What to Do for Diaper Rash: Home Care and When to Call

Baby’s skin is so sensitive, making it easy for your little one to develop a diaper rash! Diaper rash could be caused by many factors, including frequent wet diapers, chafing, heat, antibiotics, and illness. Diaper rash is a very common cause of skin inflammation in babies and can cause red, itchy, painful areas on your little one’s body. Thankfully, most of the time diaper rash is easily treatable!

What to do for diaper rash

Most diaper rashes heal at home within a few days with this routine:

• Change wet or dirty diapers as soon as you can. Until the rash heals, that may mean a change during night wakings too.
• Clean gently with warm water, or with wipes that have no alcohol or fragrance. If the skin is very sore, rinse it with a squirt bottle instead of rubbing.
• Pat the skin dry or let it air-dry. Short diaper-free breaks on a towel help.
• Spread a thick layer of barrier cream or paste with zinc oxide or petroleum jelly at every change. If the last layer is still clean, leave it on and add more on top.
• Fasten the diaper loosely, or go up a size until the rash clears.
• Bathe your baby once a day in warm water with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser.

You should see the rash improving within two to three days. If it isn't, call your pediatrician.

What are the signs and symptoms of diaper rash? 

• Red, inflamed skin on your baby’s bottom and thighs 
• Baby fusses during diaper changes or bath time 

There are many ways to help your little one’s rash clear up! Try these at-home remedies and see if they help your baby’s diaper rash heal faster. 

1. Go gentle with wipes. Plain warm water on a soft cloth works well. If you use wipes, pick ones without alcohol or fragrance, then pat dry with a soft towel or washcloth, such as the KeaBabies Baby Washcloth.

2. Use a barrier cream, paste or ointment. Look for zinc oxide or petroleum jelly, ideally fragrance-free. Clean and dry the skin first, then apply a thick layer at every change. You really can't use too much.

3. Change your soap and/or laundry detergent. Your baby’s rash may be a reaction to the chemicals in soaps or detergents. Choose a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Choose laundry detergents made for babies, or ones marked “Free and Clear,” to help decrease the likelihood of your baby having a reaction. 

4. Avoid scrubbing the area. Use soft towels, and focus on keeping the area dry. 

5. Notice what has changed. Starting solid foods changes your baby's stool and can make diaper rash more likely. Antibiotics, whether your baby takes them or a breastfeeding parent does, can trigger rashes too. Talk with your pediatrician before cutting foods from your baby's diet.

When to call the pediatrician about diaper rash

Call your pediatrician if:

• The rash isn't improving after two to three days of home care, or it's getting worse
• You see blisters, pimples, peeling, or sores that are pus-filled, oozing, crusty or bleeding
• Your baby has a fever with the rash. If your baby is younger than 12 weeks, call right away about any fever
• The rash is very painful, or your baby seems to hurt when peeing or pooping
• Your baby is on antibiotics and gets a bright pink or red rash with red spots at the edges

Don't put over-the-counter antibiotic ointment on a diaper rash, and skip talcum powder. Avoid products containing baking soda, boric acid, camphor, phenol, benzocaine, diphenhydramine or salicylates, which can be toxic for babies. If your pediatrician thinks the rash is yeast or a bacterial infection, they may prescribe a cream or other treatment.

Not sure if it's yeast? See how to tell yeast diaper rash from regular diaper rash. To keep rashes from coming back, especially overnight, see our guide to preventing diaper rash during the night, day and play.

Be aware that even certain brands of diapers may irritate your baby’s skin and cause rashes. If you suspect a product, switch brands for about two weeks to see whether the rash settles.

Diaper rash can be frustrating for parents, and irritating for babies! They are very treatable with a variety of measures you can do at home. If you're ever unsure, call your child’s pediatrician to make an appointment for your little one to be checked out!