Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
Healthy Children > Tips & Tools > KidsDoc Symptom Checker > Diaper Rash
select new symptom

Diaper Rash

Select New Symptom

Select New Symptom

Definition

  • Any rash on the skin covered by a diaper
  • Limited to diaper-wearing age group (birth to 3 years)

Main Complication

  • Secondary infection by yeast or bacteria

Cause

See More Appropriate Topic

 

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. For more information, click here.

Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D. Clinical content review provided by Senior Reviewer and Healthpoint Medical Network.
Last Review Date: 6/1/2011
Last Revised: 8/1/2011 2:56:01 PM
Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker
Version Year: 2012
Copyright 1994-2012 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

Select New Symptom

Select New Symptom

When To Call

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

  • Your child looks or acts very sick
  • Bright red skin that peels off in sheets
  • Large red area with a fever
  • Age under 1 month old with tiny water blisters or pimples (like chickenpox) in a cluster
  • Age under 1 month old and infection suspected (yellow crusts, spreading redness)
  • Age under 1 month old and looks or acts abnormal in any way
  • You think your child needs to be seen urgently

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If

  • You think your child needs to be seen, but not urgently
  • Pimples, blisters, open weeping sores, boils, yellow crusts, red streaks

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office 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

Parent Care at Home If

  • Mild diaper rash and you don't think your child needs to be seen

 

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. For more information, click here.

Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D. Clinical content review provided by Senior Reviewer and Healthpoint Medical Network.
Last Review Date: 6/1/2011
Last Revised: 8/1/2011 2:56:01 PM
Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker
Version Year: 2012
Copyright 1994-2012 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

Select New Symptom

Select New Symptom

Care Advice

  1. 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.
  2. 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 leave a film of bacteria on the skin).
  3. 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 napping, take the diaper off and lay your child on a towel. (Reason: Dryness reduces the risk of yeast infections).
  4. Anti-Yeast Cream: 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) 3 times per day.
  5. Raw Skin: If the bottom is very raw, soak in warm water for 10 minutes 3 times per day. Add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of baking soda to the tub of warm water. Then apply Lotrimin cream.
  6. Sore or Scab on End of the Penis: Apply an antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin (no prescription needed) 3 times per day. (Reason: a bacterial infection that can cause painful urination).
  7. Diarrhea Rash: If your child has diarrhea and a severe rash around the anus, use a protective ointment (barrier ointment) such as petroleum jelly, A&D or Desitin. Otherwise these are not needed. Caution: Wash off the skin before applying.
  8. Expected Course: With proper treatment these rashes are usually better in 3 days. If they do not respond, a yeast infection has probably occurred.
  9. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Rash isn't much better in 3 days on treatment for yeast
    • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms. 

To find a pediatrician, click here.

 

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. For more information, click here.

Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D. Clinical content review provided by Senior Reviewer and Healthpoint Medical Network.
Last Review Date: 6/1/2011
Last Revised: 8/1/2011 2:56:01 PM
Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker
Version Year: 2012
Copyright 1994-2012 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

Select New Symptom

Select New Symptom

Photos

 

Diaper Rash

This photo shows a red diaper rash in the area under the diaper. Skin has become shiny.

Any diaper rash that lasts longer than a couple days can become secondarily infected with Candida (yeast). Note the red spots ("satellite lesions") outside the main area of redness.

If a yeast infection is suspected, Lotrimin cream (over-the-counter) should be applied 4 times daily.

Source: LMS Inc.
Copyright 2000-2012. Self Care Decisions, LLC. Used by Permission.

 

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. For more information, click here.

Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D. Clinical content review provided by Senior Reviewer and Healthpoint Medical Network.
Last Review Date: 6/1/2011
Last Revised: 8/1/2011 2:56:01 PM
Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker
Version Year: 2012
Copyright 1994-2012 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

select new symptom
Available on the iPhone App Store

Related information

© Copyright 2009 American Academy of Pediatrics. All rights reserved.