Dealing with diaper rash

Your baby probably will get diaper rash at some point. It's one of the most common problems in newborns. This red, irritated rash shows up when sensitive skin comes into contact with acid in pee and poop.

Some cases of diaper rash are caused by yeast infections. The skin turns bright pink-red with bright red dots along the edges of the rash. It usually doesn't improve with over-the-counter products for diaper rash, so you'll have to get a special cream from your doctor to treat it.

Most cases of diaper rash go away with just a few treatments. If your baby has a diaper rash, change his or her diaper as soon as it's dirty. And if you can, let her bottom air out for a few minutes before putting on a new diaper.

Here are some other ways to manage diaper rash:

• Use gentle wipes. If your baby has diaper rash, don't use baby wipes that contain alcohol. Instead, clean your baby's skin with cool water or alcohol-free wipes.
• Protect the skin. After cleaning the area, spread on a soothing layer of zinc oxide ointment or petroleum jelly.
• Change diapers frequently. The less time the baby spends with a wet or poopy diaper, the better.

If your baby's diaper rash doesn't clear up in a few days, talk to your doctor to see if you should try something else.