Published on Aug. 18, 2026
Few parenting challenges are as common and frustrating as diaper rash. While most babies will experience some form of diaper rash, it can be difficult for parents to know what's normal, what's causing it, and when it's time to call the pediatrician.
From recognizing diaper rash on darker skin tones to understanding the role of teething, stool changes, and barrier creams, a pediatrician answers some of the most frequently asked questions about diaper rash and how to help keep your baby's skin healthy.
Diaper Rash Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does diaper rash look like on darker skin?
A: On babies with darker skin, diaper rash doesn’t always look bright red. Instead, you may notice skin that looks darker than usual, purplish, gray, or deep pink. The skin may also look shiny or swollen, or feel warm and sore to the touch. Even if the color change isn’t obvious, if your baby seems uncomfortable during diaper changes, a rash may be starting.
Q: What can you tell me irritant dermatitis diaper rash?
A: This is the most common diaper rash, and almost every baby gets it at some point. It happens when skin sits in contact with urine, stool, moisture, and friction for too long. Stool contains digestive enzymes, and when those mix with moisture, they can break down the skin’s protective barrier. These rashes usually show up on the parts of the skin that touch the diaper and often skip the creases and folds.
Q: How might diaper rash be caused by the pH of baby's stool?
A: A baby’s stool can become more irritating when its pH changes, especially with diarrhea, illness, antibiotics, teething, or new foods. When stool becomes more alkaline, digestive enzymes become more active and can damage the skin faster. Parents often notice these rashes flare quickly after bowel movements and look shiny, bright, and painful.
Q: What is the "icing" method of applying barrier cream?
A: I tell parents to think of diaper cream like frosting a cupcake. You want a thick layer sitting on top of the skin to protect it, so not rubbed all the way in. That protective barrier is what allows the skin underneath to heal.
Q: What wipe alternatives can parents use?
A: If wipes seem to sting or make the rash worse, plain warm water works great. You can use a soft washcloth, cotton pad, or gauze. Some parents like using a spray or squeeze bottle to gently rinse without rubbing. If you do use wipes, look for ones that are fragrance free and made for sensitive skin.
Q: What can be mistaken for diaper rash?
A: Not all diaper area rashes are simple diaper rash. Yeast rashes are very common and often show up in the skin folds with tiny red dots around them. Bacterial infections, eczema, psoriasis, or reactions to diapers or wipes can also look similar. If a rash isn’t getting better after a few days, or seems to be getting worse, it’s a good idea to check with your pediatrician.
Q: Can teething cause diaper rash?
A: Teething doesn’t directly cause diaper rash, but it can contribute. Babies often swallow more saliva when teething, which can lead to looser or more frequent stools. More poop and moisture in the diaper area can increase the chance of a rash during that time.
Q: Can you use Aquaphor and Desitin together?
A: Yes you can, and this is something I often recommend. A helpful approach is to apply Desitin first to protect and heal the skin, then put Aquaphor on top to seal everything in and reduce rubbing from the diaper. This combination can be especially helpful for stubborn or recurring rashes.
Q: Why might baby get recurrent diaper rash?
A: When diaper rash keeps coming back, there’s usually an underlying reason. Common causes include frequent diarrhea, yeast overgrowth, antibiotic use, sensitive skin, product reactions, tight diapers, or not treating a yeast rash long enough. If rashes are happening often or not improving, your pediatrician can help figure out what’s going on.
When Should Parents Call the Pediatrician?
Most diaper rashes improve with frequent diaper changes, gentle cleansing, and consistent use of barrier creams. However, parents should contact their pediatrician if a rash is severe, appears infected, causes significant discomfort, lasts more than a few days despite treatment, or keeps returning.
Early evaluation can help identify whether a yeast infection, skin condition, or another underlying issue may be contributing to the problem.
Medically Reviewed By:
Leslie L Young, M.D., pediatrician, Miller Children's Care Network
About Dr. Leslie Young:
Dr. Leslie Young, M.D., earned his medical degree from UC Irvine College of Medicine and completed his pediatric residency at UCLA Medical Center. Inspired by his own experiences with severe atopic dermatitis and nasal allergies, which led to hospitalizations during his childhood, Dr. Young considers the doctors who cared for him as his heroes and role models. His passion for medicine deepened during high school biology studies, where he delved into the realms of science and medicine.
Fueled by his passion for the wellbeing of children, Dr. Young cherishes the trust parents place in him to care for their children, making every interaction with patients and their families profoundly meaningful and rewarding.
Born in Taiwan and fluent in Mandarin, Dr. Young, who immigrated to the United States during his teenage years, brings a unique understanding of cross-cultural interactions. He has also learned medical Spanish to better connect with Spanish-speaking families. Dr. Young's commitment to pediatric care goes beyond the clinic, authoring two books on pediatrics and his own YouTube channel focusing on ADHD. He specializes in helping children with ADHD, bringing his expertise to a wider audience.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Young is dedicated to serving others and building meaningful relationships, leading the Rotary Club in community service projects. He also enjoys spending time with his dog, running, and weight lifting.
