Diaper rashes can vary from a mild redness, the most common kind, to painful open sores in the area of the abdomen, buttocks, genitals, and within the fold of the thighs. Diaper rash is due to urine or stool chemicals trapped inside a plastic covering rubbing against your baby's bottom and irritating the skin. If your baby frequently has diaper rash, take steps to alleviate the problem. It can result in discomfort for your baby and worry for you. However, there are things you can do to try to make your baby feel better if it does occur.
Diaper rash can occur with cloth or disposable diapers.
Still, ever since children began to wear diapers, diaper rash has been the most common skin disorder of infancy. Most diaper rashes are caused by prolonged contact with the moisture, germs, and ammonia of the stool and urine. Most diaper rashes are not a serious health problem. All babies get a red or sore bottom from time to time, even with frequent diaper changes and careful cleaning. It is the most common skin disorder of early childhood and can begin as early as the first or second month of life.