Diaper Rash: Causes and Symptoms
Diaper rash is a common skin disorder of early childhood. If your baby develops a diaper rash, don’t feel that you are alone. Most children experience a diaper rash sometime during the first three years of life.
Diaper Rash Causes:
The primary cause of diaper rash is prolonged and increased exposure to wetness/moisture to the skin. Some of the other contributing factors are:
The closed environment created by the diaper, which increases warmth and moisture
Chafing from friction or rubbing against diapers or in skin folds
Prolonged contact of the skin with urine, feces or both
Diaper Rash Symptoms
Diaper rash usually comes on quickly, and it affects the areas of baby’s body that are in closest contact with the diaper. While there are some common symptoms of diaper rash, there is wide variation in what diaper rash looks like.
Take a look under your baby’s diaper. If diaper rash is causing the problem, you will see some or all of the following symptoms:
Pinkness or redness over a small or large area, wherever the diaper touches
Sensitivity of affected areas, skin is more sensitive and may be warm to the touch
Flaking, dryness or peeling/scaling of the skin
Dry raised bumps (papules) or fluid-filled raised bumps (pustules)
Chafing from friction of the diaper rubbing against baby's skin
Edema, or swelling
Always call your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your baby or their behavior.
