Diaper Rash

Description / Symptoms

Any rash in the skin area covered by a diaper
Limited to diaper-wearing age group (birth to 3 years)
Main complication: secondary infection by yeast or bacteria

Cause

A chemical irritation of the skin from a mixture of stool and urine being left on it (worse during bouts of diarrhea).

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one)

If doesn't look like diaper rash, see Localized Rashes.

Call Your Doctor Now If:

Your child looks or acts very sick
Bright red skin that peels off in sheets
Large red area with a fever
Age < 1 month old with tiny water blisters or pimples (like chickenpox) in a cluster
Age < 1 month old and looks or acts sick in any way

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours If:

You think your child needs to be seen
Pimples, blisters, open weeping sores, boils, yellow crusts, red streaks

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Hours If:

You have other questions or concerns
Rash is very raw or bleeds
Has spread beyond the diaper area
Rash is not improved after 3 days of treatment for yeast

Home Care (Read "Call Your Doctor…" first):

Change Frequently

Change diapers frequently to prevent skin contact with stool. It may be necessary to get up once during the night to change the diaper.

Rinse with Warm Water

Rinse the baby's skin with lots of warm water during each diaper change. Wash with a mild soap (such as Dove) only after stools. (Reason: frequent use of soap can interfere with healing).

Avoid diaper wipes. (Reason: they may leave a film of bacteria on the skin).

Increase Air Exposure

Expose the bottom to air as much as possible. Attach the diaper loosely at the waist to help with air circulation.

When sleeping, take the diaper off and lay your child on a towel. (Reason: dryness reduces the risk of yeast infections).

Yeast Infections

If the rash is bright red or does not respond to 3 days of warm water cleansing and air exposure, suspect a yeast infection. Apply Lotrimin cream (no prescription needed) 4 times per day.

Raw Skin

If the bottom is very raw, soak in warm water for 10 minutes 3 times per day. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the tub of warm water. Then apply Lotrimin cream or ointment.

Sore or Scab on End of the Penis

Apply an antibiotic ointment 3 times per day. (Reason: a bacterial infection that can cause painful urination).

Diarrhea Rash

If your child has diarrhea and a severe rash around the anus, use a protective ointment such as petroleum jelly, A&D or Desitin. Otherwise these are not needed.

Caution: Wash off the skin before applying.

Expected Course

With proper treatment these rashes are usually better in 3 days. If they do not respond, a yeast infection has probably occurred.

Call Your Doctor If:

Rash isn't much better in 3 days on treatment for yeast
Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor…" symptoms

Children's provides health care for the special needs of children regardless of race, sex, creed, ethnicity or disability.
Financial assistance for medically necessary services is based on family income and hospital resources and is provided
to children under age 21 whose primary residence is Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho.