Why does baby have red buttocks?

Various factors can trigger the onset of redness on infants' buttocks. Most commonly, nappy rash is caused by a drying out of the child's skin, due to friction from nappies. An intolerance to certain substances contained in wipes, nappies, soaps or creams can also be responsible. It has also been identified that digestive or urinary disorders are aggravating factors of nappy rash. Indeed, diarrhoea, caused by teething, food intolerance or the use of antibiotics, perpetuates the irritation by causing an increase in the activity of faecal enzymes, which damages the epidermis.

Furthermore, prolonged exposure to urine and faecal matter, coupled with the occlusion caused by the constant wearing of nappies, can contribute to the maintenance of nappy rash. Indeed, this leads to thealkalisation of the skin's pH, which alters the skin microbiota and damages the stratum corneum. Friction against the skin and maceration can cause a breakdown of the skin barrier and increased permeability to potentially irritating substances. These factors predispose the skin tomicrobial invasion and inflammation. The fungi Candida albicans and the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae and Escherichia coli are indeed commonly associated with nappy rash. This alteration of the skin microbiota can trigger the release of histamine and pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, exacerbating irritation and redness.

If your baby has a persistent nappy rash for several days despite the administration of care, it is necessary to seek medical advice.