Diaper Rash

Overview

Diaper rash, or diaper dermatitis, is a common form of skin inflammation that appears as red, irritated skin in the diaper area. It affects most babies at some point and can range from mild redness to severe skin breakdown. While usually not serious, it can cause significant discomfort for infants.

Common Causes

  • Prolonged wetness: Contact with urine and stool
  • Friction and chafing: From diaper rubbing against skin
  • Irritation: From chemicals in diapers, wipes, or detergents
  • Yeast infection: Candida albicans overgrowth
  • Bacterial infection: Secondary infection of damaged skin
  • Dietary changes: Introduction of new foods or antibiotics
  • Sensitive skin: Atopic dermatitis or eczema
  • Allergic reactions: To diaper materials or products
  • Antibiotics: Can disrupt normal skin flora
  • Diarrhea: Increases skin exposure to irritants
  • Tight diapers: Reduced air circulation

Types of Diaper Rash

  • Irritant dermatitis: Most common, from wetness and friction
  • Yeast diaper rash: Bright red with raised borders and satellite lesions
  • Bacterial infection: Yellow crusting, pus-filled bumps
  • Allergic dermatitis: Reaction to specific products
  • Seborrheic dermatitis: Greasy, yellowish scales
  • Psoriasis: Well-defined red patches with silvery scales

Treatment Options

Home Care

  • Keep area clean and dry: Gentle cleansing with water
  • Air exposure: Let baby go diaper-free when possible
  • Barrier creams: Zinc oxide or petroleum jelly
  • Frequent diaper changes: Every 2-3 hours or immediately after soiling
  • Loose diapers: Allow air circulation
  • Avoid irritants: Fragrance-free wipes and products
  • Pat dry: Don't rub the affected area

Medical Treatments

  • Antifungal creams: For yeast infections (nystatin, clotrimazole)
  • Mild corticosteroid cream: For severe inflammation (use sparingly)
  • Antibiotic ointment: For bacterial infections
  • Prescription barrier creams: For persistent cases

Prevention Tips

  • Change diapers promptly
  • Use super-absorbent diapers
  • Clean gently with water or alcohol-free wipes
  • Apply barrier cream at each change
  • Ensure diapers fit properly - not too tight
  • Wash cloth diapers thoroughly
  • Introduce new foods gradually
  • Breastfeed if possible (may reduce rash severity)

When to Call the Doctor

Contact your pediatrician if:

  • Rash doesn't improve after 2-3 days of treatment
  • Rash spreads beyond diaper area
  • Blisters, pus-filled bumps, or open sores develop
  • Baby develops fever
  • Baby seems in significant pain
  • Bright red rash with raised borders (possible yeast)
  • Yellow crusting or weeping (possible bacterial infection)
  • Rash occurs with diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours