Teething and Diaper Rash: Does teething lead to diaper rash?

As a parent, you’re probably familiar with that red, splotchy rash that can spring up on your little one’s bottom. Diaper rash is extremely common in babies. It often results from their delicate skin sitting in a wet or dirty diaper for too long. Although prolonged contact with a soiled diaper is the most common cause, diaper rash can be triggered by several other things. For one, the skin’s contact with harsh chemicals and preservatives can damage the skin barrier and make it more susceptible to rashes. Another cause of diaper rash is changes in diet, which affects a child’s stool composition and can increase contact-induced irritation.

In the same vein, if your child has begun the teething period, you might have noticed diaper rash becoming more of an issue. While occasional cases are normal, once a baby starts to teethe, diaper rash tends to follow. However, it may not be for the reason you think!

Does teething cause diaper rash?

Actually, teething does not directly cause diaper rash. The issue goes a bit deeper than that. Children begin teething around 6 months of age. Once they start to teethe, parents typically begin giving their children solid foods. Introducing new foods into your little one’s diet naturally causes some disruption to their stool. It takes a while for their digestive systems to adapt to their new diet. Before it has had the chance to adjust, it’s completely normal for your child to experience bouts of diarrhea.

In addition, babies begin to lose some of their antibodies around the 6 month mark. They’ve carried these antibodies with them since birth. Since antibodies protect them from infection, they become more susceptible to germs and bacteria at this age. And since teething babies will gnaw on just about anything, it’s only natural that they might pick up an infection from an unclean surface. Some infections cause diarrhea, revealing another reason why teething is often linked to diarrhea.

Diarrhea-induced diaper rash

While there is some link between the teething period and diaper rash, teething itself does not cause diaper rash. However, diarrhea can certainly induce diaper rash. Diarrhea irritates skin more easily than regular stool. Plus, babies typically dirty their diapers more frequently when they have diarrhea. Both of these factors can aggravate their delicate skin and lead to a rash. If their skin barrier is already weakened by harsh chemicals in some diaper care products, including wipes and lotions, diaper rash is more likely to occur.

What’s the best way to clean a baby with diarrhea?

After a big blowout, your child’s skin can already be more sensitive from contact with their stool. You want to clean the diaper area as gently as possible so as not to further irritate their delicate skin. Instead of harsh wipes, opt for a swipe of a soft cotton pad with a pump of NOLEO 3-in-1 Diaper Care . NOLEO 3-in-1 gently and effectively cleans the diaper area with moisturizing ingredients that replenish the skin barrier. This helps protect the skin from irritation the next time they have a blowout. Plus, NOLEO 3-in-1 contains simple, organic ingredients that nourish the skin and soothe redness. Finally, NOLEO® treats and prevents diaper rash, which is a must when your baby is experiencing diarrhea.  

Diarrhea happens, and if you don’t notice a fever, your baby will be fine. It’s perfectly normal for babies to experience irregular poops, especially after changes in their diet. Change their diaper more frequently than normal, keep their diaper area clean and moisturized, and give them plenty of cuddles. If you do notice a fever and suspect a more serious issue, contact your child’s pediatrician for medical advice.

Takeaway

Although teething does not directly cause diaper rash, diarrhea that occurs around the teething period can irritate your little one’s sensitive skin. Whether the diarrhea is brought about from changes in their diet or reduced antibodies, protect your child’s skin during this sensitive time with NOLEO 3-in-1 Diaper Rash Cream. NOLEO® cleans, moisturizes, and treats/prevents diaper rash, all of which are critical steps while your baby is experiencing diarrhea. For consistent protection from diaper rash, use the NOLEO® system every time you change your baby’s diaper to nourish and strengthen their skin barrier.