Is your baby’s bottom looking rather angry these days? If you have a baby aged between 4 and 15 months old, chances are that he might have a diaper rash. And before you go jumping to the conclusion that it’s your fault. Understand that there are so many reasons why your baby might have a diaper rash, which has nothing to do with you.
Besides, at least 50% of babies this age will experience diaper rash at least once in the last 60 days. A diaper rash may come on fast, leaving your baby miserable. They can also be pesky and hard to heal, leaving you powerless. And while they’re not really common, some diaper rashes are caused by allergic reactions. Read on to learn more about the causes of allergic reaction diaper rash and how to deal with it.
Allergic-Reaction Diaper Rash
There could be several allergens responsible for your child’s rash. The most common ones include fragrances, food sensitivities, and harsh cleansers. However, the symptoms of an allergic rash are very identical to those of other rashes, making it hard to determine what caused the rash. Also, keep in mind that an allergic reaction diaper rash may take between 7 and 21 days to show after the first exposure.
Symptoms Of An Allergic-Reaction Diaper Rash
According to Summer Laboratories Inc., if you cannot pinpoint anything new in your routine, and aren’t sure what’s causing the rash, check for these signs to tell whether it’s allergic.
- Red, shiny rashes near the diaper region and on the large areas– including the bottom, genitals, thighs, abdomen, as well as creases. Basically, you’ll notice the rash anywhere and everywhere the wipes and diapers touch or where you apply products.
- Peeling skin that’s tender to the touch.
- Redness around the mouth and/or anus.
- Diarrhea and/or sporadic bowel movements
Treating & Preventing An Allergic-Reaction Diaper Rash
Your kiddo’s rash won’t clear up until you know what they’re allergic to. And even then, it may take between 14 and 28 days after you get rid of the allergen for the rash to clear. Here’s how to deal with specific allergens.
Food allergies
You’ll notice a change in your baby’s bowel movements as they grow and as their diet changes. While some babies transition to solid food without any problems, others struggle with food sensitivities. Food allergens can cause redness around the mouth, anus, bottom, and upper legs. Also, according to Cleveland Clinic, when a child experiences an adverse reaction to cow’s milk, they may have swollen lips, hives, blood in their stool, and/or wheezing. If your infant is experiencing a rash caused by food allergies/ sensitivities, you should:
- Cut out acidic foods– Parents advise avoiding citrus juices, fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, sour/tart treats, etc., as they can cause an irritating bowel movement or diarrhea in babies.
- Create a list of suspected allergens. Limit them one by one to figure out which one(s) may be affecting your baby.
- Doctors recommend that toddlers avoid drinking milk before they’re one and eggs before they’re two years old, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Allergens in breast milk
Babies can sometimes be sensitive or allergic to foods that are inclusive of their mom’s diet, then passed on as they breastfeed. The common culprits include eggs, dairy, wheat, soy, nuts, etc. So, if your infant is experiencing persistent diaper rash and you haven’t started them on solids yet, get rid of these foods from your diet to lower your little one’s symptoms.
Disagreeable wipes or diapers
A specific brand of disposable baby wipes or diapers could irritate your baby’s skin. While most babies may outgrow the irritant, Dr. Mandelik tells Cleveland Clinic that it’s advisable to sample a different product.
- Experiment with one variable at a go through trial and error to figure out what works best for your baby.
- If nothing changes after trying different diaper brands, try and change back or search for a brand with no dyes or chemicals.
- Use wet wipes that are similarly free of fragrances, alcohol, and other chemical additives. Alternatively, use a soft cloth dipped in warm water.
Harsh detergents
It is vital to examine the laundry detergent used to wash your child’s cloth diapers, as it can sometimes be the cause of the rash. However, should this be the case, your baby will have a rash elsewhere on their body too.
- Use a detergent with a free and clear formula to clean your child’s clothes, one that is scent- and dye-free. Also, stick to one brand if you suspect that soap is irritating your baby’s skin.
- Additionally, you can try diaper creams to alleviate the symptoms. Use scent-free and hypoallergenic formulas. Healthline adds that if symptoms persist, seek medical advice about prescription medications from your doctor.
Sources: Cleveland Clinic, Healthline, Parents, Summer Laboratories Inc.,
About The Author
