Anything that causes pain or irritation to the body or skin can be very difficult and annoying to deal with. There’s always a question lingering in the minds of people who wear diapers or those who know someone who wears diapers. Do diapers cause rashes? Yes! They do. Diaper rashes as a condition can be very agonizing! Be it with babies or adults, wearing diapers can result in the development of rashes due to a variety of reasons. 

Even though they can be uncomfortable, they can still be treated. 

How do you know if you have rashes due to diapers? 

Adult Diaper Rashes have very particular appearances. You can easily make out if you have a rash if:

1. Your skin looks red or irritated 
2. You have an urge to itch now and then 
3. You experience a burning sensation around the diaper area 
4. You notice a part of the skin is looking abnormal compared to the skin around it. 

What causes diaper rashes in adults? 

Adult diaper rashes are caused due to various factors such as: 

1. Irregular washing: 

This is one of the most common causes of diaper rashes in adults. Not washing the area around the diaper can lead to rashes. 

2. Incontinence: 

Urinary incontinence or loss of bladder control can cause rashes around the diaper area. This is because the urine has some unwanted chemicals that can irritate the texture of the skin, causing rashes. 

3. Not changing the diaper on time: 

Infrequent changes of diapers can cause rashes too. Wearing the diaper for too long can also cause rashes. 

4. Allergic Reactions: 

Some allergic reactions that may be caused by perfumes in the diaper material can also result in rashes around the diaper area.

5. Friction due to Diapers: 

Rashes can be triggered by friction due to diapers. This happens when the skin rubs itself against the diaper which can cause skin irritation, followed by rashes. 

How to treat diaper rashes in adults: 

Treating diaper rashes is very important in order to prevent the condition from worsening. 

Ignorance is bliss but not in the case of diaper rashes. Diaper rashes shouldn't be ignored and caregivers should make their loved ones feel comfortable if they are going through a situation like this. There will be times when they feel embarrassed to express their concerns but if we are attentive towards them, we will be able to address this issue in a better way. 

Here are a few ways which can help you treat and prevent diaper rashes in adults: 

1. Keep the area near the diaper clean:

Keeping the area near the diaper clean and dry can avoid rashes. If incontinence occurs then wiping the area with a soft cloth and lukewarm water can also aid in preventing rashes. 

2. Wear comfortable diapers: 

Keeping the diapers airtight can restrict proper airflow around the diaper area which can later result in development of moisture and rashes. You can in turn wear comfortable diapers with proper fabrics which will let the skin easier to breathe. 

3. Wipe, clean and pat: 

You can wipe the area around the diaper with a cloth, clean it and then pat it dry with a towel. This process can also help in preventing diaper rashes. 

4. Embrace the power of barrier gels with essential oils: 

Barrier gels are very effective in treating skin irritation and preventing further skin breakdown. 

Diaper rashes can be difficult to deal with but if paid attention to, the healing process becomes easier and more hassle-free. Also, taking a few precautionary steps is a great way to prevent them and can go a long way in benefitting our loved ones.