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How to Prevent and Treat Diaper Rash

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How to Prevent and Treat Diaper Rash

Written by Katy Arnold on March 18, 2025.

Diaper rash isn’t on anyone’s wish list, but sooner or later, it tends to make an appearance. One minute, your baby’s all giggles, and the next, they’re squirming uncomfortably with a bottom that’s redder than a fire truck.

The good news is that it’s usually easy to treat—and even easier to prevent with the proper care. We’re breaking down what causes diaper rash, how to treat diaper rash, and, most importantly, how to keep it from happening in the first place. Let’s get into it.

What is Diaper Rash?

Diaper rash is a common skin irritation that happens when moisture, friction, and irritation take a toll on delicate baby skin. It usually shows up as red, inflamed patches of skin in the diaper area and can make your baby pretty uncomfortable—but with the right care, it’s easy to soothe and prevent.

What Does Diaper Rash Look Like?

In the early stages, you might notice small red spots on your newborn’s bum or in the folds of their thighs. As it worsens, the skin can become more inflamed, irritated, and even a little scaly. Catching diaper rash early makes it easier to treat—and helps keep it from turning into a real pain in the bum.

How Long Does Diaper Rash Last?

Like all parenting woes, diaper rash can feel like it lasts forever—but luckily, it usually clears up in a few days with the proper care. If it’s sticking around for over a week or worsening, it might be time to check in with your pediatrician. While diaper rash is common, your baby’s comfort is the priority.

Causes of Diaper Rash

Diaper rash isn’t just bad luck—it’s the result of too much moisture, friction, and a diaper that’s overdue for a change. In this section, we’re breaking down the most common culprits behind diaper rash, so you know just what to watch for and how to stop it before it starts.

Prolonged Wetness

Even the most absorbent diapers have their limits. When moisture sits against your baby’s skin for too long, it breaks down the natural barrier and makes it more prone to irritation. This often leads to the telltale red, inflamed rash.

Frequent diaper changes and a little diaper-free time can go a long way in keeping your baby’s bum happy and dry.

Friction from Diapers

A diaper that’s too snug can rub against delicate skin, making it one of the sneakiest culprits behind what causes diaper rash. That constant friction can leave an already sensitive area even more irritated and inflamed.

To help prevent any friction, check the fit of the diaper, choose soft, breathable materials, and when in doubt, give that tiny tush a little air time.

Allergies and Irritation

Some cases of diaper rash are caused by skin sensitivity to certain ingredients or materials. Fragrances and dyes in wipes, diapers, or creams can trigger irritation, making a rash worse instead of better.

If the rash isn’t improving or seems to flare up after using a specific product, switching to fragrance-free, hypoallergenic options may help.

Diaper Rash Types

Diaper rash types can range from mild redness to full-blown irritation that has you analyzing every diaper change like a crime scene. We’ll walk you through the common types, what they look like, and how to handle them—so you can get that tiny tush back to business as usual.

Fungal Diaper Rash

If your baby’s rash isn’t improving or has started looking more inflamed, you might be dealing with a fungal diaper rash. Warm, damp diaper areas create the perfect environment for yeast to thrive, leading to a bright red, stubborn rash with raised edges. Treating it usually calls for an antifungal cream, lots of diaper-free time, and making sure that tiny tush stays clean and dry.

Bacterial Diaper Rash

When a simple baby rash takes a turn for the worse—think oozing, blisters, or even a fever—it could be bacterial diaper rash. Bacteria love warm, damp environments, and once they find a way in through broken skin or irritation, they don’t leave without a fight. If you notice worsening redness, pus, or sores, it’s time to call the pediatrician. A little antibiotic ointment might be needed to show those bad bacteria the door.

Irritant Diaper Rash

The most common culprit of diaper rash is good old-fashioned irritation. When pee, poop, or even certain wipes and creams come in contact with sensitive skin for too long, it can cause redness, dryness, and discomfort.

Allergic Diaper Rash

If your baby’s rash looks extra red, patchy, or refuses to clear up, their skin might be reacting to something in their diaper, wipes, or cream. Allergic diaper rash can pop up when sensitive little bums don’t agree with fragrances, dyes, or certain materials.

Yeast Diaper Rash

Yeast diaper rash is one of the more persistent types of diaper rash. Unlike the usual run-of-the-mill redness, this stubborn baby rash doesn’t back down with a simple diaper change and often spreads.

