a lack of epithelium to large, deeper areas of epithelial loss. Each phase is unpleasant for the little one, as it causes a burning, stinging, and itching sensation.

If we notice the problem at the beginning of its development and can recognize it, we are in a lucky situation, because with proper treatment – ​​if the body responds well – the inflammation does not spread further. A more serious condition can develop even within a few hours if the diaper is not changed. At this point, the skin is already red, accompanied by a burning sensation, and may become moist.

The damaged skin surface does not provide sufficient protection against bacteria and fungi, so dirt in the diaper can easily cause infection.

Source: Webpatient Dr. Judit Lesznyák

The symptoms of diaper rash are characteristic 

What changes can you see on your baby's skin when he has diaper rash?

• The skin on the child's buttocks, thighs, groin, and genitals is red or inflamed, itchy, and sensitive.
• Wounds may also occur.
• Diapering is difficult, the baby is fussy, and may cry.

What can cause diaper rash in a baby? 

Parents with multiple children often find that while one of their children has no problems during diaper time, the other child may experience an inflamed bottom several times, even though they do everything the same when it comes to baby care for both children.

Some babies, like adults, have more sensitive skin that can easily become irritated by irritants, such as a wet and warm diaper, especially if it contains both urine and feces, or if the baby has diarrhea.

Urine and feces contain substances that can cause burns to the skin.

If your little one has eczema (atopic dermatitis) or seborrheic dermatitis, you should pay even more attention to diaper rash, as the chances may increase.

A predisposing factor may be less frequent diaper changes , precisely because of the effects of the previous ones. Since in this case the sensitive baby's skin is in contact with a warm, moist and polluted environment that irritates the skin for a longer period of time, inflammation develops very quickly, and the longer the diaper contents are in contact with the skin surface, the greater the extent and depth of the inflamed surface we may encounter.

Rubbing the skin can cause small injuries, which can easily lead to inflammation. If the diaper is too tight, or the clothes are too tight around the thighs, you may notice rashes on the baby's bottom and in the creases of the thighs.

If you have found the right baby care products, the quality of which you trust, and have used them regularly, your little one's skin may react sensitively if you suddenly change products . A new brand of wet wipes, diapers, detergent, or fabric softener can easily cause rashes. Therefore, consider every innovation!

A child's skin can be sensitive not only to cosmetic products, but also to changes in stool due to a changed diet . When new foods are introduced, stools may become more frequent and their composition may change. In breastfed babies, even the food consumed by the mother may be a factor, but this is rarely recognized.

Even the teething period can be included here, as diaper rash can also develop during this time.

Taking antibiotics can increase the risk of diaper rash in both the baby and the mother if she is breastfeeding, because the medication kills the bacteria that prevent the growth of fungi. Antibiotics are also known to increase the risk of diarrhea.

Source: Pediatrics Center

What should we do if we notice symptoms of diaper rash on our baby?

Since our child's skin needs to be treated immediately, and due to its sensitivity, there is a risk of another diaper rash, the steps can be divided into two parts.

Treatment of existing diaper rash 

If we can spot the very first signs during diapering, we can start treating the skin immediately. We can usually achieve success with simple, home methods, but it is worth consulting a pediatrician for advice, who can recommend care products that help prevent infections and promote skin exfoliation.

If you notice that your baby's bottom is red when changing diapers, you should change some of your baby care habits and observe how your baby's skin reacts. Improvement may take several days.

Avoid chemicals as much as possible during the healing process! While healthy skin is unlikely to react to chemicals – which may be found in wet wipes or diapers – they can seriously irritate inflamed and injured skin, slowing or preventing healing.

At each diaper change, gently rinse your baby's skin with clean water without rubbing. It is best to wash his bottom and thighs carefully under running water or in a small tub. Wipe the water off with a soft cloth, being careful not to rub his skin, which could cause minor injuries to its surface. You can also leave it outside to air dry.

Choose the right buttock cream ! It is ideal to use a product during regeneration that keeps moisture away from the skin and reduces inflammation, while containing as many natural ingredients as possible. It is worth seeking the advice of a pediatrician to choose the right cream.

Be extra careful to change the diaper frequently , and if you notice stool, do it immediately! Do this at night until the wound heals. It is very effective to let the baby go without a diaper for longer periods of time, several times a day, so that his skin can breathe.

If the symptoms do not improve after a few days, seek help from your pediatrician, who will recommend a suitable medicated or medicated cream for your baby's skin, and antibiotics in the event of an infection or complication.

Source: Pediatrics Center

Preventing diaper rash from recurring 

When your little one's skin finally heals, you can relax a bit on the things used during the treatment, but you should still be vigilant! After all, if the same effects affect his skin as before, you may face recurring inflammation again. 

• Since dirty, wet diapers are the number one problem, change them more often in the future! Prevent your baby's skin from coming into contact with urine and feces for a long time. Don't tie the diaper too tight!

• Choose baby care products that are as natural as possible. You can return to previously proven products if you do not suspect that one of them caused the sensitivity. If you consider the quality of a baby care product to be good and you are satisfied with it, do not replace it!

• Give your little one clothes that are easy to move in, flexible, well-ventilated, and don't make you sweat. If you choose cotton, especially if you choose a bamboo composition – such as LiaaBébé baby clothes made from bamboo fiber – then you can be sure of the best quality!

• If you are taking antibiotics, consult your pediatrician about taking the appropriate probiotic to prevent your child from developing diarrhea.

• Try to find the type of diaper that allows the baby's skin to breathe as much as possible and whose composition is closest to natural. In the summer, when it is hot, it is worth buying extra thin diapers and changing them often.

• Many parents have reported that they have been able to say goodbye to unpleasant skin problems by using washable diapers and washable diaper wipes. This way, they avoid chemicals and the skin breathes better.

• A daytime wash-off bath can be helpful in preventing further diaper rash if it is routinely introduced after each diaper change using a small basin. This way, the baby's skin only comes into contact with clean water.

Diaper rash, which in most cases heals within a few days and is easy to treat, can be prevented in the future with due caution and care.