Can Diaper Rash and Not Eating Be Related?

Updated on March 30, 2008
M.G. asks from Henrico, VA
28 answers

I have an eight month old daughter. First of all, by the standard growth chart, she's about 2 lbs underweight (as in, off the charts) and the pediatrician makes SURE I am aware of this at the end of every visit. For the past two weeks, she's had a moderate diaper rash. We've been using Desiden and A&D but neither are solving the problem. There always seems to be poop in her diaper so it is necessary to wipe her. Here's where I'm curious... For about the past week, she's stopped eating her normal portions (4oz formula, 1/4 cup rice or oatmeal cereal, and 1 jar Stage 2 baby food). First she cut down from 6 feedings to 4, and yesterday she only ate twice. I sat with her and tried to get her to eat, but she wouldn't even open her mouth. I don't want to force feed her but I know she should be eating more than what she is. The pediatrician said not to give her a sippy-cup and to stick with bottles. But recently, she just puts the nipple in her mouth and lets it sit. I'm curious to know if the diaper rash could be affecting her hunger? She acts healthy and stays alert and active. Another thought is that her teeth are bothering her. She cut her first tooth last week and her second one is almost at the surface. ...I plan to call the pediatrician later today but I thought I could get some encouraging advice before they somehow blame her lack of appetite on me.

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So What Happened?

Thank you all for your help!!!! This past doctor visit went pretty well. We were the first appt of the day, so I'm sure that helped. Anyway, by Monday, the diaper rash was almost gone; and yes, it was ever only a moderate/severe diaper rash. Since the top of her tooth surfaced, she's regained her appetite. The doctor did some standard reflex testing and assured us everything's fine with her. Yaaay!!!

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J.W.

answers from Norfolk on

I do not know about the appetite problem but for diaper rashes I use the target brand of diaper rash cream and for my 11 month old son it works better than any other brand I tried. I also give him a warm bath with lavender scented bubbles and then let him run around naked for 5-10 minutes to air dry, so to speak. I also introduced my son to the sippy cup when he was 5 1/2 months old ( I couldnt wait!) and he weened himself off the bottle by seven months. His doctor was shocked! I would recommend a sippy cup with a soft spout. Some of the Gerber ones may say soft but they were still kinda too hard for my son. I got the Nuby with the soft spout and he took right to it. You can find it at walmart for under two bucks. I hope this helps.
~Jenn

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A.J.

answers from Fayetteville on

Well i don't know about the diaper rash...but i know when my daughter was first teething, her appetite changed. All she wanted to do was cuddle and eatng wasn't at the top of her list. After the teethcame in...the apetite came back. I wouldn't worry too much about it. And I always take what docters say with a grain of salt.
Good luck.
A.

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M.P.

answers from Birmingham on

Ok the not eating could very well be because she has teeth coming in. I know when my son was little he didn't eat as much when he was teething. He also have loose diapers. Which could very well cause diaper rash. So pretty much they can both be related to her teeth coming in. Also my friend has 2 little girls that are very underweight. As long as she is growing then don't worry about it.

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P.L.

answers from Richmond on

Is there a chance that she could have a yeast infection? I know that can really irritate her bottom and A&D and Desitin will not help that. Plus if she has it on her bottom she could possibly be dealing with it in her mouth -thrush. My son wants everything in his mouth when he teeths. If the doctor seems to make sure you are "AWARE" of her weight, has she suggested anything to help her gain or at least maintain? Could there possibly be a digestive problem? I hope you get answers soon.

Take care,
P.

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W.P.

answers from Decatur on

Sounds exactly like teething to me. Had a few that did the exact same thing. I recomment Humphrey's Teething Tablets.....very cold washrag to chew on......ANYTHING *but alcohol* to numb her gums. Try also giving Motrin and/or Tylenol for the pain too. She may not be crying due to the pain but it will keep her from eating and drinking so do what you can to minimize it. About the diaper rash. Vaseline with a dusting of cornstarch power on top of it works great. Also they have a diaper rash creme by Johnson and Johnson I think that say perianal on it that works fantastic. Fresh air is also wonderful for rashes after a nice warm bath. Keeping moisture off of the area is one good remedy. If nothing really seems to help all that much talk to the doctor about using a yeast infection creme on it. Sometimes rashes even on babies is caused by yeast.

