Diaper Rash in Newborns: Treatment & What Parents Can Do at Home

Why Do Babies Get Diaper Rash?

Baby skin is delicate. The diaper area also stays warm and moist for much of the day.

Urine and stool can irritate the skin. Friction from the diaper and frequent wiping can add more irritation.

Stool is especially irritating. This is why babies with frequent stools or diarrhea often develop a sore bottom.

Most simple rashes are a form of irritant dermatitis. The skin becomes pink or red where it has the most contact with the diaper.

What Does a Typical Diaper Rash Look Like?

A mild rash usually looks pink or red. It often affects the skin that touches the diaper.

The skin folds may look better than the surrounding skin. That pattern is common with an ordinary irritant rash.

A more severe rash may become bright red, tender, or raw. The skin may sometimes crack or bleed.

Not every rash in the diaper area has the same cause. Yeast, bacteria, and reactions to skin products can look different and may need different treatment.

Diaper Rash Treatment for Babies

Most mild cases can be treated at home.

Start by reducing the amount of time that urine and stool stay against the skin. Change wet or soiled diapers promptly.

Then clean your baby gently. Warm water and a soft cloth work well. Alcohol-free, fragrance-free wipes are another option if they do not sting or make the rash worse.

Pat the area dry. Do not rub.

When practical, leave the diaper off for a short time. This lets the skin air dry.

What Kind of Diaper Cream Should I Use?

Look for a fragrance-free barrier product.

Zinc oxide is a common choice. Petroleum jelly can also protect the skin from moisture and stool.

Think of the barrier as a shield between your baby's skin and the diaper.

For a raw diaper rash, use a generous layer. You do not need to scrub all of the cream off at every change.

If the barrier is still clean, gently remove the soiled part and add more on top.

Should I Use Cloth or Disposable Diapers?

Either type of diaper can be used, but keeping the skin dry matters.

Highly absorbent disposable diapers may help pull moisture away from irritated skin. Cloth diapers are often less absorbent.

If you normally use cloth diapers, you may want to use disposable diapers until the rash improves.

Whatever type you choose, change the diaper promptly when it becomes wet or soiled.

Should I Use Baby Powder?

Baby powder is not needed for diaper rash treatment.

Powder can become airborne while you apply it. A baby may then breathe it into the lungs.

A thick barrier cream is a better way to protect irritated skin.

Could It Be a Yeast Diaper Rash?

Sometimes a rash is caused by yeast rather than simple irritation.

A yeast rash is often bright red or pink. It may have sharp edges and small red bumps around the main rash.

Unlike a typical irritant rash, yeast often affects the groin folds.

Yeast diaper rashes can also occur after antibiotic use.

If you think the rash may be yeast, call your pediatrician. An antifungal medicine may be recommended.

Could Wipes, Creams, or Diapers Be Causing the Rash?

Yes. Some babies have sensitive skin.

Fragrances, dyes, preservatives, or other ingredients in wipes, creams, or diapers can sometimes cause irritation.

Think about any recent product change.

If a new product seems linked to the rash, stop using it. Choose a fragrance-free option instead.

What Should I Avoid Putting on a Diaper Rash?

Avoid scrubbing the skin. Also avoid heavily scented products.

Do not use an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment just because the skin is red. Some ingredients can make irritation worse.

Do not start steroid creams, antifungal medicines, or other medicated products on a newborn unless your pediatrician recommends them for that rash.

Different rashes can look similar. The right treatment depends on the cause.