What is diaper rash?

Diaper rash is a red, raw rash on the skin of the buttocks and upper thighs. It is caused either by long contact with moisture, stool and urine or an infection by yeast or bacteria.

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.

In contrast, a candida rash usually extends into the skin folds and consists of a red area with red dots just outside the main border of the rash.

What are the symptoms of diaper rash?

Home care

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 Flanders Buttock Ointment®, 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

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's rash extends all the way into the skin folds and appears to have small red dots surrounding the larger rash, call our office for an appointment.

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.