Diaper Rash: Causes, Treatment, and Relief Strategies

Babies sometimes develop a rash on the buttocks and skin covered by their diaper. This condition is referred to as diaper rash, and is associated with red, tender, and inflamed skin. Diaper rash often causes pain and discomfort and can get worse if not treated promptly. The experienced and caring providers, Dr. Haravu Lokesh and Dr. Rupal Desai, at A to Z Pediatrics treat diaper rash in New Port Richey, FL and can help you take steps to prevent it from occurring again.

Symptoms and Causes of Diaper Rash

The main symptom of diaper rash is a rash on the buttocks, genitals, or thighs, but additional symptoms can also develop. Other symptoms associated with the condition include soreness, redness, blisters, peeling and itchiness. If diaper rash is not treated promptly and becomes more severe, it can lead to a fever and the development of a widespread rash.

One of the main causes of diaper rash is wearing a wet or soiled diaper for too long. Keeping baby’s bottom clean and dry helps prevent diaper rash, so it’s important to change wet or soiled diapers as soon as possible. Diaper rash can also be caused by antibiotics, bacterial infections, certain foods, or wearing diapers that are too tight.

Diaper Rash Treatments and Relief Strategies

Diaper rash may often be effectively treated at home. However, you should bring your child into our office if the diaper rash in New Port Richey, FL, does not improve within a few days, gets worse, or results in a fever. It’s also best to contact us if your little one experiences persistent diaper rash that repeatedly returns after initially clearing up. Treatment methods and relief strategies for diaper rash include:

• Change diapers frequently, and as soon as they are wet or soiled
• Bathe in warm water with mild soap daily until the rash is gone
• Rinse baby’s bottom with warm water when changing the diaper
• Ensure baby’s bottom is thoroughly dry after bathing or changing diapers
• Avoid using baby wipes that contain alcohol, fragrance, or other irritants
• Apply topical creams made for diaper rash
• Apply petroleum jelly to the affected area
• Use anti-fungal creams or ointments, if recommended by your medical provider

If your little one has developed diaper rash, we can help. Schedule an appointment with one of our pediatricians to learn more about treating and preventing diaper rash in New Port Richey by calling Dr. Lokesh or Dr. Desai at A to Z Pediatrics at (727) 375-5242.