Newborn Diaper Rash Bleeding Prevention & Easy Treatments

Newborn Diaper Rash Bleeding – The skin is the largest organ of the body. In newborns, it is especially sensitive. Parents should not be surprised when they see their baby has developed a rash when they change diapers. Irritated skin on your baby’s diaper area can be caused by many reasons, such as chafing, soiled diapers, and skin sensitivity due to chemicals present in the diaper.

What Causes Diaper Rash Bleeding?

Diaper rash bleeding occurs with severe diaper rash. In these cases, the skin becomes raw, red, and wet. The condition can be quite painful. It may develop due to the constant exposure to wet diapers or those that are soiled with feces for a prolonged period of time.  Also, irritation due to constant contact with particular chemicals present in the diaper on your baby’s skin can also cause this condition. Babies who are between 9 months to a year old are more prone to diaper rash, but this doesn’t mean that newborns or older kids won’t develop it ^[1].

And did you know that for breastfed babies, antibiotics can pose an additional risk for causing problems? When a breastfeeding mother takes antibiotics, it can be transferred via breast milk to the newborn and subsequently create a severe diaper rash that can bleed ^[2].

How To Tell If Your Baby Has A Diaper Rash

Even before you touch the diaper, you may realize your baby has a problem. Often, an infant will become fussy due to pain and irritation due to inflammation and tenderness. During the diaper change itself, the baby may fuss more when touched.

Parents may notice red skin in the diaper area, including the genitals, buttocks, and thighs. The area may be warm or hot to the touch. The degree of redness can vary depending on how severe the baby’s skin irritation is.

Leading Causes Of Diaper Rash Bleeding

Irritation from waste

Exposure to urine or feces can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin.  The longer that you wait to change a diaper, the worse the rash can become. Babies who have frequent bowel movements or are experiencing diarrhea have an increased risk of developing newborn diaper rash bleeding.

Diaper or baby products

Sometimes, a baby will have a skin reaction to a particular brand of diapers, baby wipes, lotions, powders, or oils. This is most often caused by chemicals to which the child is sensitive.

Soaps

It is a myth that babies who wear cloth diapers do not develop rashes. Detergents, bleach, and fabric softeners that are used to clean these diapers may cause a baby diaper rash.

Antibiotics (newborn diaper rash breastfed)

As mentioned earlier, moms that are taking antibiotics and breastfeeding their baby, can pass the antibiotics to the baby and cause a reaction. Babies who are given antibiotics may also develop a yeast diaper rash as the normal flora can be disrupted. Also, antibiotics tend to cause diarrhea, raising the odds of developing irritated skin. (Should you think your infant developed a fungal infection, it’s essential to contact your pediatrician as they may need to prescribe an antifungal cream.) Candida infections are often bright red. They do not resolve with conventional treatments, so regular diaper rash ointment will not cure yeast infections.

Sensitive skin

Newborns who have seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, or other skin conditions such as allergies are more likely to develop diaper rash. These babies tend to have more sensitive skin.  In the case of eczema and atopic dermatitis, rashes can appear not just in the nappy area but on other parts of their body.

Rubbing or chafing

Disposable diapers or cloth nappies that are ill-fitting can cause chafing or rubbing against the skin, increasing the risk of diaper rash.

Bacteria

Both staph and strep bacteria can cause diaper rash.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis

Also known as cradle cap, this rash can develop in the diaper area as well.

Home Remedies And Newborn Diaper Rash Bleeding Prevention

The chances are very good that at some point, your baby will develop a diaper rash. But, developing sound strategies to keep diaper rash at bay is essential. And for parents who are looking for a soothing diaper rash treatment, trying home remedies may be of help ^[2]. Try these tips:

Give their skin some airtime

It’s okay to let your baby forego their diapers some of the time, especially after bath time. This allows their skin to breathe and dry completely so that excess moisture will not be trapped in the diaper. This helps both prevent and heal a nappy rash.

Oatmeal and milk bath

An oatmeal and milk bath can also be used to treat newborn diaper rash bleeding. Milk helps soothe damaged skin while delivering a cooling effect. Also, milk can help reduce bleeding as well as inflammation, which is good for a bad diaper rash. Fill up a tub with warm water then add a quarter cup of oatmeal a half cup of milk if you don’t have any milk powder. Mix the two and use for bathing your baby.

Launder smart

If using cloth diapers, presoak heavily soiled diapers in cold water. Wash in hot water with a mild detergent and bleach. Put vinegar in the wash cycle to eliminate odors and rinse out the soap. Rinse the diapers twice in cold water to remove traces of chemicals and soap. Skip the fabric softener and dryer sheets as they can contain fragrances that can cause irritation.

Keep their skin dry

It is never a good idea to leave your baby’s nappy area moist, as the excess moisture can cause chafing, which can irritate their skin. If you are changing diapers, make sure that you pat their skin dry after cleaning before letting them wear disposable or cloth diapers.

Have your baby wear the correct size diaper

The guidelines noted on the diaper package are just those – guidelines. Every baby is an individual. Check to ensure the diaper fits properly to prevent chafing.

Apply a barrier cream or ointment regularly

Another way to prevent diaper rash is to protect your little one’s skin by applying some ointment, or barrier cream on their skin. Barrier creams help reduce the chances of inflammation and irritation. Pay attention to the brand that you are using to ensure that it is not laden with chemicals that can further irritate their skin.

Wash your hands regularly. Always wash your hands well after changing a diaper to prevent the spread of bacteria or yeast to other parts of the body, your children, or you.

Change diapers regularly

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is very important to change diapers regularly in order to prevent diaper rash. Keep in mind that if you miss out on a diaper change, you are increasing the likelihood that your baby will get a severe diaper rash.

What To Look For In The Best Baby Diaper Rash Products

Although hydrocortisone cream is useful in banishing some rashes, it is not recommended in newborns due to possible side effects. Talk to your pediatrician first before ever applying any kind of medicated ointment, including those that are an over-the-counter treatment for your little one’s red rashes. The use of medicated creams can worsen or further irritate your baby’s rash. There are different types of diaper rash cream and ointment that can be used on your little one. Here’s what you need to look for:

Cream or ointment

Creams and ointments that are non-nano zinc oxide based can be used to treat diaper rashes because of their soothing benefits. Make sure that you apply the cream on dry skin to ensure that the solution will adhere to the skin.

Talc-free baby powder

When using baby powders like baking soda or cornstarch, keep it away from your child’s face as the tiny particles can be inhaled. Place the powder on the affected skin only using your hands to avoid creating a dust cloud which your little one can inhale. Do not use products with talc, as these can be inhaled and cause damage.

What To Look For In All-Natural Organic Diaper Rash Cream

MADE OF had your baby’s best interest in mind when they created their Organic diaper rash cream and calming baby powder. MADE OF diaper rash cream is made from 85% organic ingredients and 15% natural ingredients. What specific ingredients is this diaper rash cream created from?

Organic vitamin E

Vitamin E has long been valued for its excellent skin care properties. Also known as non-GMO Tocopherol, it is a strong antioxidant and skin conditioner.

Non-nano zinc oxide

Zinc oxide repels the water away from the skin, helping to create a good barrier for healing. MADE OF uses non-nano zinc oxide, which means that no particles will be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Organic argan oil

Argan oil is a nourishing fatty acid that won’t clog the pores. It does not leave a greasy feel due to its fast absorption.

Organic coconut oil

Raw virgin coconut oil acts as a conditioner,  an emulsifier, and surfactant, making it perfect for an organic diaper rash ingredient.

Organic avocado oil

Avocados are rich in oleic acid. This antioxidant-rich oil is perfect for healing diaper rash.

Organic lavender oil

Organic lavender oil helps calm and relax your irritated baby while providing the perfect scent.

Organic sunflower oil

Sunflower oil is valued for its skin-nourishing properties. It also absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving no greasy residue.

Organic cocoa seed butter

Obtained from the cacao tree, this rich vegetable fat is an excellent skin conditioner and helps retain valuable moisture.

What makes MADE OF diaper ointment so great? It’s full of healthy ingredients in an ointment form. That makes a perfect consistency that makes it easy to spread so that you don’t further irritate the red skin. The organic formula ensures no harmful ingredients will not be absorbed through the skin.

What To Look For In Organic Baby Powders & Skin Care Products

If you want to provide on-going diaper comfort, you may want to try MADE OF Baby Powder. This powder is made from 94% organic ingredients and 6% natural ingredients. There’s no talc in this formula. Take a look at what makes this calming for both mom and baby. Take a closer look.

Organic vitamin E

This vitamin E is made from non-GMO vegetable oils, making it a perfect skin conditioner.

Organic aloe vera

Aloe vera has long been valued for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Plus, it’s an excellent way to keep skin hydrated.

Organic argan oil

Argan oil is derived from the nut of the argan tree. It’s full of the nourishing palmitic, linoleic, and oleic fatty acids.

Kaolin clay

Kaolin clay, also known as white clay, is found in moist soil in tropical environments. It is a very mild skincare clay.

Organic corn starch

Organic Zea Mays is used to help absorb wetness and keep the skin dry. It’s lightweight and can’t be absorbed through the skin like talc.

Sodium bicarbonate

You may know sodium bicarbonate by its other name, baking soda. It’s been a favorite ingredient of moms through the centuries as it helps control irritant acids. Baking soda is also a natural deodorizer.

Organic arrowroot powder

Arrowroot powder got its name as it used to be used to treat wounds from poison-tipped arrows. The powder is rich in B-complex group of vitamins. Arrowroot powder is often added as a thickener as it is edible.

MADE OF organic baby powder makes good use of its organic ingredients. The combination of sodium bicarbonate, cornstarch, kaolin powder, and arrowroot powder replaces toxic talc, so you don’t have to ever worry about your precious baby absorbing harmful ingredients.

When To Call The Doctor About Your Newborn Diaper Rash Bleeding

Diaper rash rarely requires medical intervention. However, when diaper rash is raw and red, parents must be extra cautious. There are some occasions when you should contact the pediatrician.

• If your current treatment has been unsuccessful after 2-3 days
• If the rash becomes bright red, develops blisters or pimples
• If your baby should develop a fever

As mentioned earlier, whether you use disposable diapers or cloth diapers, promptly changing is key. As is keeping the diaper area clean and dry as much as possible. By applying an organic diaper ointment or powder, you can provide an effective skin barrier that also moisturizes the skin.  If a rash does worsen, parents must seek medical attention for their baby’s rash.

Newborn Diaper Rash Bleeding Resources:

[1]   Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Foundation; Diaper Rash, March 14, 2019.
[2]   Mayo Clinic; Diaper Rash, Mayo Clinic Staff, May 18, 2018.