Another diaper rash cause is due to chemical dermatitis. If urine or stool is left in contact with the skin then this can cause the skin to become red and irritated. How much contact time is necessary to cause irritation is variable since it depends on the skin sensitivity of the individual. The skin of a baby tends to be more sensitive than the skin of an adult and therefore less resistant to chemical dermatitis. If the individual has other skin problems such as eczema, then often skin sensitivity to other skin rashes is heightened. The rash problem persists or gets worse as additional contact is made between the offending substances and the irritated skin. If the contact with urine, stool, or mixture of both happens often, the skin may become extra sensitive to these elements and future diaper rashes might develop very easily.

Chemical dermatitis leading to a diaper rash can also occur due to detergent residue that may be left in cloth diapers, use of scented fabric softeners, use of bleach when laundering cloth diapers, reaction to the materials used in non-cloth diapers such as fragrances, disposable baby wipes which often contain a host of chemical products, or various creams and lotions that may be used on the skin.

Trapped heat and moisture accelerate the development of a diaper rash and therefore, the build-up of these elements should be avoided. This means the use of plastic cover pants that do not breathe, should be avoided.

A diaper skin rash may also be caused by what the mother eats when breast feeding and often occurs after the child is introduced to solid food.

Taking antibiotics is another common cause of a severe diaper rash. Antibiotics can cause diarrhea which initiates or makes the diaper rash worse. Antibiotics also destroy good bacteria which can contribute to the development of a severe diaper rash.

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