Gentle Solutions for Tiny Bottoms: How to Handle Diaper Rash

Diaper rashes are one of the most common skin issues in babies and toddlers - and one of the most stressful for parents to see. The good news? Most diaper rashes are mild, short-lived and very manageable once you know what’s causing them and how to treat them properly.

Use this helpful guide below to understand the most common diaper rashes, how to treat them at home and when to contact your pediatrician. 

Why do Diaper Rashes Happen?

Baby skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin. In the diaper area, it’s exposed to:

• Moisture from urine and stool
• Friction from diapers
• Limited airflow

When skin stays wet or irritated for too long, inflammation can develop and lead to diaper rash. 

What are Common Types of Diaper Rashes?

1. Irritant Diaper Rash (Most Common)

• Appears as red, shiny skin on areas touching the diaper; skin folds are usually spared
• Caused by prolonged moisture, infrequent diaper changes and diarrhea
• Can be managed with frequent diaper changes, gentle cleanses and thick barrier creams (zinc oxide or petroleum jelly)

2. Yeast (Candidal) Diaper Rash

• Appears as bright red rash with beefy-red plaques; often affects skin folds
• Caused by overgrowth of yeast (fungus), often after antibiotics or when a rash doesn’t heal
• Can be managed with topical antifungal cream (as recommended by a clinician)

3. Allergic Contact Dermatitis

• Appears as redness where skin contacts a product it is reactive to
• Caused by a reaction to wipes, diapers, soaps, lotions or fragrances
• Can be managed by stopping the use of the suspected product and switching to fragrance-free, hypoallergenic options

4. Bacterial Diaper Rash (Less Common)

• Appears as oozing, crusting, pus or sharply defined redness
• Caused by bacterial infection of broken skin
• Can be managed with prescription topical or oral antibiotics (contact your pediatrician) 

Tips for Everyday Care that can Help Prevent Diaper Rashes

Gentle Cleaning

• Use warm water or mild, fragrance-free cleansers
• Avoid scrubbing  
• Pat dry instead of rubbing

Barrier Protection

• Apply a thick layer of zinc oxide or petroleum ointment  
• Think “frosting on a cupcake” - don’t rub it all in
• At each diaper change, wipe down until there is a small amount of barrier cream and then add a new thick layer on top  

Diapering Tips

• Change diapers often
• Allow diaper-free time when possible
• Use breathable, absorbent diapers 

What to Avoid

• Harsh soaps or alcohol-based wipes
• Fragranced products
• Home remedies like baking soda or essential oils

When to Call the Pediatrician

• Rash lasts longer than 3–5 days despite treatment
• Rash is worsening or spreading
• Signs of infection (fever, pus, severe pain)
• Recurrent or unusual rashes

Diaper rashes are a normal part of early childhood. With gentle care, early treatment and a little patience, most clear up quickly. Trust your instincts - if something doesn’t look right or isn’t improving, your pediatrician is always here to help. 

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Amitie Camilleri, MD

Pediatric Resident

Dr. Amitie Camilleri comes to Valley Children's from Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine and is in her third year of Postgraduate Residency. Dr. Camilleri prioritizes a comfortable and safe environment for her patients and their families while they are being cared for. Having experience as a patient, she believes that better health outcomes are achieved when the patient feels secure with their provider. Learn more about Dr. Camilleri and the care she provides to patients here.