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Diaper rash

Dermatitis - diaper and Candida; Candida-associated diaper dermatitis; Diaper dermatitis; Dermatitis - irritant contact

 

A diaper rash is a skin problem that develops in the area under an infant's diaper.

Causes

 

Diaper rashes are common in babies between 4 to 15 months old. They may be noticed more when babies begin to eat solid foods.

Diaper rashes caused by infection with a yeast (fungus) called Candida are very common in children. Candida grows best in warm, moist places, such as under a diaper. Candida diaper rash is more likely to occur in babies who:

  • Are not kept clean and dry
  • Are taking antibiotics or whose mothers are taking antibiotics while breastfeeding
  • Have more frequent stools

Other causes of diaper rash include:

  • Acids in the stool (seen more often when the child has diarrhea)
  • Ammonia (a chemical produced when bacteria break down urine)
  • Diapers that are too tight or rub the skin
  • Reactions to soaps and other products used to clean cloth diapers

 

Symptoms

 

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

  • Bright red rash that gets bigger
  • Very 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 sores filled with pus
  • Smaller red patches (called satellite lesions) that grow and blend in with the other patches

Older infants may scratch when the diaper is removed.

Diaper rashes usually do not spread beyond the edge of the diaper.

 

Exams and Tests

 

The health care provider can often diagnose a yeast diaper rash by looking at your baby's skin. A KOH test can confirm if it is Candida.

 

Treatment

 

The best treatment for a diaper rash is to keep the skin clean and dry. This also helps prevent new diaper rashes. Lay your baby on a towel without a diaper whenever possible. The more time the baby can be kept out of a diaper, the better.

Other tips include:

  • Change your baby's diaper often and as soon as possible after the baby urinates or passes stool
  • Use water and a soft cloth or cotton ball to gently clean the diaper area with every diaper change. Do not rub or scrub the area. A squirt bottle of water may be used for sensitive areas.
  • Pat the area dry or allow to air-dry.
  • Put diapers on loosely. Diapers that are too tight do not allow enough air flow and may rub and irritate the baby's waist or thighs.
  • Using absorbent diapers helps keep the skin dry and reduces the chance of getting an infection.
  • Always wash your hands before and after changing a diaper.
  • Ask your provider or nurse which creams, ointments, or powders are best to use in the diaper area.
  • Ask if a diaper rash cream would be helpful. Zinc oxide or petroleum jelly-based products help keep moisture away from baby's skin when applied to completely clean, dry skin.
  • Do not use wipes that have alcohol or perfume. They may dry out or irritate the skin more.
  • Do not use talc (talcum powder). It can get into your baby's lungs.

Certain skin creams and ointments will clear up infections caused by yeast. Nystatin, miconazole, clotrimazole, and ketaconazole are commonly used medicines for yeast diaper rashes. For severe rashes, a steroid ointment, such as 1% hydrocortisone, may be applied. You can buy these without a prescription. But ask your provider first if these medicines will help.

If you use cloth diapers:

  • Do not put plastic or rubber pants over the diaper. They do not allow enough air to pass through. Use breathable diaper covers instead.
  • 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.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

The rash usually responds well to treatment.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your child's provider if:

  • The rash gets worse or does not go away in 2 to 3 days
  • The rash spreads to the abdomen, back, arms, or face
  • You notice pimples, blisters, ulcers, large bumps, or sores filled with pus
  • Your baby also has a fever
  • Your baby develops a rash during the first 6 weeks after birth

 

 

References

Chayavichitsilp P, Eichenfield LF. Diaper dermatitis. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Berth-Jones J, Coulson I, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 58.

Ericson J, Smith PB, Benjamin DK. Candida. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St Geme JW III, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 234.

Klunk C, Domingues E, Wiss K. An update on diaper dermatitis. Clin Dermatol . 2014;32:477-487. PMID: 25017459 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25017459 .

 
  • Candida, fluorescent stain - illustration

    This microscopic film shows a fluorescent stain of Candida. Candida is a yeast (fungus) that causes mild disease, but in immunocompromised individuals it may cause life-threatening illness. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

    Candida, fluorescent stain

    illustration

  • Diaper rash - illustration

    Candida, a yeast organism, may cause a skin infection beneath an infant's diaper which appears as bright red patches.

    Diaper rash

    illustration

  • Diaper rash - illustration

    Diaper rash may be caused by chemical irritants rather than bacterial or candidal infection. Common irritants include ammonia from the breakdown of urine, acids in the stool, and soaps used in laundering cloth diapers.

    Diaper rash

    illustration

    • Candida, fluorescent stain - illustration

      This microscopic film shows a fluorescent stain of Candida. Candida is a yeast (fungus) that causes mild disease, but in immunocompromised individuals it may cause life-threatening illness. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

      Candida, fluorescent stain

      illustration

    • Diaper rash - illustration

      Candida, a yeast organism, may cause a skin infection beneath an infant's diaper which appears as bright red patches.

      Diaper rash

      illustration

    • Diaper rash - illustration

      Diaper rash may be caused by chemical irritants rather than bacterial or candidal infection. Common irritants include ammonia from the breakdown of urine, acids in the stool, and soaps used in laundering cloth diapers.

      Diaper rash

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Diaper rash

         

           

          Review Date: 7/10/2015

          Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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