The Bottom Line: How to Treat Diaper Rash Quickly and Effectively

As a mom of four young children, I’ve been through countless rounds of diaper rash—and I’ve learned that each case is a little different. One of my kids developed diaper rash that turned out to be irritation from her actual diaper—which doesn’t seem that out-there in retrospect, but still took some solid detective work at the time.

“Almost every baby gets diaper rash at some point,” says Dr. Leslie Young, MD, a pediatrician and primary care physician at MemorialCare Medical Group in Lakewood, California.

While it’s incredibly common—babies and diaper rash almost go hand-in-hand—it can be stubborn and frustrating to deal with. So how can you offer your little one some much-needed relief? Read on to learn everything from the best diaper rash treatments to how to prevent it in the first place.

Key Takeaways

• What causes diaper rash? Diaper rash is often simply caused by exposure to urine and poop, as well as moisture or friction. Allergies and sensitivities, diet and antibiotics can also play a role.
• Types of diaper rash. Not all diaper rash is the same. It could be irritant dermatitis (the most common type), yeast (candida) or impetigo (bacterial diaper rash).
• Diaper rash treatment. Applying diaper cream, letting baby go diaper-free and frequent changes can all help with diaper rash. It’ll usually resolve within a few days. If it persists, check in with your pediatrician.

What Is Diaper Rash?

Just like its name implies, diaper rash is a rash that appears where a diaper touches baby’s skin—namely their butt and genital region.

“Diaper rash is identified by red, irritated skin around the diaper area,” explains Dr. Jody Levine, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist. It can be uncomfortable, and baby’s likely to cry during a diaper change.

All those wet and dirty diapers that touch baby’s skin can be irritating, which is why diaper rash mostly happens to infants and toddlers under 2 years old who haven’t been potty trained yet.

Though diaper rash can pop up at any time, the odds are pretty good that you’ll be treating diaper rash (or multiple cases of it) when baby’s between 9 and 12 months old. “This is around the age when babies are sitting for long periods of time and they also begin to eat solids, so their poop is more acidic,” Dr. Levine notes.

What Does Diaper Rash Look Like?

Diaper rash generally covers baby’s backside, but it can also affect their genitals and thighs—basically anywhere a diaper touches the skin. This kind of rash typically results in red, raw, tender skin—but the actual appearance can vary based on baby’s skin tone.

“On babies with darker skin, diaper rash doesn’t always look bright red,” says Dr. Young. “Instead, you may notice skin that looks darker than usual—purplish, gray or deep pink.” The skin may also look shiny or swollen, or feel warm and sore to the touch. “Even if the color change isn’t obvious, if baby seems uncomfortable during diaper changes, a rash may be starting,” he warns.

If this is the first time you’re seeing a rash on baby, call your pediatrician before you start trying out treatments—that way, the doctor can accurately diagnose your little one’s condition and get it cleared up stat.

Types of Diaper Rashes

While diaper rash is lumped into one category, there are different types. “A regular diaper rash causes baby’s skin to become very irritated and chafed, and that’s just from irritation,” says Dr. Laurie Belosa, MD, a pediatrician in Westfield, New Jersey. But other types of diaper rash can result from bacteria or fungal growth. It can be nerve-wracking trying to figure out what type of diaper rash baby has.

Keep in mind that your run-of-the-mill baby diaper rash will:

• Look mildly red
• Typically affect only the area touched by the diaper rather than the folds of baby’s skin
• Usually clear up in a day or two if you slather on plenty of diaper rash cream, give baby’s bottom time to air out and change wet or soiled diapers right away

There are three main types of baby diaper rash to know about. (See two of the included types of diaper rash with pictures, below.)

Irritant dermatitis

This is the most common type of diaper rash. “Irritant dermatitis is usually just from the skin being wet or rubbing against the diaper too much,” explains Dr. Daniel Ganjian, MD, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.

This can be caused by urine, poop, overall moisture or friction sitting against baby’s skin, Dr. Young adds. “Stool contains digestive enzymes, and when those mix with moisture, they can break down the skin’s protective barrier,” he explains. “These rashes usually show up on the parts of the skin that touch the diaper and often skip the creases and folds.”

Yeast (candida) diaper rash

The materials that help prevent most diapers from leaking can also prevent air circulation, explains Dr. Levine, which can turn baby’s bottom into a moist, warm setting that promotes the growth of fungi.

In fact, the same kind of candida fungus that can cause thrush in baby’s mouth can also be the culprit behind diaper rash.

The difference between a diaper rash and yeast infection? A yeast diaper rash—also called a fungal diaper rash—starts out as small red bumps in the folds of baby’s skin and can grow into angry-red, raised welts that spread to other areas, like the butt and legs. A yeast diaper rash won’t go away with diaper cream alone; baby’s doctor will often recommend an antifungal cream.

