Diaper rash can be caused by:

• Not changing a baby's diaper right away when it is wet or dirty.
• Allergic reaction to disposable diapers, soap, or detergent.
• Certain types of fungus.

  What can you do to prevent diaper rash?

  1. Take care of the diaper area several times a day by changing the diaper and cleaning the area right away when it is wet or dirty.
  2. When you change the diaper, clean the area with water and pat dry very gently.
  3. If you use cloth diapers, add one cup of vinegar to the rinse water when you wash them, or run diapers through an extra rinse cycle on home washing machines.
  4. Do not reuse disposable diapers.
  5. Bathe your child with soap and water every day.

  What can you do if your child has diaper rash?

  1. Use ointment on the area after you clean it. You can get special ointment at the drug store.
  2. Let your baby go without a diaper when you can to get air to the area. This will help dry the rash.
  3. If you use disposable diapers, try a new brand.
  4. Give your baby extra fluids to dilute the urine (this reduces the amount of ammonia in it).
  5. If the rash gets worse or starts to spread to other parts of the body, call your child's doctor.

Diaper rash may take many weeks to heal.

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