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There are many potential causes of diaper rash. These include:

• Exposure to stool and urine. Prolonged exposure to urine or feces can irritate a baby's sensitive skin. Feces can be especially irritating. As a result, babies may be more prone to diaper rash during periods of frequent bowel movements. The longer a child sits in a soiled diaper, the more likely they are to develop a diaper rash. The same holds true for individuals who use adult diaper products for urinary or fecal incontinence (inability to control urination or defecation, respectively) and those who are unable to wash their genital area frequently.
  
  
• Chafing or rubbing. Diapers that are too tight or clothing that rubs against the skin can cause diaper rash.
  
  
• Reaction to various foods. Babies usually start eating solid foods during the ages of 4 months to 12 months, which may cause changes in their stool. Changes in a baby's diet that increase the frequency of stools may lead to diaper rashes. An intolerance or allergy to a food (e.g., milk, wheat, soy) may cause diaper rash or result in bouts of diarrhea that create diaper rash. In addition, babies who are breastfed may develop diaper rash as a result of ingredients in their mother's diet.
  
  
• Reaction to contact with a new product. Irritation that leads to diaper rash can result from contact with disposable wipes, disposable diapers, baby lotions, powders or oils. Detergents, bleaches and fabric softeners used to launder cloth diapers can also irritate a baby's bottom.
  
  
• Bacterial or yeast infections. Skin infections may spread to the buttocks, thighs and genitals because those areas are warm and moist. Such rashes generally originate within the creases of the skin. Vaginal yeast infections may pass from a mother to a child during childbirth. Other infections may pass from any person who touches a baby without washing their hands first.
  
  
• Sensitive skin. Babies who suffer from skin conditions such as eczema may be more likely to develop diaper rashes.
  
  
• Use of antibiotics. Antibiotics can kill harmful bacteria, but can also rid the body of good bacteria that help prevent yeast infections. This can lead to diaper rash. Mothers who are taking antibiotics while breastfeeding can also cause this effect in their infants.

Occasionally diaper rash can be associated with serious diseases. This is not common. However, babies with congenital syphilis, HIV/AIDS and other diseases may develop diaper rash as a symptom or result of the physical response to disease.