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Diaper Rash

Care at Home

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.
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 BMs (Reason: Frequent use of soap can interfere with healing).
- Avoid diaper wipes (Reason: They leave a film of bacteria on the skin).
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).
Yeast Infections: 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) 4 times per day.
Raw Skin: If the bottom is very raw, use sitz baths for 10 minutes 3 times per day. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the tub of warm water. Then apply Lotrimin cream.
Sore or Scab on End of the Penis: Apply an antibiotic ointment 3 times per day (Reason: A bacterial infection that can cause painful urination).
Diarrhea Rash: If your child has diarrhea and a severe rash around the anus, use a protective (barrier) ointment such as petroleum jelly, A&D or Desitin. Otherwise, these are not needed. (Caution: Wash off the skin before applying.)
Expected Course: With proper treatment these rashes are usually better in 3 days. If they do not respond, a yeast infection has probably occurred.
IF your child becomes worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.