Home | Pediatric Dermatology | Diaper Rash

What is Diaper Rash?

Diaper rash is a type of inflamed skin (dermatitis) that appears as bright red skin on a baby’s bottom. It can be caused by a number of sources, including prolonged exposure to urine or stool, rubbing or chafing due to tight diapers or clothing, bacterial or yeast infection, the introduction of new foods, which can change the content of stool, sensitive skin, use of antibiotics, or more.

Common signs and symptoms of diaper rash include:

  • Red, tender-looking skin on the buttocks, genitals, or thighs
  • Your baby shows signs of discomfort, especially during diaper changes
  • Your baby cries when their diaper area is touched or washed

Who is a Good Candidate for Diaper Rash Treatment?

If your baby’s skin does not show improvement after a few days of at-home treatment, contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists. In some cases, prescription medication is needed to treat diaper rash. Be sure to contact us if your child’s rash is severe, bleeds, itches, or oozes, or is accompanied by a fever.

Before your appointment, there are some things that can help you prepare, including keeping a list of your baby’s signs and symptoms, listing any products your baby’s skin has come into contact with and listing information regarding your baby’s food intake and medical conditions.

What to Expect During Diaper Rash Treatment?

The best way to avoid and treat diaper rash is to keep your baby’s skin as dry and clean as possible. If your child’s rash does not go away, your dermatologist may prescribe the following:

  • A mild hydrocortisone (steroid) cream to help with inflammation
  • Topical or oral antibiotics if a bacterial infection is present
  • An antifungal cream, if a fungal infection is present

Overall, diaper rashes usually take several days to improve, and the rash may be stubborn or return. For chronic cases or severe disease, a biopsy or blood work may be recommended to rule out nutritional disorders, psoriasis, or Langerhans cell histiocytosis. There are lifestyle and home remedies that can be used as well, including:

  • Keeping the diaper area dry and clean
  • Air out your baby’s skin by letting them go without a diaper for short amounts of time, or use diapers that are larger than usual until the rash is healed
  • Apply Zinc Oxide based ointments or creams
  • Bathe your baby daily using warm water, and mild cleanser until the rash has cleared.

Following Diaper Rash Treatment

Following diaper rash treatment, you should see an improvement in your baby’s rash over time. Be sure to follow your dermatologist’s instructions on how to properly use any medications or creams for the best results. Do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions post-treatment, or if your baby’s diaper rash does not go away.

Schedule a Consultation

If your baby has a diaper rash and you are interested in learning more about treatment options, contact HMGS Dermatology today. Our team will work with you to schedule a consultation appointment with one of our exceptional providers.

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