"A diaper rash is an area of inflamed skin found in the diaper area in infants and young children. It is usually caused by skin irritation from prolonged contact with urine and feces. A diaper rash can sometimes lead to a bacterial or fungal infection. Diapers, whether reusable or disposable, create a hot moist environment that traps diaper contents (e.g., urine and feces) against the skin which causes it irritation, and can promote infection. It is estimated that more than 60% of infants will have a diaper rash at some point, most often between 8 and 12 months of age. Although the number of severe diaper rash cases have decreased over time, diaper rash is just as common now as it was 30 years ago."
Diaper rash may be caused by a number of factors, including:
* Contact with urine and feces: Prolonged exposure to urine and feces can irritate the skin. Both urine and feces can cause moisture to come into contact with the skin, which makes it more prone to damage and irritation. Contact with digestive enzymes found in feces can also increase the risk of diaper rash. Although ammonia (the chemical that gives stale urine its smell) is irritating to the skin, the levels found in infant urine are not sufficient to cause a diaper rash. However, it can worsen skin that is already irritated and inflamed.
* Method of feeding: Breast-fed babies may experience fewer diaper rashes than bottle-fed babies because breast-fed babies tend to have stools of a smaller volume which in turn are less irritating to the skin.
* Friction and rubbing: Tight-fitting diapers that chafe against the skin can lead to a diaper rash. This damage to the skin can be made worse if the skin is wet. Also, skin-to-skin contact within skin folds in the diaper area can promote a diaper rash.
* Pre-existing skin conditions: Infants and children with pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema and atopic dermatitis can be more prone to developing a diaper rash.
* Contact with irritating chemicals: Your baby's bottom is very delicate. Some common chemicals that are found in fabric softeners, detergents, baby lotions, fragrances, soaps, and baby wipes can be very irritating to the skin and should be avoided. Talk to your child's doctor or pharmacist about which products to avoid.
* Antibiotic use: Using antibiotics can disrupt the normal balance of "good bacteria" which normally keep certain organisms such as yeast under control. Antibiotics taken by a breast-feeding mother can also affect the baby.
* Infections: The dark, damp, and moist environment created by a diaper is a perfect breeding ground for bacterial or yeast infections (e.g., Candida) on the skin. These types of infections are more common in babies who have a diaper rash. Blisters, pus, red bumps in the creases of the skin, or severely swollen red areas are signs of infection.
* Other conditions: Diaper rashes are not exclusive to infants and young children. They can also develop in people with conditions such as incontinence and paralysis.
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