What is candida?

Candida is a type of yeast that causes skin infections, usually in the diaper area or the mouth, see Thrush.

A diaper rash can become infected with a bacteria or yeast such as candida.

Healthy, pudgy babies often have folds where the skin is pressed against itself. Diaper rash from contact with stool or urine usually does not extend into the skin folds.

What are the symptoms of candida diaper rash?

Red, raw rash in the diaper area that starts in the skin folds.

Small, red, pencil-point dots outside the main area of rash.

Your child may be quite irritable when you change the diaper or wipe her bottom.

Home care

To treat a candida rash effectively, you will need an anti-fungal cream. Many of these are now over-the-counter. Call our office for advice. Your child may need an appointment.

Apply the prescription medicine to the diaper area three times a day for ten days.

Change your child's diapers more often when she has a diaper rash to keep her clean and dry.

Expose your child's bottom to air as much as possible.

Make sure your child's bottom is completely dry before closing the new diaper.

Fasten diapers loosely so air can get in between the legs and skin folds.

Clean your child's skin with water and a soft cloth.

Avoid chemical diaper wipes because they may sting.

Change your child's diaper at least once at night.

Try applying an ointment such as Balmex®, A&D Ointment®, or plain zinc oxide to your child's skin after bathing or cleaning.

Do not use talc powder since breathing it in is unhealthy for your child.

Use acetaminophen (Tylenol®, Tempra®, or Panadol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) for fever, pain, and discomfort. Avoid ibuprofen if your child is dehydrated or unable to take anything by mouth. Diaper rash itself should not be a cause of fever.

Follow the package instructions to determine the appropriate dose by your child's WEIGHT or age for acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Do not use aspirin because of the increased risk of Reye's Syndrome with certain infections.

Warning signs - Call our office for advice if:

Your child's skin develops any large blisters or open sores, call our office now.

Your child's rash spreads beyond the diaper area, call our office now.

Your child's rash does not turn pale briefly after you press on it, call our office now.

Your child develops fever, please refer to the fever page.

You have any questions or concerns, or if you have any doubts about the severity of your child's symptoms, call our office now.