Diaper Rash

Diaper rash can be traced to a number of sources, including:

Irritation from stool and urine. Prolonged exposure to urine or stool can irritate a baby's sensitive skin.
Irritation from a new product. Your baby's skin may react to baby wipes, a new brand of disposable diapers, or a detergent, bleach or fabric softener used to launder cloth diapers.
Bacterial or yeast (fungal) infection. What begins as a simple skin infection may spread to the surrounding region.
Introduction of new foods. As babies start to eat solid foods, the content of their stool changes. This increases the likelihood of diaper rash.
Sensitive skin. Babies with skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or seborrheic dermatitis (eczema), may be more likely to develop diaper rash.
Use of antibiotics. Antibiotics kill bacteria — the good kinds as well as the bad. When a baby takes antibiotics, bacteria that keep yeast growth in check may be depleted, resulting in diaper rash due to yeast infection. Antibiotic use also increases the risk of diarrhea. tiny (microscopic) eggs are easily spread from child to child. Treatment involves oral drugs that kill pinworms and thorough washing of pajamas, bedding, and underwear. For best results, the entire family should be treated.