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S.J.

answers from Charlotte on

Hi M.,

My son had bouts of diaper rash, too. I found that it helped to use wipes to clean up the mess, then use a face cloth and warm water (you may also need to use and rinse off some soap) to clean the chemicals off his skin. Then, I used Lotrimin (generic is pretty cheap) and it cleared up pretty quickly.

A little Motrin or Tylenol will help with the teething pain. You can use Anbesol, but it numbs their whole mouth and affects the taste of their food -- my kids didn't like it at meal time. Good luck!!

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K.H.

answers from Columbia on

a really good thing to try for diaper rash is plain cornstarch. just put some in a little sandwich bag and use a blush brush and just apply lightly. I've had two nurses tell me that it works wonders. I've used it occasionally and it did make things better within a day or two. Also, I think your daughter is just having issues with her teeth cutting. I've read that supposedly it really doesn't hurt the baby that bad...and blah blah blah. But, every child I've known has had some kind of problem from teething. I used to stick my daughter's bottle nipples in the fridge to get them nice and cold to help with the discomfort and she usually would drink some of her formula. As long as she's acting normal it shouldn't be too much of a problem. Like my pediatrician always tells me when I start worrying about my daughter's lack of appetite - babies will not let themselves starve. Keep offering her food and when she's ready she'll eat. Good luck!

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M.S.

answers from Washington DC on

For the diaper rash try Balmex. I found that works better and faster (w/ in hours) then anything else.

As far as the eating at her age she's probably bored and ready to try something new. Try feeding her the Gerber Lil' Entrees and widening her variety of foods given. She can be eating stage 3 foods at her age. Also have you tried the Gerber Finger Foods like the Fuit/Veggie Puffs, Wagon Wheels and Mini Fruits/Veggies. Try those because she also may be wanting to try to feed herself and doesn't want to eat if someone else is giving it to her.

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T.B.

answers from Asheville on

HI,M.! FIRST OF ALL THAT IS BULL ABOUT THE SIPPY CUP, FOR ONE IT WILL MAKE IT EASIER TO BREAK HER FROM THE BOTTLE. AND YOU CAN ALWAYS GIVE HER FORMULA BY MIXING IT WITH HER CEREAL.IF YOU CAN MAYBE START HER ON SOME MASHED TABLE FOODS THAT WOULD MAY BE JUST WHAT SHE IS NEEDING SOME CHILDREN JUST DON'T LIKE THE TASTE OF BABY FOOD!MAYBE SOME OF THE FROZEN OR FRESH VEGIES COOKED AND MASHED FROM THE DINNER TABLE WHILE YOU EAT!!SOMETIMES THAT DOES THE TRICK! AND IF YOU SAY SHE CUT HER FIRST TOOTH THAT IS PROBALY WHERE THE DIAPER RASH IS COMING FROM. IF YOU WILL CALL YOU PED. AND ASK FOR SILVADEAN THAT IS HOW IT IS PRONOUNCED PROBALY NOT THE CORRECT SPELLING. IT IS NORMALLY USED FOR BURNS BUT IT IS WONDERFUL FOR DIAPER RASH IF YOU'LL APPLY IT TO THE BOTTOM AND COVER WITH DESITYN OR EVEN VASOLINE.SO IT DOESN'T WASH AWAY SO QUICKLY. YOU WILL BE AMAZED!!!!IT IS THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD!!!GOOD LUCK!T.

