Food Allergies and Diaper Rash

Experts agree that the main cause of diaper rash is moisture, not food allergies. While diaper rash will strike half of all babies, a much lower percentage of those babies will experience diaper rash caused by food allergies. Six percent of children suffer from actual food allergies, according to the Mayo Clinic. There are other causes of diaper rash in babies that are not caused by food allergies. Diaper rash may be caused by other food-related physiological reactions including food intolerance.

What is a Food Allergy?

While the term food allergy is used to describe any physical reaction to foods by babies, kids and adults, the cause of the reaction, or of diaper rash, is not always an actual food allergy. A food allergy is an immune system response by the body, according to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network.

When the body perceives a food as harmful, it reacts by releasing histamine. Histamine is a powerful chemical that affects many different parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract and the cardiovascular system. A person experiencing a true allergic reaction may have any combination of labored breathing, increased heart rate, nearly immediate diarrhea and a skin irritation.

Food Intolerance or Food Allergy?

While they differ in severity, both food allergies and food intolerances may cause diaper rash in babies. A food intolerance mainly involves the digestive system. When a person, including a baby, cannot properly digest a food product it is considered an intolerance, not an allergy.

One common food intolerance that is common in babies is lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance can cause gastric disturbance, stomach cramping, discomfort and diaper rash.

It's important to distinguish between a food allergy and a food intolerance. A true food allergy can be severe and life threatening, and it should be treated by a professional.

When Diaper Rash is Most Likely to Occur