Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsContact DermatitisYeast InfectionsEczemaBacterial InfectionsIntertrigoPsoriatic Diaper RashAllergic DermatitisOther CausesCloth vs. Disposable DiapersSeeing a Healthcare Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Contact Dermatitis
Yeast Infections
Eczema
Bacterial Infections
Intertrigo
Psoriatic Diaper Rash
Allergic Dermatitis
Other Causes
Cloth vs. Disposable Diapers
Seeing a Healthcare Provider
On lighter skin tones, diaper rash usually looks red. On darker skin tones, the redness may be harder to see, or the rash might show signs of post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, making it less pigmented and lighter in color than surrounding skin.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZwww.dermnetnz.org2022.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZwww.dermnetnz.org2022.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
Treatment
Prevention
Taking what’s known as the “ABCD” approach to diaper rash prevention is the best way to prevent irritant contact dermatitis in the diaper area:
What Causes Mild to Severe Diaper Rash?
Candidiasis or Yeast Infections
Because a fungus causes yeast diaper rash, topicalantifungalmedications like Lotrimin (clotrimazole) are the gold standard treatment.
Candida albicans, the fungus that causes yeast diaper rash, thrives in a warm, moist environment. Keeping the diaper area clean, dry, and airing it out between diaper changes can help prevent candidiasis. Be sure to change diapers regularly.
If your child’s eczema-related diaper rash doesn’t respond to unmedicated treatments, speak to apediatrician(medical doctor who treats babies, children, and adolescents) or other healthcare provider about the pros and cons of using an OTC topical corticosteroid or prescription-strength topical steroids on your infant or toddler based on symptom severity.
Bacterial Skin Infections
Good hygiene practices and avoiding contact with contagious bacteria are the best ways to prevent bacterial skin infections that affect the diaper area.
Treatment for psoriatic diaper rash typically involves a combination of over-the-counter and prescription-only medications. Because psoriasis treatment is complex and varies from person to person, it’s important to consult with adermatologist(medical specialist of conditions of the skin, hair, and nails) or other healthcare provider about the best treatment plan.
The first step in treating allergic dermatitis is to wash the affected area with gentle soap and warm water to remove the allergen from the skin. Next, try to pinpoint what caused the allergic reaction and avoid having that allergen come in contact with the skin in the future.
Using hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products that don’t contain perfumes or dyes can reduce the risk of allergic dermatitis.
Other Rashes That Can Occur in the Diaper Area
A variety of skin rashes not typically considered diaper dermatitis can flare up in the diaper area. Adifferential diagnosisis a systematic process that eliminates possible reasons for the rash as it pinpoints the underlying cause.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitisis a skin condition that causes red or discolored patches and yellowish, greasy-looking scales. It’s most likely to appear on areas of the body with a lot of oil-producing sebaceous glands.
Impetigo
Heat Rash
Should You Use Cloth or Disposable Diapers?
Although disposable diapers are not good for the environment, individuals prone to diaper rash or who experience a flare-up should use breathable and highly absorbent disposable diapers, not cloth diapers. Disposable diapers have also been found to prevent diaper rash compared to cloth diapers.However, using cloth or disposable diapers is a personal choice based on your priorities.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
If a diaper rash doesn’t respond to home remedies or OTC products and takes longer than three days to heal, contact a healthcare provider. Depending on the type of diaper rash and its underlying cause, prescription-strength topical corticosteroids, antifungals, or antibiotics may be prescribed.
Summary
Barrier creams containing zinc oxide or petroleum jelly can protect skin in the diaper area from being exposed to rash-causing irritants like urine or feces. Going diaperless and airing out the diaper area whenever possible is always good.
24 Sources
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