Diaper Rash

 

A diaper rash is a skin problem that develops in the area beneath an infant’s diaper.  Diaper rashes are common in babies between 4 and 15 months old. They may be noticed more when babies begin to eat solid foods.  Diaper rashes caused by infection with a yeast or fungus called Candida are very common in children. Candida is found everywhere in the environment. It grows best in warm, moist places, such as under a diaper.

A yeast-related diaper rash is more likely to occur in babies who:

  • Are not kept clean and dry
  • Babies born via c-section
  • Are taking antibiotics, or whose mothers are taking antibiotics during labout or while breast feeding
  • Have more frequent stools
  • Reactions to soaps and other products used to clean cloth diapers
  • Too much moisture


You may notice the following in your child’s diaper area:

  • Bright red rash that gets bigger
  • Fiery red and scaly areas on the scrotum and penis in boys
  • Red or scaly areas on the labia and vagina in girls
  • Pimples, blisters, ulcers, large bumps, or pus-filled sores
  • Smaller red patches (called satellite lesions) that grow and blend in with the other patches


Treatment

The best treatment for a diaper rash is to keep the diaper area clean and dry. This will also help prevent new diaper rashes.

  • Always wash your hands after changing a diaper
  • St. Francis Zinc Chamomile cream is one of the most effective topical treatments I have seen for preventing and treating diaper rash
  • Probiotics can help change the balance of yeast in your child’s digestive tract
  • Probiotics can help change the balance of yeast in mom’s system if breastfeeding
  • Avoid using wipes that have alcohol or perfume. They may dry out or irritate the skin more
  • Do NOT use corn starch on your baby’s bottom. It can make a yeast diaper rash worse
  • Do NOT use talc (talcum powder). It can get into your baby’s lungs
  • Change your baby’s diaper often, and as soon as possible after the baby urinates or passes stool
  • Lay your baby on a towel without a diaper on whenever possible. The more time the baby can be kept out of a diaper, the better
  • Pat the area dry or allow to air-dry
  • Put diapers on loosely. Diapers that are too tight don’t allow enough air and may rub and irritate the baby’s waist or thighs
  • Use water and a soft cloth or cotton ball to gently clean the diaper area with every diaper change.   Avoid rubbing or scrubbin the area. A squirt bottle of water may be used for sensitive areas
  • Using highly absorbent diapers helps keep the skin dry and reduces the chance of getting an infection


If you use cloth diapers:

  • Avoid plastic or rubber pants over the diaper. They do not allow enough air to pass through
  • Do NOT use fabric softeners or dryer sheets. They may make the rash worse
  • When washing cloth diapers, rinse 2 or 3 times to remove all soap if your child already has a rash or has had one before