Bacterial diaper rash (impetigo)

This type of rash happens when bacteria such as staph and strep infect baby’s diaper region. “Urine can cause changes in the skin’s pH level, and this can make bacteria grow more easily in the diaper area,” Dr. Levine says.

To figure out if baby’s diaper rash is caused by bacteria, look for little red diaper rash blisters about the size of a pencil point that may or may not have pus, and is often yellow and crusty.

Since impetigo is highly contagious, call your pediatrician right away. They’ll prescribe an antibiotic cream to clear up baby’s rash. To avoid spreading it to other family members, wash baby’s clothes, linens and soft toys in hot water, and make sure everyone in your family diligently washes their hands.

What Causes Diaper Rash?

Diaper rash is super common—and typically nothing to worry about. That said, there are a few different causes of diaper rash.

Moisture

The most obvious cause of diaper rash is exposure to urine and poop—and the appearance of diaper rash might mean you should change baby’s diaper more often. “Anytime moisture sits on the skin for a period of time, it can cause the skin to get irritated,” Dr. Belosa says.

Not using enough protective ointment to create a good barrier between baby’s skin and the diaper can also lead to diaper rash.

Allergies or sensitivities

Baby’s soft skin can be extra-sensitive to certain ingredients found in soaps, lotions and wipes, which could cause contact dermatitis and rashes, Dr. Levine says. She recommends steering clear of products with whitening agents and dyes.

Friction

When baby starts crawling, you may notice diaper rash developing more often. It makes sense, since once baby’s on the move, those wet diapers are probably rubbing against their skin more, leading to chafing and rashes.

Diet, solids and poop pH

A baby’s stool can become more irritating when its pH changes, Dr. Young says. “When stool becomes more alkaline, digestive enzymes become more active and can damage the skin faster,” he says. “Parents often notice these rashes flare quickly after bowel movements and look shiny, bright and painful.” But acidic foods, like certain fruits and fruit juices, can also change the pH of baby’s urine and raise the risk of diaper rash, adds Dr. Levine.

Antibiotics

If baby’s been sick and your doctor puts them on a dose of antibiotics, there’s a chance you can expect a diaper rash shortly down the road. “Antibiotics can kill off both bad and good bacteria to allow yeast to flourish, which contributes to diaper rash,” Dr. Levine explains.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea can raise the risk of diaper rash—including when it’s connected to teething. “As a mom of five, I can say from experience that I’ve seen my babies have increased watery stools during teething that, like all watery stools, have the potential to lead to a diaper rash,” Dr. Levine says.

Ingredient sensitivities (wipes and fragrances)

Certain ingredients in laundry and cleaning products can cause problems. The key is to lessen the amount of harsh chemicals coming into contact with baby’s sensitive skin, so switch to non-fragrance, hypoallergenic soaps, lotions, detergents and wipes.

Diaper Rash Treatment: How to Get Rid of It Fast

Once you spot diaper rash, start with the basics of diaper rash treatment. You can tackle those pesky bumps with the following methods.

Try the “icing” method, aka applying barrier cream

Think of this like you’re using a barrier cream like “icing” on baby’s bum. “I tell parents to think of diaper cream like frosting a cupcake,” Dr. Young says. “You want a thick layer sitting on top of the skin to protect it, so not rubbed all the way in.” That protective barrier allows the skin underneath to heal, he says.

Dr. Belosa also recommends using a diaper rash cream, both to soothe diaper rash and to prevent it in the future. “There are two different kinds of diaper rash cream,” she points out. “Something like a petroleum-based jelly, you can use preventatively. That’s just to create a barrier on the skin against all the pee and poop baby is making.”

“There are stronger creams with stronger ingredients for when you’re really trying to get rid of that diaper rash,” Dr. Belosa adds. Look for a cream made with zinc oxide, which forms a powerful barrier against wetness and also helps heal irritated skin.

Maintain good diaper hygiene

Helpful diapering practices for keeping baby rash-free include:

• Frequent diaper changes. The most important thing is keeping the area dry and clean. If baby has a rash, check their diaper every hour and change it as needed.
• Diaper-free time. Ditching baby’s diaper for a bit can help to tamp down on diaper rash. “Air out that area as best as you can,” Dr. Belosa advises. Try laying down a waterproof pad in baby’s room and let them go diaper-free for several hours a day to give the irritated skin exposure to air.
• Avoid wipes. Baby wipes are probably your go-to cleanser when it comes to diapering, but when treating a diaper rash, it’s best to avoid them, since many contain chemicals that can further irritate the skin. Instead, try rinsing baby’s diaper area with warm water from a squirt bottle or squeezing a soft, wet rag, suggests Dr. Alexis Phillips-Walker, DO, a pediatrician with Memorial Hermann Medical Group-Atascocita Pediatrics in Atascocita, Texas.
• Switch diaper brands. An effective diaper rash treatment can be as simple as testing out different brands of diapers. Some diapers may be more absorbent than others, so experiment to see which brand baby responds to best.
• Try a looser fit. Try putting baby in a diaper that’s slightly larger than usual to let more air in. You want baby’s diaper to be tight enough so that it doesn’t leak, but if it’s too snug, it can cause rubbing and chafing. Leave a little wiggle room to help prevent a baby butt rash.

