Diaper rash is a common condition that can appear red and scaly and feel itchy, sore, and tender on baby’s skin. A diaper rash usually lasts about two to three days with at-home treatment. If a rash lasts longer than this or begins to get worse, you will want to visit a doctor. The idea of our little ones being in pain can be scary, so let us break down the causes of diaper rash, how to treat diaper rash, and how to proactively avoid diaper rash all together!

Causes

In most cases, diaper rash is caused by irritation after a soiled diaper is left on too long. A diaper is a warm, moist environment. The skin irritation and sometimes infection can result in a rash. Check baby’s diaper often, and change it as soon as possible to avoid diaper rash and its discomfort on baby’s soft skin. Diaper creams and ointments are used to create a barrier between the skin and a diaper’s moisture, but some parents prefer letting baby have diaper-free time to ‘air out.’ We suggest diaper-free time be spent in a contained, easy to clean area. 

Be proactive by avoiding certain ingredients

Though moisture is often the reason why diaper rash occurs, sometimes rashes develop even when the skin is dry and soiled diapers are changed right away. Chronic rashes are usually a reaction to an element in baby's diaper.

Babies can wear 2,200 to 3,000 diapers in their first year. You can help prevent diaper rash by choosing a diaper that is safe and gentle on baby's skin, as well as environmentally sustainable. Avoid certain ingredients such as chlorine, phthalates, fragrances, alcohol and latex.

Chlorine: Use diapers made with ingredients that are dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and Totally Chlorine Free (TCF). Chlorine is used in the creation of a lot of disposable diapers to make the material whiter. The bleaching process causes chlorine to emit toxic chemicals like dioxins. 

Phthalates: Phthalates, often referred to as plasticizers, are chemicals that make products made with plastic more durable. Phthalates emit an odour that a lot of disposable diaper brands cover up with skin irritating fragrances. Diapers designed for a baby's sensitive skin use bamboo materials and spandex for a snug, but flexible, diaper fit.

Fragrances: When diapers and wipes contain fewer chemicals, they don't need to mask anything with fragrances. Fragrances can be irritating to sensitive skin - and noses. Eco Pea Co. products are odour resistant and have a subtle scent due to the aloe ingredient, which is used in a very light amount.

Alcohol: Avoid diapers and wipes that contain alcohol, as alcohol can dry out a baby's sensitive skin. You can cleanse your little one's skin with products using ingredients such as water, glycerin, and coco-glucoside.

Rule out other factors

Your baby’s skin irritation may not be diaper rash. Has there been a change in diet? Is another product, such as shampoo or lotion, the culprit? Keep an eye on what your little one is using and consuming to help determine the irritant. 

Treatment

Oatmeal baths, olive oil, aloe vera, honey, and chamomile have been used to help cool down and treat diaper rash. However, if the rash doesn’t go away or is getting worse - examples of this would be if sores develop or if there is a green or yellow discharge from the infected area - you will want to contact your pediatrician. The pediatrician will most likely prescribe a simple treatment using antifungal cream, an antibiotic cream, or in some cases, a steroid cream. These situations can be worrisome, but remember that you are doing your best, and you have many tools and options to go to in order to help your little one feel better.