INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
Babies have delicate skin that is easily irritated. Almost all babies get diaper rash at one time or another, and about one in three get it frequently. So, despite your best efforts, there may be times when your baby develops a red rash in the diaper area.
Diaper rash usually begins as a solid patch of reddened or inflamed skin in the diaper area, upper thigh, lower stomach, or in leg creases. In many cases it can be treated successfully by changing diapers more frequently and using creams or ointments.
Even when using these preventive measures, diaper rash can sometimes lead to skin infections-caused by bacteria or by yeast or fungus. Infection appears as spots with oozing, crusting, redness, and swelling. Ask your
health care provider about these infections since they need specific treatment.
Reduce the moisture in contact with your little one's skin:
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Change baby's diaper frequently. |
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Gently clean diaper area with lukewarm water and blot dry. Avoid rubbing with a washcloth since this may cause mild skin scratching. |
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Limit the use of plastic pants since they may encourage the development of diaper rash. |
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At night, spread a protective barrier-type ointment or cream on
baby's bottom since the skin may be next to a soiled diaper for a prolonged period. |
Lessen exposure to potential skin irritants:
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Soaps can dry and irritate baby's skin and remove its natural oils. Use plain warm water during diaper changes. If soap is necessary, use only those types designed for babies. |
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Babies may be sensitive to substances in diaper wipes. |
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Wash cloth diapers separate from other clothing and rinse twice to remove soap residue. Use only fragrant-free and dye-free soaps. Avoid fabric softeners since many contain irritating chemicals. |
Prevent chafing:
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Keep diapers loosely secured. If you notice red areas where edges touch the skin, switch to another type of diaper. |
 
Continue "Preventing It" recommendations, plus the following:
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Change diapers even more frequently, and spread a thick protective layer of cream or ointment on your baby's bottom. |
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Wash hands before and after diaper changes to help avoid the transfer of bacteria. |
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Avoid baby wipes that may irritate the skin. Clean with warm water. Let baby's bottom air dry since even blotting it dry may cause further irritation. |
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During the day, leave baby's bottom bare and open to the air as much as possible. To allow air into disposable diapers, use the types without elastic leg bands and punch perforations in the waterproof layer. |
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Contact your healthcare provider if: |
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1.) the diaper rash does not clear up within 3 days |
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2.) it spreads and becomes even more inflamed, or |
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3.) you notice pus or oozing patches (see below). |
 
 and Diaper Rash with Bacterial Infection
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Diaper rash that does not respond to at-home treatments within three days may indicate the presence of either a bacterial or a yeast or fungus infection. Both require a
health care provider's help to relieve baby's discomfort and restore healthy skin. |
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Yeast or fungus infection: If your baby develops beefy red, tender patches on the folds between the stomach and thighs, with smaller red patches separated from the larger patches, contact your doctor. This very common infection is treated with an antifungal product. After the antifungal treatment is started, your
baby's discomfort will ease within one to three days. Don't try treating the infection yourself! |
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Bacterial infection: If your baby develops an area of reddened skin with thick, yellow, crusted scabs or large blisters that burst leaving a thick yellow-brown crust, ask your
health care provide for appropriate antibiotics. Don't try treating the infection yourself! |
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