Diaper Rash: What It Is and How to Fix It Fast

Diaper rash is a red, sore area on a baby's bottom that shows up when skin stays wet or irritated. It’s common and usually easy to treat at home. Below are clear steps you can try today to help your baby feel better and stop the rash from coming back.

Quick treatments that help right away

Change wet or dirty diapers often. The moment skin stays damp, the risk of irritation rises. Gently clean with warm water and a soft cloth or an alcohol-free wipe; pat dry, don’t rub.

Use a barrier cream with zinc oxide or petrolatum at every change. Zinc oxide creates a thick protective layer — a generous smear works best at bedtime. Petroleum jelly is thinner but still protects against moisture.

Air time helps. Leave your baby without a diaper for short periods each day on a safe surface. Air reduces moisture and speeds healing.

If the rash looks bright red with small red spots around it (satellite lesions), it may be yeast (candida). Over-the-counter antifungal creams like clotrimazole or nystatin are commonly used, but check with your pediatrician first.

A mild hydrocortisone 1% cream can ease inflammation for a day or two, but use only under a doctor’s guidance and not long-term. Don’t use strong steroid creams on a baby’s skin without medical advice.

Practical prevention tips that really work

Change diapers more often—every 2–3 hours for newborns, and immediately after bowel movements. Use highly absorbent diapers to keep skin drier between changes. Make sure diapers fit well: too tight traps moisture, too loose chafes skin.

Choose gentle products. Fragrance-free wipes and soap-free cleansers reduce irritation. Avoid baby powders and astringent products, which can dry and irritate skin further.

When your baby needs antibiotics or has diarrhea, expect more rashes. Antibiotics can promote yeast overgrowth; if a rash follows a course of antibiotics, talk to your pediatrician about antifungal treatment.

Wash cloth diapers in hot water with an extra rinse to remove detergent residue. If using disposable diapers, switch brands if rashes repeatedly occur with one type—some babies are sensitive to certain materials.

When should you call the doctor? Call if the rash has blisters, pus, swelling, fever, or if it spreads beyond the diaper area. If a rash fails to improve after 48–72 hours of home care, your pediatrician can suggest prescription treatments or check for infection.

Small changes usually make a big difference. With frequent changes, a good barrier cream, and a bit of air time, most diaper rashes clear quickly. If you’re unsure, a quick call to your baby’s doctor will get you the right next step.