Diaper dermatitis, known asdiaper rash, is common among babies and adults who wear diapers.About 50% to 65% of all babies get a diaper rash at some point in their lives, despite their parents' best efforts to prevent it.Treatment involves preventive measures and topical (on the skin) treatments, including:
This article lists diaper rash treatments for mild to severe rashes, alternative therapies, and what to do when treatment doesn’t work.
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Complete List of Diaper Rash Treatments
Mild diaper rashes begin as pink skin in the diaper area. Moderate rashes get more red but do not include open sores or bleeding. Severe rashes involve red skin that can become raw or cause sores and bleeding.
Mild diaper rashes typically clear up within two to three days (or less) with the following methods.
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Keep the Area Clean and Dry
Change the diaper frequently, allowing the skin to air dry for a few minutes (or as long as possible) before putting on a fresh diaper.
Use breathable and loose-fitting diapers, and avoid plastic diaper covers. Doing so allows for air circulation and prevents rubbing against the skin. If you typically use cloth diapers, consider using disposable diapers until the rash heals.
Breathable Diapers
Avoid Irritants
Certain dyes, fragrances, and chemicals can be irritants or allergens. Products that may contain irritants include wipes, soaps, diapers, lotions, and laundry detergents. Try to use mild products that are free of alcohol, fragrance, and dye.
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Apply a Diaper Rash Cream, Ointment, or Paste
The brand is less important than the ingredients. Look for fragrance-free products withzinc oxide(an antioxidant that provides a barrier to water and infection) or petroleum jelly.
Diaper rash ointments typically include petrolatum. They are best for everyday use, prevention, or mild rashes. Examples include:
For moderate diaper rashes, consider Aquaphor advanced therapy ointment.
Diaper rash creams contain zinc oxide and are good for prevention. They also treat mild to moderate rashes, typically within two to three days.Examples of products with zinc oxide include:
The following treatment application tips may also help diaper rashes heal more quickly:
Soothing Diaper Rash Overnight or Quickly
Diaper rash paste can help moderate to severe diaper rashes heal quickly. However, these are very thick and are not typically the best everyday option.Examples include:
Hydrocortisone Cream
Hydrocortisone(steroid) creamcan be helpful for adults when irritants or allergens cause persistentredness, inflammation, or itching.
You can apply a mild (0.5% to 1%) over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone cream twice a day for three to five days, up to a maximum of two weeks.
Consult a healthcare provider before using hydrocortisone on babies.
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Anti-Yeast Creams
While babies frequently get rashes from irritants, yeast accounts for 63% of diaper rashes in adults (average age 85).Yeast-related rash risk increases after taking antibiotics.
Characteristicsof ayeast rashinclude:
In this case, you can try an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-fungal cream such as:
When you apply these medications to a yeast rash at least twice daily for seven to 10 days, the cure rate is 50% to 68%.
Antibiotic CreamsMany people add OTC antibiotic creams or ointments to diaper rash cream. While this could help with some rashes, consult a healthcare professional before trying an antibiotic cream.
Antibiotic Creams
Many people add OTC antibiotic creams or ointments to diaper rash cream. While this could help with some rashes, consult a healthcare professional before trying an antibiotic cream.
Diaper Rash Treatment Alternatives
You can try natural or alternative options to prevent and treat mild diaper rashes.
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Warm Water Soak or Bath
Soak the affected area in warm water for 10–15 minutes several times daily. Addcolloidal oatmealor a couple of tablespoons of baking sodato the bathwaterfor added relief.Some people also use colloidal oatmeal in balms or creams.
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Natural Creams or Balms
Many people make their own diaper rash creams or balms with natural ingredients. If you are looking for a recipe, consider including the following topical ingredients:
There are also commercially available brands that make natural products, including:
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel (winter bloom) is a flowering plant. You can get distilled liquid (from the leaves, twigs, and bark of witch hazel) at almost any retail store. Research shows this is an effective treatment for diaper rash and skin inflammation.
Bentonite Clay
Bentoniteclay (sodium bentonite) is a gray clay with a fine texture. It’s readily available at health food stores. Mix it with distilled water for skin application alone or in a balm, soap, or shampoo. One study shows that 88% of rashes started clearing after six hours of applying a bentonite cream.
Calendula
Calendulais an extract of marigold that has skin-healing properties. Research shows that 54% of rashes started clearing after six hours of applying a calendula cream.