Safe home remedies for diaper rash

Sometimes a reliable diaper rash treatment can be found right in your kitchen pantry. If you’re looking for more natural options, try these home remedies for diaper rash.

• Coconut oil. Applying coconut oil for diaper rash can help moisturize the skin while creating a protective barrier. Plus, it’s antifungal to prevent those nasty yeast diaper infections.
• Witch hazel. A few drops of witch hazel, which has anti-inflammatory properties, can be diluted with equal parts water and brushed onto baby’s skin with a cotton ball to help soothe the rash.
• Calendula. Calendula, a natural antibacterial, is another possible diaper rash remedy and can also be found in many diaper rash creams.

How Long Does Diaper Rash Last?

Diaper rash can take up to around four to seven days to heal, Dr. Levine says, although it can often clear up in a couple of days. Again, call your pediatrician if baby’s diaper rash doesn’t get better, if it gets worse or spreads beyond the diaper area, if the area appears to be infected (oozing with pus or crusting) or if it’s associated with diarrhea. Some rashes in the diaper area may be symptoms of another illness and call for further treatment.

When to Call the Pediatrician

Baby butt rashes and diaper rashes are very common and generally aren’t dangerous—but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take them seriously. In some cases, diaper rash can worsen if you don’t properly treat it. In other cases, the rash may be a sign of something that requires further medical care, such as a bacterial or yeast infection.

If baby develops any of the following symptoms, contact your pediatrician for guidance or schedule a doctor’s visit:

• Persistent rash that doesn’t improve after a few days
• A rash that continues to worsen
• A rash that starts to spread outside of the diaper region
• Development of pimples, blisters or pustules
• Fever

How to Prevent Diaper Rash Before It Starts

At the end of the day, the best way to deal with diaper rash is to prevent one from happening in the first place. Here, some top tips for preventing diaper rash (which you can also use as treatment tips):

Choose the right diaper

There’s no “right” diaper for preventing diaper rash, but each type has its pros and cons. Disposable diapers do a good job wicking moisture away from baby’s skin, while cloth diapers tend to be more breathable. But you can develop diaper rash with either one. “Even if you’re changing diapers religiously, whether they’re disposable diapers or cloth diapers, they can still cause irritation because it’s a sensitive area,” Dr. Belosa says.

Think about switching out your wipes

Again, wipes can make diaper rash worse, especially if baby has sensitive skin. “If wipes are too harsh, parents can use a soft cloth with warm water or even cotton balls to keep things clean,” Dr. Ganjian says.

You can also use a spray or squeeze bottle to gently rinse baby’s bottom without rubbing, Dr. Young says. “If you do use wipes, look for ones that are fragrance‑free and made for sensitive skin,” he adds.

Consider probiotics and gut health

To treat and prevent yeast diaper rashes, you might try adding some powdered probiotics (aka healthy bacteria) to baby’s bottle, since yeast infections may be triggered when unhealthy bacteria starts to outnumber the healthy kind. Be sure to ask your pediatrician before trying this method, especially if baby was born preterm.

You can also give baby unflavored yogurt (the sweetened stuff often has lots of added sugar), since it’s loaded with a type of healthy bacteria called acidophilus, which can help boost baby’s immunity and ward off infections.

To Sum It Up

Almost every baby gets diaper rash—so don’t be too bummed out if it happens to yours. Chances are, with the right remedies it’ll go away quickly. Most of the time, it’s irritant dermatitis caused by urine or poop, as well as moisture or friction—although yeast (candida) or bacterial diaper rash (impetigo) are also possibilities. In any case, if the baby diaper rash is persistent, make sure to check in with your provider.

How We Developed This Article

We know how bothersome diaper rash can be for baby—and you! To research the different types of diaper rash and the best treatment options for each, we spoke with five pediatricians who regularly see this issue in practice. After editing, this article was vetted through fact-check and reviewed by our pediatrician medical adviser. Learn more about how we ensure the accuracy of our content through our editorial and medical review process.

About the author: Mom of four Korin Miller has seen her fair share of baby diaper rash, and considers herself an expert on nipping this pesky problem in the bud. As an experienced health and pregnancy writer and a real-life parent, Korin infuses every article she touches with empathy and words of personal wisdom. Her work has appeared in publications such as Women’s Health, Prevention, Cosmopolitan and The Washington Post.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.