Diaper Rash

WHAT IT IS

The definition of diaper rash is pretty straightforward (rash = a reddish skin irritation; diaper = the area covered by your baby's nether region). But it can actually be a number of different skin conditions, the most common being chafing dermatitis (also known as friction rash), candidal dermatitis (aka yeast infection), atopic dermatitis (eczema), and seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap). Whichever one afflicts your baby's bottom, it's probably more bothersome to you than to your baby.

WHAT CAUSES IT

Diaper rash is typically caused by a trio of factors — moisture (too much), air (too little), and irritants (think everything from urine and stool to the ingredients in disposable diapers, wipes, bath products, and laundry soaps).

WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT

Prevention is key, and the best way to keep diaper rash at bay is to keep your baby's bottom as clean and dry as possible,  and that means lots (and lots) of diaper changes.

When you deal with a wet or poopy diaper, let baby's butt have a few minutes of fresh air, then apply a barrier ointment. Experiment to see whether a petroleum-based product (such as A&D, Aquaphor, or the cheapest option — plain old petroleum jelly) works for your baby or if a zinc-oxide cream (like Desitin, Balmex, or Triple Paste) does the trick. Be sure that his tush is totally dry before slathering it on (trapped moisture beneath the barrier cream will only make diaper rash more likely and make a bad diaper rash worse).

If a rash does develop, ramp up baby's bare-butt time to at least ten minutes (the longer, the better) before putting on a new diaper. Just place your baby on a waterproof pad or some cloth diapers, towels, or receiving blankets, and let him play (and spray) freely. A few more tush-wise tips:

• Skip the wipes. Instead, wipe the area with plain water and a washcloth or cotton balls. (Baby oil on cotton balls will work for a particularly sticky poop.)
• If rashes persist, try a different type of diaper or a different bath soap (like extra-gentle Cetaphil or Dove).
• Consider your baby's diet. Too much juice can affect the amount of urine he produces and the pH (acidity) of his stool — and either could be the culprit. And watch out for citrus fruits, which can also create caustic poops.

WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR

If the rash doesn't start to get better in two or three days, or if blisters or pustules appear, contact your pediatrician. Some (really persistent) rashes may require a steroid cream.  A bad case of intertrigo (a rash caused by the rubbing of skin on skin that can result in oozing white or yellowish pus) warrants careful cleaning and treatment with hydrocortisone cream. Persistent candidal dermatitis (which is caused by a yeast-like fungus) may need to be treated with an antifungal ointment such as Zimycan.