If you’re wondering about diaper rash vs yeast infection, here’s what to look for: a yeast diaper rash is bright red, loves to spread, and often comes with little satellite bumps. Moist, warm diaper zones are its happy place, which is why it thrives when regular diaper rashes pack up and leave.

Treating a yeast diaper rash usually requires an over-the-counter antifungal cream. Be sure to keep the area clean, change diapers frequently, and give your baby’s skin plenty of time to breathe. If it doesn’t improve within a few days, check in with your pediatrician.

How to Prevent Diaper Rash

Diaper rash thrives in warm, damp environments—but the right habits can help keep it at bay. Here’s everything you need to know to help keep your baby’s bottom happy and rash-free.

Change Diapers Regularly

Changing diapers often is your first line of defense against diaper rash—sitting in a wet diaper is basically an open invitation for irritation. Keep things clean, dry, and drama-free by checking often, swapping out the soggy offenders ASAP, and giving your baby’s skin a breather before sealing the deal with a fresh diaper. If you want to level up your diaper-changing game, grab The Changing Pad by Tushbaby—a slim, easy-to-clean lifesaver that folds up small enough to stash in any bag (or even your back pocket).

For a step-by-step guide to diaper changing, check out our how to change a diaper article! And if you’re braving a diaper change at 30,000 feet, this guide has you covered with tips and other in-flight essentials.

Keep Skin Dry and Clean

Moisture is the enemy when it comes to diaper rash, so keeping your baby’s skin dry and clean is key. After every diaper change, use a gentle wipe (fragrance-free is your friend), pat (don’t rub) everything dry, and let them go diaper-free when you can. Fresh air works wonders—and let’s be real, they love the freedom. A little preventative care now saves you from dealing with a full-blown rash battle later.

Choose the Right Diaper for Your Baby

The diaper you choose plays a big role in keeping your baby’s skin rash-free. Too tight traps moisture and causes irritation, and too loose leads to leaks and friction. Look for breathable materials and a snug, secure fit to keep their skin happy.

And because parenting means always having backups on hand, stash your diapering essentials in the Tushbaby Hip Carrier. With built-in storage pockets and a comfy, supportive design, it lightens your load while keeping everything you need within arm’s reach.

Just packing the bare necessities? The Mini Pack is perfect for when you want to travel light—just toss in a couple of diapers, wipes, and a snack, and you're good to go.

How to Treat Diaper Rash

Diaper rash can be frustrating, but luckily, it’s totally fixable. Here’s how to treat diaper rash with simple, effective ways to soothe their skin and send that baby rash packing.

Best Ointment for Diaper Rash

A good ointment goes a long way when it comes to battling diaper rash. Look for one with zinc oxide to form a protective barrier or petroleum jelly to lock in moisture (the good kind, not the sweaty-diaper kind). Fragrance-free is always a safe bet—irritated skin doesn’t need anything extra. Slather it on generously and let it do the heavy lifting while you focus on keeping your baby comfy and rash-free.

Home Remedies for Diaper Rash

If you’re all about quick solutions with what you’ve got on hand, home remedies for diaper rash can come in clutch. Coconut oil can moisturize and protect, breast milk has natural healing properties, and an oatmeal bath can help soothe irritated skin. Let your baby go diaper-free for a while to give their skin some much-needed air—because sometimes, the best fix is simply letting things breathe.

FAQs

How to Relieve Diaper Rash Pain Fast

Keep things clean, dry, and slathered in a solid barrier cream. Swap out wet diapers ASAP, let their skin breathe, and avoid scented wipes that could make things worse. If you’re wondering how long does diaper rash last, mild cases clear up in a day or two, while tougher ones might take a bit longer—so stay consistent, keep an eye on it, and give your baby’s bottom the VIP treatment it deserves.

When to See a Doctor for Diaper Rash

Most diaper rashes clear up with some TLC, but if things start looking extra angry—like blisters, open sores, or a rash that won’t quit after a few days—it’s time to call in the big guns. A fever, pus, or a rash spreading beyond the diaper zone are also red flags that warrant a doctor’s visit. Trust your gut—if something feels off, get it checked out.

With the right care—keeping things clean, dry, and well-protected—you can prevent and treat diaper rash like a pro. For all the essentials to make parenting (and diaper duty) easier, shop Tushbaby —because less hassle means more snuggles.