A baby with a red rash on its bottom likely has what is called diaper rash. Diaper rash comes in a variety of types, however the appearance is generally the same: Redness in the diaper region which may range from a few sore pink spots to an all over puffy, hot, and even bleeding mess, and just about every thing in between. Diaper rash can be uncomfortable for the baby as it is often painful particularly during diaper changes. It is also unpleasant for the parents to know there baby is in pain.

Many people assume diaper rash is always a result of a parent that is not changing the baby’s diaper often enough. Though this is one cause of diaper rash, the various types of diaper rashes all have different causes and need to be treated in different manners for the most part.

This easy step-by-step guide on how to treat diaper rash will walk you through the steps to get your baby’s butt back in good health from the types of diaper rashes and their causes to the suggested methods of elimination and prevention.

The content on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a physician for information on diaper rash.

To most effectively treat diaper rash it helps to have a general idea of what kind of diaper rash it may be. There are two main types of diaper rash that can be treated at home.

1. Chafing Diaper Rash:
Chafing diaper rash also called a friction rash commonly appears in areas where the diaper fits tight to the skin such as the inner thighs and waist. This type of diaper rash is caused by the diaper rubbing against the skin.

2. Irritant Diaper Rash:
This type of diaper rash can be found anywhere on the baby’s butt, but it is most common on the cheeks and more rarely seen in folds of the skin. This type of diaper rash is the result of an irritant whether it is a wet or dirty diaper that has been left on too long or a new soap in the bath. Irritant diaper rashes can also be caused by heat rash or allergic reactions.

Other Forms of Diaper Rash:
There are a few more types of diaper rash, but they should always be treated by a medical professional. Any diaper rash that does not disappear within 3-4 days with home treatment or is accompanied by fever warrants a call to your pediatrician as it may not go away without medical care. Here are a few more of the common types of diaper rash that require medical attention. This is not an all inclusive list, as even scabies can appear to be diaper rash.

3. Yeast Infection Diaper Rashes:
Usually found in the folds of the skin this type of rash is caused by yeast. It will start off as small red bumps and grow. Yeast infection based diaper rashes are often a result of a baby taking antibiotics. Yeast based diaper rashes don’t always require a doctor visit as you can purchase over the counter anti-fungal creams for treatment.

4.Seborrheic Diaper Rashes:
Rash will appear yellowish or salmon colored and scaly. It may also present on other areas of the body such as the scalp (referred to as cradle cap)

5. Impetigo
A bacteria infection which can develop out of diaper rash, presents with fluid filled, puss pockets or honey color crusted over patches.http://www.thenewparentsguide.com/diaper-rash.htmhttp://www.mommyandme.com/family/all-about-diaper-rashes.htmlhttp://www.utdol.com/patients/content/topic.do?topicKey=~xrAHHNqmCOJqF1t#H2

Treating diaper rash is basically the same as far as home methods no matter the type. Knowing the type of rash will, however, help prevent the same type from occurring again if it was, for example, caused by the ingestion of a certain food and is allergy-based. Or if you have been using a new type of diaper that is rubbing on the skin you can switch to a different brand. Or even if an environmental element such as hot weather is bothering your baby's skin, you can hopefully provide relief so it won't occur again. Evaluating the type of diaper rash will help you better know your baby’s skin as a whole to keep it healthier all over.

The first step naturally would be then to remove the affecting agent if there is one. This isn't always possible, as stated above, but if the rash lines up with a sudden change in some element of your baby’s life, switch back till the rash is gone, and see if it reoccurs if you reintroduce the element.

Next begin keeping the area extra clean and dry, but also be even gentler than you usually are.

Here are the basic guidelines to use to treat a diaper rash:

• -Change diapers as frequently as possible and try to never let the baby sit in a dirty or wet diaper. This means even waking the baby to be changed.

• -Consider ditching your baby wipes and using a small squirt bottle to rinse baby’s butt after peeing. Pat dry with a soft cloth rather than wiping or allow to air dry.

• -Try to let your baby hang out naked for awhile, the fresh air helps. You can place a plastic cloth below his/her blanket to prevent messes in younger babies.

• -Consider using a diaper rash ointment. These ointments contain petroleum usually to form a barrier on the skin from moisture. Many also contain zinc oxide or other medications to help ease the pain and speed the healing of diaper rash. You can purchase these creams just about anywhere.

• -Put the diaper on loosely rather than good and tight, or buy one size bigger than needed to use during diaper rashes. The extra room will allow for better air circulation.

Remember, if you are following all these measures and the rash is still present in 3-4 days, shows signs of any of the types of diaper rashes listed in step one of this how to guide to require medical attention, or is accompanied by fever, see your pediatrician.http://www.mommyandme.com/family/all-about-diaper-rashes.htmlhttp://www.thenewparentsguide.com/diaper-rash.htm

Preventing diaper rash is a good final step to take after you have treated one. Prevention is very similar to treatment. Be sure to keep your baby’s diapers dry and clean, though prevention may not require waking repeatedly during the night as you would during treatment. A good rule of thumb is to check baby’s bottom every two hours minimum.

Next make sure you are using baby wipes that aren’t irritating skin. In some cases you may even need to make your own to ensure they are gentle enough for your babies skin. Try to avoid wiping skin, pat instead.

Find a diaper that fits your baby well, secure but not too tight as even baby bottoms need air to breathe. Be sure it’s not the materials in the diaper causing the rash. Anytime you change laundry detergents, soaps, etc you should watch for rashes.

When introducing solid or new foods be sure to watch for allergic reactions and cease feeding anything that causes diaper rash until your child is older.

Finally breast feeding has also been shown to reduce the occurrence of diaper rash. If you chose to do so, breastfeed as long as possible. http://www.babycenter.com/0_diaper-rash_81.bc?page=3 http://www.mommyandme.com/family/all-about-diaper-rashes.html