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K.G.

answers from Greensboro on

I would say have her checked and double checked for thrush. My son had it, and it was nasty, and very irritating. Does she have a white coating on her tongue? Try staying away from acidic foods, and feed her oatmeal, which can have fruits like blueberries or bananas in it, in moderation. Don't take away the concept of a sippy cup, because if you do that now, it may make her less interested in it later, and become a problem getting her off the bottle. Also, sippy cups are less likely to produce gas bubbles, which could ultimately lead to diahrrea, and diaper rash. Also, if you have even a slight feeling she has thrush, tell your doctor to give you some medicine. I can't remember the name of the medicine the PED gave me for my son, but it is a liquid, and it looks almost creamy. You have to be very careful to maintain correct dosage amounts and times though, as getting off dosage could make the problem worse, or cause rosatia(sp?), little red bumps or spots all over the body, that looks much like chicken pox. Thrush can cause high fevers and intestinal damage if not treated. If in doubt, ALWAYS consult a second, or even third opinion. As far as not eating,it is probably related to a number of things at once. I know when I'm sick, I don't eat a lot, same goes for infants. My son is 2 1/2 now, and he still goes through spells of gorging and fasting. Try a variety of foods on her. Just because the Ped says stay on formula, doesn't mean you necessarily should. Use your best judgement, and she'll be fine. Don't worry too much, just do what you think is right. If something tells you something is off, don't take no for an answer, and keep on those DR's until they do something about it. Your baby is precious, and sometimes they tend to forget that they don't know everything, and each child is different. Just don't let the Ped run all over you, or make you feel guilty. You are her mother, and if you know you take good care of her, then nothing they say should make you doubt that. Charts are an average. My son is WAYYY over scales in height, but still "underweight", by their charts. He is a very slender, athletic, and tall child. But by my standards, he is perfect. Good luck with your little girl, and I do hope she gets to feeling better. It makes it so much harder on us parents to watch our babies suffer.

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E.N.

answers from Asheville on

hi, i am a mom of a three and 1/2 year old and a 19 month old. i know that the dr is telling you to stick with bottles but every child does not fit the mold. try the sippy cup. it may just help. my second son refused to take a bottle but would drink from a cup. also if you can find buz's baby butt butter, it really works on those rashes. i am not sure if her not eating is related to the rashes but i would try everything and not just strictly sticking to what the dr says. i hope this helps and have a great day.

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H.W.

answers from Asheville on

Hey! I'm not sure about the diaper rash affecting her eating. I do know that I've never had luck with the two creams you're using. I highly recommend Aquaphor. It's a little more expensive but you'll be amazed at how it works. It doesn't contain Zinc Oxide. Its a petroleum based product. I do know that my friends daughter did this same thing. The pediatrician just told her that her daughter would eat when she's hungry. What a help!! I'd just keep encouraging her to eat. That's all you can really do. I know around that age my son started refusing to eat cereal in the morning. I think they just get sick of the same thing over and over again. I hope this has been some what of a help. Let me know if you try the Aquaphor. Good Luck!

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S.H.

answers from Charlotte on

The answer to your first question is your daughter is two pounds under weight not 10, I would change physicians if I was you. All kids grow at there own rate some kids are smaller and some larger than others if she's not malnourish or obese I wouldnt worry about it. Diaper rash usually comes around with teething, kids poop a little more causing irriation, I use Burt's bee diaper rash cream it smells great and coats the skin, I usually let the baby air dry about 15 min in between changing and put a towel down to catch any messes. when teething they will eat less and bite on the nipple for comfort. but I'm sure your baby is fine just keep doing what your doing, one day she wont eat as much and one day she'll eat you out of house and home dont worry.it might also be a yeast infection from a prolonged diaper rash, you will be able to tell be cause it will be bumps on the vular and in the creases of the skin and it no longer looks like a diaper rash but a rash to the second power, my doctor recommended lotrim antifungal cream for your feet, clean the area, let it dry, apply a dime size onto skin, put desitin or burt's bee cream and than slap on a lot of baby powder to harden it to skin well not harden it but make it stick. by the way I'm a mother of two small girls.

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R.B.

answers from Norfolk on

First of all, dont worry about the weight. My daughter has been "underweight" forever, she keeps growing though and she is happy and healthy. Plus she never stops eating. I think the standard the doctors choose is not always acurate in all children. My doctor certainly isnt concerned she has never been able to be charted on the charts.

Second, My daughter also always has a never ending diaper rash. It sometimes goes in spurts where sometimes it is worse than others, but just about always she has some sort of a red spot somewhere on her bottom. I would just say this, either change your diapers and see if that helps, or accept the fact that your child has a very sensitive bottom and stock up in diaper cream.

Thirdly, I find it highly unlikely that the two are related.

:-) good luck and I hope this helps!

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C.

answers from Tuscaloosa on

I am curious to know if she is 2 lbs below average or off the chart. I would also like to know if she acts healthy, and is active. The charts are an average. And in the past babies need to be fat to survive sicknesses. Now though most major sicknesses are averted through vaccines and cleanleness. So if your child is develpomently on track and active, use the chart as a guide not as a rule. Also, look at her genes.
In saying that you want to make sure that she is getting the nutrition she needs.
Concerning the diaper rash, are you wiping her each time with a wipe. If you are stop. It dries out the skin and can cause diaper rash and try an oatmeal bath, and a soap with no fragrance. The perfume has alchohol that can dry the skin as well. Aveeno makes one with out a fragerance. Becareful though it isn't tear proof.
But basically trust you instincts.

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K.V.

answers from Roanoke on

I would definitely consult the pediatrician. It could be something in her digestive tract that is causing the rash as well as maybe possible upset stomach, or pain. Does she exhibit any signs of discomfort or pain? Also, if your pediatrician blows you off, go to another one. When in doubt, always get a second oppinion, a third if necessary. They are not Gods, only Doctors, humans, who can make mistakes, or overlook things.

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K.

answers from Columbia on

I have a 9 1/2 month old and about a month ago he had a (what I thought was a diaper rash) I used A&D, Balmex and it was not getting any better. He was also very fussy, anyway it turned out not to be a diaper rash but rather a yeast infection. This is my fourth child and you never can be sure, it may not be a diaper rash and that is why she is not eating. It is good you are bringing her to the doctor.

K.

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P.K.

answers from Charlotte on

I am having the same problem my 8 month old daughter has stop eating now for about a month she only wants her bottles, everyone tells me that's normal she's not losing any weight she's 19.5 pounds when I took her in a week ago, with double ear infections. I have three other girls and never had this problem. I really beleive it's her teeth she's getting her 2nd one in and having loose poopies. I wouldn't worry about it right now, she'll start feeling better when her teeth come through.

P.

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C.H.

answers from Norfolk on

Im not an expert but i do have two kids. I found that when my children went throught that stage, the reason they werent eating was due to them teething. if you feel bumps or something sharp on the gum line then its probably her teething. in which if that is the case she will eat a lot less. as long as she is getting something in she will be fine. also with teething comes diaper rashes due to frequent diahrea and bowl movements. You can try using "Sensitive" wipes. something with no lotions or perfumes. she might also experience ear infections and fever. childrens motrin or tylenol with help the fever and puting something under her matress to make her sleep sitting up a little will help any fluid that might be building up in her ears allowing it to drain. for the teething you could use a teething ring or a wet washcloth to let her chew on. in the dental section at walmart or maybe in the baby section they have stuff you can use on the babies gums. my experience with my kids was that if you subside the pain of the teething they will eat more and also tylenol or midol will help with the frequent bowl movements... continue useing A&D and it should go away.... ALSO,one last note. I wouldnt use desiden! If you have ever had a rash or something and put that on, you will find that it burns really bad. Might have noticed a little bit of discomfort from the baby when you put it on. just thought i would let you know. A&D wont burn on the rash! The 2 lbs under isnt anything to be worried about... they will fluctuateso much growing up.... unless she gets way below the norm, i wouldnt get concerned at all.

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K.K.

answers from Tuscaloosa on

First of all, my oldest has always been "underweight". My husband and I are both thin and have thin family's. He was always about 10 percent on weight and 90 percent on height. I wouldn't worry about it. Second, I really wouldn't worry about the feeding part, she will eat when she gets hungry. Her appetite will pick back up when she starts walking.

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J.D.

answers from Wilmington on

My son Had a persistant diaper rash for a month and a half. He developed a intollerance to the milk protien. Is you child having any other symptoms. Maybe seeming like she is in her only little world? or is she very social. you may want to discuss with your doctor about change to a more hypoallerenic formula. But persistant rash is someting my son still get is he gets and milk or Gulten (wheat protien). It also could be a yeast infection. there is really no testing for food intollerences except to remove the suspected food for a week and then trying to reintroduce it. As for a yeat infection...you could try putting a little lotramin on it twice a day.

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C.M.

answers from Spartanburg on

Hi, I have three kids so I know what you are going through. I believe the rash could be related to the eating. But I also want to tell you that the fact that she is a little underweight is not that big of a deal. All three of mine were that way when they were litlle and they are just fine now. Also, you know your child best. If the only way to get her to actually drink something is by sippy cup, then do it. It can't hurt her. I don't know why the doc told you not to. My first one was drinking out of a sippy at 5 months old. Now for the rash. If it has not gotten better with ointment or if it seems it has gotten worse, it could be a yeast infection. I know that sounds crazy for a baby, but it does happen. If it is that, the diaper rash ointment will make it worse. You can go to walmart or any drug store and get a yeast infection treatment like you would get for yourself if you had one, and just open the tube and rub it on her about 2 times a day until it gets better. I did this with mine and several other kids I have kept and it works wonders. I hope this helps you. C.

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T.P.

answers from Charlotte on

It could affect her appetite if it hurts. Next bath time place a small amount of baking soda in the bathwater. If you use an infant tub place about two tablespoons and in a big bath about 1/4 to 1/2 cup (not heaping) It neutralizes the acid in the urine from the diaper and try the rash cream called Boudreaux's Butt Paste. Sounds weird but even my doctor said it's better than anything out there. You can find it at the baby store,target, walmart, and most pharmacies. I still use A&D and Desitin if my son’s bottom is a little irritated.

Try to avoid juices like apple, orange, etc. Anything with high acid and leave the apple baby food out of her diet for a few days to alleviate acid. Pears are o.k.

I hope this helps.

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S.J.

answers from Mobile on

My son's gone through periods of not wanting to eat anything, but it usually doesn't last long and he makes up for it when he's ready to eat again. One thing I've noticed is that when my Mom watches him she gives him apple juice all day and he ends up with constant poop and a diaper rash for a day after he visits with her. You don't mention your daughter drinking juice, but I just wanted to throw it out there it in case it could be contributing to the problem!

By the way, congrats to your husband for being a proud stay-at-home dad. We need more of those around here. :)

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K.P.

answers from Wilmington on

If you think she may be teething this could be the reason for the extra poop and as a result the diaper rash. If you notice extra drooling this is also a sign of teething which sometimes makes it painful to suck a bottle or swallow because these things bring the blood in her gums to the surface which makes them throb and painful. (When you have a cut it doesn't actually begin to hurt until the blood reaches the surface.) My Pediatrician suggested trying formula with an eye dropper (we used a medicine dropper) or a cup with no lid, this lets her get a drink with out sucking which could be painful. This helped us a lot, since he was hungry just in too much pain to suck on the bottle.

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K.J.

answers from Richmond on

I'm not sure if those things could be related, but I do know that if you have a diaper rash that doesn't seem to want to go away it could be a yeast infection...I ,know sounds weird...but look in her mouth and see if it's really white...this could also be why she's not eating...because it's uncomfortable...like thrush...it can make your mouth very painful and hard for her to eat, and this can cause a diaper rash that won't go away!! Also another cure if it is just a tough diaper rash, I've found, is Boudreaux's Butt Paste, it is the miracle cure of diaper rashes! Hope this helps and she's feeling better soon! Have a great day!

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K.R.

answers from Raleigh on

If I were you I would cut back on her solids and try to get her to drink more formula. At 8 months she should be drinking ALOT more then 4oz at a feeding. You want her main source of nutrients to be from the formula, not the food.

As for the diaper rash try the original A&D, not the diaper rash kind. It works like a pro. I know someone suggested that Butt Paste stuff, I bought it, and it is not worth the money! It wipes off onto the diaper. If the ointment isnt helping then it may be a yeast infection.

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