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Parent’s Guide

Parent’s Guide: Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is extremely common in children from birth to 3 years old. While it looks painful, most rashes can be treated at home with a few changes to your changing routine.

1

🚨 When to Get Help

Call Doctor Now or Go to ER

  • Newborns: Baby is under 1 month old and has blisters, pimples, or looks infected.
  • Severe Appearance: Skin is bright red and peeling off in sheets.
  • Infection: You see yellow scabs, pus, or a spreading redness with fever.
  • Behavior: Child acts very sick or is in extreme pain.

Contact in 24hrs

  • The rash is bleeding or very raw.
  • The rash has spread outside the diaper area.
  • The 3-Day Rule: You have used anti-yeast cream for 3 days and the rash is not better.
2

✅The Quick Check: What Type of Rash is it?

Not all diaper rashes are the same. Look at the skin to determine the likely cause:

Type A: Irritant or “Contact” Rash (Most Common)

  • Appearance: Pink or red patches, usually on the buttocks or genitals.
  • Cause: Stool or urine left on the skin too long. Stool contains bacteria that irritates skin, and when mixed with urine, it creates ammonia (which causes a chemical burn).
  • The Clue: It is often caused by diarrhea or infrequent changes.

Type B: Yeast Infection (Candida)

  • Appearance: Bright red skin with sharp borders. You may see small red bumps or “pimples” just outside the main red area (called “satellite lesions”).
  • Cause: A fungus that loves warm, moist places. It often invades a rash that has been there for more than 3 days.
  • The Clue: Standard diaper cream doesn’t help, and it may be in the skin folds.

Type C: Bacterial Infection (Serious)

  • Appearance: Yellow scabs, weeping sores, pimples, or draining pus.
  • Cause: Bacteria (like Staph) infecting broken skin.
3

🏠The 3 Steps to Healing (Home Care)

For most rashes, follow this routine to heal the skin.

Step 1: Rinse with Water (No Wipes)

  • Stop using diaper wipes. The chemicals in wipes can sting and leave bacteria on the skin.
  • The Method: Rinse the baby’s bottom with lots of warm water during every change. You can use a mild soap (like Dove) only after messy stools, but don’t over-scrub.

Step 2: “Air Time”

  • Moisture is the enemy. Expose the bottom to air as much as possible.

How to do it: Let your child go diaper-free while lying on a towel during nap time, or fasten the diaper very loosely at the waist.

Step 3: Protective Barriers

  • If the rash is caused by diarrhea, use a thick layer of ointment (like Aquaphor or Desitin) to shield the skin from stool.

Note: Wash the skin off completely before applying a new layer.

4

Special Treatment for Yeast

If the rash is bright red or has not improved after 3 days of standard care, assume it is Yeast.

The Fix: Buy an anti-yeast cream (like Clotrimazole). No prescription is needed.

Usage: Apply it 4 times a day.

5

Advanced Care for Raw Skin

If the skin is raw, weeping, or very painful:

  • The Baking Soda Soak: Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to a tub of warm water. Soak the baby’s bottom for 10 minutes, twice a day. This neutralizes acid and soothes the raw skin.
  • Pain Relief: If the child is uncomfortable, you can give Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil). Do not give Ibuprofen to babies under 6 months.

6

Prevention Tips

Rinse well:

Ensure all stool is cleaned from skin folds and the scrotum.

Change often:

Change wet or dirty diapers immediately to prevent ammonia buildup.

Diarrhea Care:

Use barrier creams proactively if your child has a stomach bug.

Medically Reviewed by Dr Michael Villadelgado
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you use it. If you are unsure, always call your doctor.