Breast Milk
For centuries, people have used breast milk to treat, soothe, and soften skin. It contains multiple vitamins, protein, calcium, lactic acid, and antibodies (to help fight infection). You can apply breast milk directly to the rash or use it to make a cream or balm.
Yogurt and Honey
One study shows that applying a mixture of plain yogurt and honey for seven to ten days may be helpful for some yeast rashes. However, they note that Lotrimin (clotrimazole) was more effective in comparison.
Sanitary Care in Addition to Diaper Rash Treatment
The most essential step in treating diaper rash is to keep the area clean and dry. Change the diaper frequently, at least every two to three hours.
The reasons diapers that are left too long can lead to diaper rashes include:
You can clean the area using a gentle wipe or soft cloth for diaper rash prevention or mild diaper rashes. Be sure to pat the skin dry rather than rubbing it.
For moderate to severe rashes, cleaning the area through bathing, splashing water, or using a squirt bottle with warm water is best. These methods are gentler than a cloth or wipe.
It’s also important to wash your hands before and after diaper changes to prevent the spread of germs. If you use cloth diapers, wash them in hot water to prevent the growth of bacteria or fungi.
ABCD Approach to Diaper Rash TreatmentYou can refer to the letters “ABCD” to recall these diaper rash prevention and treatment measures:“A” is for “air it out”: Go diaperless as much as possible.“B” is for “barrier”: Use a diaper ointment, cream, or paste.“C” is for “clean”: Change the diaper frequently, and wash the area.“D” is for “Disposable diapers”: Consider breathable disposable rather than cloth diapers during a diaper rash episode.
ABCD Approach to Diaper Rash Treatment
You can refer to the letters “ABCD” to recall these diaper rash prevention and treatment measures:“A” is for “air it out”: Go diaperless as much as possible.“B” is for “barrier”: Use a diaper ointment, cream, or paste.“C” is for “clean”: Change the diaper frequently, and wash the area.“D” is for “Disposable diapers”: Consider breathable disposable rather than cloth diapers during a diaper rash episode.
You can refer to the letters “ABCD” to recall these diaper rash prevention and treatment measures:
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How Long Does Diaper Rash Treatment Take to Work?
When irritation or moisture causea mild diaper rash, it can heal quickly (within 12 hours to a day) using the steps above.
Moderate rashes may take two to three days. If a rash lasts over three days despite treatment, consult with a healthcare provider.
Severe rashes can take a couple of weeks or longer to heal. Timing depends on the underlying cause and the type of medical intervention.
Diaper Rash Not Healing From Home Treatment
If the rash does not clear within three days of using the tips above or if it worsens, contact a healthcare provider.
Depending on the underlying cause, the healthcare provider may suggest diagnostic tests and a prescription-strength antibiotic, antifungal, or steroid cream.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Signs that you should call a healthcare provider include:
Summary
Mild to moderate diaper rashes typically clear within three days of preventive methods and treatment. Prevention and treatment include keeping the area clean and dry, using breathable diapers, and avoiding irritants. There are various OTC diaper rash treatments for babies and adults. Some are better for prevention, while others treat mild to moderate diaper rashes.
Treatment for Adult Diaper Rash
18 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Horii KA.Diaper dermatitis. In: Levy ML, Drutz JE, Corona R (Eds). UpToDate (Internet). UpToDate Publishing;2023.Nemours Kids Health.Diaper rash (for parents).Blume-Peytavi U, Kanti V.Prevention and treatment of diaper dermatitis.Pediatr Dermatol. 2018;35(1):s19- s23. doi:10.1111/pde.13495Seattle Children’s Hospital.Diaper rash.Horii KA.Patient education: Diaper rash in infants and children (Beyond the basics). In: Levy ML, Drutz JE, Corona R (Eds). UpToDate (Internet). UpToDate Publishing;2023.American Academy of Pediatrics.Common diaper rashes. Healthychildren.org.Bonifaz A, Rojas R, Tirado-Sánchez A.et al.Superficial mycoses associated with diaper dermatitis.Mycopathologia.2016;181:671–679. doi:10.1007/s11046-016-0020-9Hebert AA.A new therapeutic horizon in diaper dermatitis: Novel agents with novel action.International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. 2021;7(4):466-470. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.02.003National Association for Continence.How to prevent and treat adult diaper rash.American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).How to treat diaper rash.Mahmoudi Adib-Hajbaghery M, Mashaiekhi M.Comparing the effects of Bentonite & Calendula on the improvement of infantile diaper dermatitis: A randomized controlled trial.The Indian Journal of Medical Research. 2015;142(6):742–746. doi:10.4103/0971-5916.174567Taudorf EH, Jemec GBE, Hay RJ, Saunte DML.Cutaneous candidiasis - an evidence-based review of topical and systemic treatments to inform clinical practice.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2019;33(10):1863-1873. doi:10.1111/jdv.15782Sobhan M, Hojati M, Vafaie SY, Ahmadimoghaddam D, Mohammadi Y, Mehrpooya M.The efficacy of colloidal oatmeal cream 1% as add-on therapy in the management of chronic irritant hand eczema: A double-blind study.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020;13:241-251. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S246021Madhu R, Chandran V, Anandan V.et al.Indian Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for pediatric skin care.Indian Pediatr.2021;58:153–161). doi:10.1007/s13312-021-2133-6Colantonio S, Rivers JK.Botanicals with dermatologic properties derived from first nations healing: Part 2-plants and algae.Journal Of Cutaneous Medicine And Surgery. 2017;21(4):299–307. doi:10.1177/1203475416683390Darvishi M, Jahdi F, Hamzehgardeshi Z, Goodarzi S, Vahedi M.The comparison of vaginal cream of mixing yogurt, honey and clotrimazole on symptoms of vaginal candidiasis.Global Journal of Health Science. 2015;7(6):108-116.Seifi B, Jalali S, Heidari M.Assessment effect of breast milk on diaper dermatitis.Dermatol Reports. 2017;9(1):7044. doi: 10.4081/dr.2017.7044Koudounas S, Bader DL, Voegeli D.An exploratory study of the effects of the ph of synthetic urine on skin integrity in healthy participants.Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. 2022;35(3):166-173. doi:10.1159/000522289Additional ReadingAmerican Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).How to treat diaper rash.American Academy of Pediatrics.Common diaper rashes. Healthychildren.org.Blume-Peytavi U, Kanti V.Prevention and treatment of diaper dermatitis.Pediatr Dermatol. 2018;35(1):s19- s23. doi:10.1111/pde.13495Hebert AA.A new therapeutic horizon in diaper dermatitis: Novel agents with novel action.International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. 2021;7(4):466-470. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.02.003Horii KA.Diaper dermatitis. In: Levy ML, Drutz JE, Corona R (Eds). UpToDate (Internet). UpToDate Publishing;2023.
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Horii KA.Diaper dermatitis. In: Levy ML, Drutz JE, Corona R (Eds). UpToDate (Internet). UpToDate Publishing;2023.Nemours Kids Health.Diaper rash (for parents).Blume-Peytavi U, Kanti V.Prevention and treatment of diaper dermatitis.Pediatr Dermatol. 2018;35(1):s19- s23. doi:10.1111/pde.13495Seattle Children’s Hospital.Diaper rash.Horii KA.Patient education: Diaper rash in infants and children (Beyond the basics). In: Levy ML, Drutz JE, Corona R (Eds). UpToDate (Internet). UpToDate Publishing;2023.American Academy of Pediatrics.Common diaper rashes. Healthychildren.org.Bonifaz A, Rojas R, Tirado-Sánchez A.et al.Superficial mycoses associated with diaper dermatitis.Mycopathologia.2016;181:671–679. doi:10.1007/s11046-016-0020-9Hebert AA.A new therapeutic horizon in diaper dermatitis: Novel agents with novel action.International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. 2021;7(4):466-470. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.02.003National Association for Continence.How to prevent and treat adult diaper rash.American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).How to treat diaper rash.Mahmoudi Adib-Hajbaghery M, Mashaiekhi M.Comparing the effects of Bentonite & Calendula on the improvement of infantile diaper dermatitis: A randomized controlled trial.The Indian Journal of Medical Research. 2015;142(6):742–746. doi:10.4103/0971-5916.174567Taudorf EH, Jemec GBE, Hay RJ, Saunte DML.Cutaneous candidiasis - an evidence-based review of topical and systemic treatments to inform clinical practice.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2019;33(10):1863-1873. doi:10.1111/jdv.15782Sobhan M, Hojati M, Vafaie SY, Ahmadimoghaddam D, Mohammadi Y, Mehrpooya M.The efficacy of colloidal oatmeal cream 1% as add-on therapy in the management of chronic irritant hand eczema: A double-blind study.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020;13:241-251. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S246021Madhu R, Chandran V, Anandan V.et al.Indian Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for pediatric skin care.Indian Pediatr.2021;58:153–161). doi:10.1007/s13312-021-2133-6Colantonio S, Rivers JK.Botanicals with dermatologic properties derived from first nations healing: Part 2-plants and algae.Journal Of Cutaneous Medicine And Surgery. 2017;21(4):299–307. doi:10.1177/1203475416683390Darvishi M, Jahdi F, Hamzehgardeshi Z, Goodarzi S, Vahedi M.The comparison of vaginal cream of mixing yogurt, honey and clotrimazole on symptoms of vaginal candidiasis.Global Journal of Health Science. 2015;7(6):108-116.Seifi B, Jalali S, Heidari M.Assessment effect of breast milk on diaper dermatitis.Dermatol Reports. 2017;9(1):7044. doi: 10.4081/dr.2017.7044Koudounas S, Bader DL, Voegeli D.An exploratory study of the effects of the ph of synthetic urine on skin integrity in healthy participants.Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. 2022;35(3):166-173. doi:10.1159/000522289Additional ReadingAmerican Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).How to treat diaper rash.American Academy of Pediatrics.Common diaper rashes. Healthychildren.org.Blume-Peytavi U, Kanti V.Prevention and treatment of diaper dermatitis.Pediatr Dermatol. 2018;35(1):s19- s23. doi:10.1111/pde.13495Hebert AA.A new therapeutic horizon in diaper dermatitis: Novel agents with novel action.International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. 2021;7(4):466-470. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.02.003Horii KA.Diaper dermatitis. In: Levy ML, Drutz JE, Corona R (Eds). UpToDate (Internet). UpToDate Publishing;2023.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Horii KA.Diaper dermatitis. In: Levy ML, Drutz JE, Corona R (Eds). UpToDate (Internet). UpToDate Publishing;2023.Nemours Kids Health.Diaper rash (for parents).Blume-Peytavi U, Kanti V.Prevention and treatment of diaper dermatitis.Pediatr Dermatol. 2018;35(1):s19- s23. doi:10.1111/pde.13495Seattle Children’s Hospital.Diaper rash.Horii KA.Patient education: Diaper rash in infants and children (Beyond the basics). In: Levy ML, Drutz JE, Corona R (Eds). UpToDate (Internet). UpToDate Publishing;2023.American Academy of Pediatrics.Common diaper rashes. Healthychildren.org.Bonifaz A, Rojas R, Tirado-Sánchez A.et al.Superficial mycoses associated with diaper dermatitis.Mycopathologia.2016;181:671–679. doi:10.1007/s11046-016-0020-9Hebert AA.A new therapeutic horizon in diaper dermatitis: Novel agents with novel action.International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. 2021;7(4):466-470. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.02.003National Association for Continence.How to prevent and treat adult diaper rash.American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).How to treat diaper rash.Mahmoudi Adib-Hajbaghery M, Mashaiekhi M.Comparing the effects of Bentonite & Calendula on the improvement of infantile diaper dermatitis: A randomized controlled trial.The Indian Journal of Medical Research. 2015;142(6):742–746. doi:10.4103/0971-5916.174567Taudorf EH, Jemec GBE, Hay RJ, Saunte DML.Cutaneous candidiasis - an evidence-based review of topical and systemic treatments to inform clinical practice.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2019;33(10):1863-1873. doi:10.1111/jdv.15782Sobhan M, Hojati M, Vafaie SY, Ahmadimoghaddam D, Mohammadi Y, Mehrpooya M.The efficacy of colloidal oatmeal cream 1% as add-on therapy in the management of chronic irritant hand eczema: A double-blind study.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020;13:241-251. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S246021Madhu R, Chandran V, Anandan V.et al.Indian Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for pediatric skin care.Indian Pediatr.2021;58:153–161). doi:10.1007/s13312-021-2133-6Colantonio S, Rivers JK.Botanicals with dermatologic properties derived from first nations healing: Part 2-plants and algae.Journal Of Cutaneous Medicine And Surgery. 2017;21(4):299–307. doi:10.1177/1203475416683390Darvishi M, Jahdi F, Hamzehgardeshi Z, Goodarzi S, Vahedi M.The comparison of vaginal cream of mixing yogurt, honey and clotrimazole on symptoms of vaginal candidiasis.Global Journal of Health Science. 2015;7(6):108-116.Seifi B, Jalali S, Heidari M.Assessment effect of breast milk on diaper dermatitis.Dermatol Reports. 2017;9(1):7044. doi: 10.4081/dr.2017.7044Koudounas S, Bader DL, Voegeli D.An exploratory study of the effects of the ph of synthetic urine on skin integrity in healthy participants.Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. 2022;35(3):166-173. doi:10.1159/000522289
Horii KA.Diaper dermatitis. In: Levy ML, Drutz JE, Corona R (Eds). UpToDate (Internet). UpToDate Publishing;2023.
Nemours Kids Health.Diaper rash (for parents).
Blume-Peytavi U, Kanti V.Prevention and treatment of diaper dermatitis.Pediatr Dermatol. 2018;35(1):s19- s23. doi:10.1111/pde.13495
Seattle Children’s Hospital.Diaper rash.
Horii KA.Patient education: Diaper rash in infants and children (Beyond the basics). In: Levy ML, Drutz JE, Corona R (Eds). UpToDate (Internet). UpToDate Publishing;2023.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Common diaper rashes. Healthychildren.org.
Bonifaz A, Rojas R, Tirado-Sánchez A.et al.Superficial mycoses associated with diaper dermatitis.Mycopathologia.2016;181:671–679. doi:10.1007/s11046-016-0020-9
Hebert AA.A new therapeutic horizon in diaper dermatitis: Novel agents with novel action.International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. 2021;7(4):466-470. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.02.003
National Association for Continence.How to prevent and treat adult diaper rash.
American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).How to treat diaper rash.
Mahmoudi Adib-Hajbaghery M, Mashaiekhi M.Comparing the effects of Bentonite & Calendula on the improvement of infantile diaper dermatitis: A randomized controlled trial.The Indian Journal of Medical Research. 2015;142(6):742–746. doi:10.4103/0971-5916.174567
Taudorf EH, Jemec GBE, Hay RJ, Saunte DML.Cutaneous candidiasis - an evidence-based review of topical and systemic treatments to inform clinical practice.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2019;33(10):1863-1873. doi:10.1111/jdv.15782
Sobhan M, Hojati M, Vafaie SY, Ahmadimoghaddam D, Mohammadi Y, Mehrpooya M.The efficacy of colloidal oatmeal cream 1% as add-on therapy in the management of chronic irritant hand eczema: A double-blind study.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020;13:241-251. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S246021
Madhu R, Chandran V, Anandan V.et al.Indian Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for pediatric skin care.Indian Pediatr.2021;58:153–161). doi:10.1007/s13312-021-2133-6
Colantonio S, Rivers JK.Botanicals with dermatologic properties derived from first nations healing: Part 2-plants and algae.Journal Of Cutaneous Medicine And Surgery. 2017;21(4):299–307. doi:10.1177/1203475416683390
Darvishi M, Jahdi F, Hamzehgardeshi Z, Goodarzi S, Vahedi M.The comparison of vaginal cream of mixing yogurt, honey and clotrimazole on symptoms of vaginal candidiasis.Global Journal of Health Science. 2015;7(6):108-116.
Seifi B, Jalali S, Heidari M.Assessment effect of breast milk on diaper dermatitis.Dermatol Reports. 2017;9(1):7044. doi: 10.4081/dr.2017.7044
Koudounas S, Bader DL, Voegeli D.An exploratory study of the effects of the ph of synthetic urine on skin integrity in healthy participants.Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. 2022;35(3):166-173. doi:10.1159/000522289
American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).How to treat diaper rash.American Academy of Pediatrics.Common diaper rashes. Healthychildren.org.Blume-Peytavi U, Kanti V.Prevention and treatment of diaper dermatitis.Pediatr Dermatol. 2018;35(1):s19- s23. doi:10.1111/pde.13495Hebert AA.A new therapeutic horizon in diaper dermatitis: Novel agents with novel action.International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. 2021;7(4):466-470. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.02.003Horii KA.Diaper dermatitis. In: Levy ML, Drutz JE, Corona R (Eds). UpToDate (Internet). UpToDate Publishing;2023.
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