What is Drool Rash?

Are you looking for ways to heal the red rash around your baby’s mouth and neck? Drool rash, a common skin irritation, happens when a baby's skin is constantly exposed to saliva. This is typically caused by normal drooling. 

Drool rash usually pops up around a baby’s mouth, cheeks, neck, and chest when their saliva collects in these spaces. While excessive drool may leave a rash, it is generally mild and not harmful to a baby. Read on as we share some drool rash remedies and tips to help soothe your baby’s skin. 

How to Identify Drool Rash ?

These are the symptoms to keep an eye out for if you suspect your baby is dealing with a case of drool rash.

- Redness in your baby’s mouth, cheeks, neck, and/or chest areas.
- Tiny red bumps around the affected areas
- Raised patches of irritated skin

 

Does Drooling Help Your Baby? 

The saliva produced in drooling is essential for your baby. Drooling is beneficial to your baby's development because saliva:  

- Keeps their mouth moist. 
- Protects their gums and teeth using the proteins in the saliva. 
- Softens and moistens food once they begin eating solids, making it easier to swallow, and preventing choking. 
- Makes digestion easier   

 How to Manage and Prevent Drool Rash?

 

Gently Cleanse the Skin : 

The key idea here is to be gentle. Cleanse your baby’s skin with a gentle, unscented, and fragrance-free soap. Keeping their skin clean will help keep it free from the irritating moisture of their saliva and any food bits that can cause irritation.   

Use Soft Cloths :

Your baby’s skin is incredibly soft and delicate so make sure that any fabrics used on their skin are soft. Having a soft burp cloth on hand will help you gently wipe away saliva and bits of food, preventing irritation. 

Huggies® Skin Essentials™ Wipes are our thickest wipes and offer your baby a gentle, washcloth-like experience. Free of fragrance, alcohol and dyes, these pH-balanced wipes are made of 99% purified water and free of fragrance, parabens, alcohol, dyes and elemental chlorine.  

Keep the Skin Dry :

Since the rash is triggered by constant exposure to moisture (drool), keeping your little one’s skin dry is an important step in combatting this condition.  

Use a Bib :

Using a bib will help absorb any excess saliva and protect your baby’s skin.  Be sure to regularly change their bib so it doesn’t become soaked in drool and rub against their skin, causing even more irritation. 

Apply a Soothing Ointment or Cream :

Apply a soothing ointment or cream to your baby’s irritated skin. Once you’ve cleaned the skin and it is completely dry, apply a soothing cream to help calm their skin and act as a barrier between their skin and the drool. 

Take a Pacifier Break :

Since pacifiers can keep the skin around your baby’s mouth wet, taking a break from using them will help their skin dry and heal. If you’re using the pacifier to soothe their gums during teething, you might want to alternate with chilled teething toys to give their skin a break. 

What is the Difference Between Drool Rash and Other Rashes? 

There are a few rashes that are common for babies that can mimic the symptoms of drool rash. While these may present similarly, being aware of the different ways they appear can help you better treat your baby and heal their discomfort faster.  

Baby Acne:

Usually appearing early in a baby’s life, at around two weeks old, baby acne is a common condition for babies. These tiny red bumps can pop up on their cheeks and nose. 

Baby Eczema :

This condition usually occurs in the folds of your baby’s skin, in the creases of their elbows, backs of their knees, necks, and cheeks. To know if your baby is suffering from eczema look out for dry, red, and flaky skin  

Baby Heat Rash :

Appearing in tiny red clusters, heat rash happens during warmer weather and can appear on various parts of your baby’s body. 

If your baby is under 2 months old or if you have any concerns about the rash, contact your child’s medical provider.  

How Huggies Can Help 

Seeing your baby suffer with the discomfort and pain of a rash can be worrisome and painful. These steps will help your baby deal with their drool rash – as is using products that are gentle on skin. Huggies® Skin Essentials™ are gentle on skin, dermatologist approved and designed to help keep skin clean and healthy. They are free from harsh ingredients and fragrances, perfect for little ones and their sensitive skin. 

Find our complete line of Huggies® diapers and wipes here. 
 
This content should not substitute medical advice from your personal healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment.