Diaper rash



When should you worry about diaper rash or take your child to the Pediatrician?

Read more to find out.

As parents we are always worried when we see something going on with our kids. From diaper rash to vomiting, we second guess ourselves as to when we should seek medical care, or try to treat at home. Diaper rashes are often ugly and may be uncomfortable for your little one. Most of the time, diaper rash can be treated at home, but I’ll explain what to look for and when you should seek care.

 

Common Diaper Rash (Diaper Dermatitis)

Diaper dermatitis is the most common form of diaper rash. It is inflamed skin on your baby’s diaper area. Usually, it is caused by wet diapers with infrequent diaper changes, rubbing or chafing or sensitive skin.

Diaper dermatitis might include symptoms such as:

    • Itchy skin in the diaper area

    • Red Sores and rash

    • Crying when baby peeps/poops or during diaper changing

How to treat:

    • More frequent diaper changes

    • Warm compresses

    • Avoid harsh wipes and wiping vigorously during diaper changes

    • Diaper cream such as zinc oxide or aquaphor, or any other over the counter diaper creams

Here are some wonderful and top-rated diaper creams you can try! Of course, they have all been used and approved by Mama Nurse!

 

 

 

 

 

When to see a doctor:

    • If your baby’s diaper rash doesn’t improve after a few days with the above treatments

    • If your baby develops a fever

    • If the rash gets worse

    • If you notice any bleeding or oozing

 

 

 

Yeast Infections (Candida)

Another common cause of diaper rash in diaper wearing children are yeast infections.

Yeast infections might include symptoms such as:

  • Beefy (bright red) looking rash in the diaper area. 
  • Rash in patches or fluid filled. 
  • May have some yellow oozing.
  • Itchiness
  • Mild pain or irritation

How to treat:

  • Avoid using baby wipes with harsh smells
  • Change diapers frequently
  • Clean skin well between diaper changes.
  • Keep diapers loose and not on too tight. 
  • Use highly absorbent diapers if possible.
  • Using ointment or cream to create a barrier between skin and diaper. 
  • You can leave the diaper off between peeing/pooping to give the diaper area more air (babies love diaper free time!) 
  • You can use some over the counter clotrimazole – place on the baby’s skin and cover with an ointment or cream. You can use this twice a day until the rash is resolved. 

 

When to see a doctor

  • If your baby’s diaper rash doesn’t improve after a few days with the above treatments. 
  • If your baby develops a fever. 
  • If the rash gets worse. 
  • If you notice any bleeding or oozing.

If your baby’s diaper rash doesn’t fit into either of these to categories, probably best to seek further medical care.

You got this!