Teething Rash: Does Teething Cause a Rash?

One of the most painful and draining periods (for both you and your baby) is when your baby starts developing teeth of their very own. As if restlessness, swollen gums and refusing to eat their food isn’t enough, now you have found yourself wondering why your baby has broken out in a rash all over their face and body!

Your little one might be showing signs of what is called baby teething rash. Don’t worry; it’s not as bad as it looks! With proper care and diligence, your mini-me will be back to their healthiest in no time.

Teething Rash: Does Teething Cause a Rash?

How is Teething Rash Caused?

During this period, you may notice that your baby is drooling a bit more than usual. This is because their tiny body is producing more saliva in order to alleviate the pain in their tender gums.

Due to the fact that babies don’t know how to properly swallow their saliva, they tend to drool all over themselves. There is a digestive enzyme that is present in your baby’s saliva, and when it comes into contact with their sensitive skin, it causes irritation and a red, raised rash.

A teething rash is also caused by the moisture that gets trapped in the folds of their neck, as well as between their clothes and their body. Additionally, the excessive rubbing that your baby is doing in order to soothe themselves from the pain can worsen the teething rash.

Signs and Symptoms of Baby Teething Rash

The symptoms of baby teething rash can show up in multiple places on your little one’s body. You may notice a teething rash on their face, chest, and sometimes even feet (you’ll know if this is the case when your baby is at the point where they nibble on anything they can get their little mouth on).

The rash shows up on your baby’s face and body as patches of red and raised bumps. If you notice that it is producing fluids, the rash may be infected and it would be best to visit the doctor’s office for treatment.

Sometimes, the rash can be confused with eczema because of the similar way that it shows up on the skin. However, if your baby is teething, then teething rash is most likely the case. If you are unsure, consult with your pediatrician in order to get a confirmed diagnosis.

How You Can Help

Don’t feel helpless or worried, as there are many ways that you can help your little one heal. You can easily treat the rash, as well as prevent it from occurring again.

Prevention

Most importantly, you want to try your best to prevent the rash from happening. Wash your baby’s body with a mild, unscented soap. Focus on cleaning the folds of their skin, such as their neck, wrists, and stomach. Don’t forget their little face as well! This will ensure that you get rid of the bacteria and drool that may be lingering on your baby’s skin.

Since the rash also causes chapped skin, make sure to diligently apply an unscented moisturizer to the affected areas. Avoid lotion with fragrance, as this can further irritate the skin.

Keeping a rag handy that you can use to wipe their drool away will also help a great deal. Doing so will prevent the drool from sitting on their skin and causing irritation.

Another way to prevent drool from sitting on their clothes is by putting a bib on them, which creates a barrier that protects their clothes from getting soaked.

Another way to keep your baby from getting teething rash is to change their damp clothes. If you notice that they are soaked, changing the clothes will prevent the moisture from sitting on the skin and allowing the moisture to get trapped.

Treating the Rash

Your baby’s rash can easily be treated with a couple of at-home remedies. First, you want to create a barrier between their tender skin and the drool. Apply a moisturizing substance such as Aquaphor or petroleum jelly to the affected areas on their body.

This will not only soothe chapped skin, but it will create a protective layer between the rash-causing drool and their sensitive skin.

If you are looking for a treatment on the natural side, coconut oil works wonders for your little one’s teething rash. Not only is it highly moisturizing, but it is also loaded with anti-bacterial and antifungal properties.

This means that coconut oil will aid in getting rid of any bacteria that is likely present on your baby’s skin. An added bonus, you don’t have to worry if your sweetheart swallows a little! Coconut oil is all natural and not harmful if swallowed.

To alleviate the pain in their gums, you can also give them something cold to chew on, such as a washcloth or a cold teething ring. Ensure that it is not frozen, as the water can cause more drool and wetness to irritate the skin.

With these home treatments, teething rash should heal within a couple of days. If your little one’s condition worsens, it is necessary to consult with your pediatrician. They will most likely be able to prescribe a cream that will heal your baby quicker.

You may also be wondering if your baby’s diaper rash and teething could possibly be connected. If that’s you, keep reading!

Are Teething and Diaper Rash Connected?

It is indeed a possibility that diaper rash and teething can go hand-in-hand. Diaper rash shows up in the spots on your baby’s body where the wet diaper comes in constant contact with the skin.

As mentioned before, during the teething stage, your babe is producing more saliva than usual. The increased amount of saliva in their stomach can upset digestion and cause diarrhea.

Additionally, during the teething period, your mini-me is most likely chewing on anything they can get their hands on. This means extra amounts of bacteria are getting into their body, which can cause this teething diaper rash.

It can be tough to see your beloved little one be uncomfortable during this time. With extra love and care from you and these easy home remedies, your little one will be back to their spunky self in no time!

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