Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Can Help?How It LooksSelf-CareCaretaking
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Can Help?
How It Looks
Self-Care
Caretaking
This article will discuss creams and medications that can soothe adult diaper rash. It will also cover ways to prevent and keep the rash from returning.
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What Helps Adult Diaper Rash?
One of the best ways to treat an adult diaperrashis to change diapers or pads as soon as they become soiled. This will reduce the skin’s contact with irritating urine, feces, and moisture.Other ways to help an adult diaperrashinclude the following.
Over-the-Counter Topicals
OTC topicals that include petroleum jelly, like Vaseline or Aquaphor, can also be used on the skin. When using these topicals with zinc oxide cream, apply the Vaseline or Aquaphor first, then the zinc oxide on top.
Complementary Home Remedies
If irritation does occur, complementary home remedies can help ease rash symptoms. Such remedies include:
Prescribed Treatments
Sometimes an adult diaper rash may need a prescription treatment. It’s important to follow a healthcare provider’s instructions on how to use the medication to avoid undertreating or overtreating. Using medicines like hydrocortisone for too long can cause additional skin problems.
Diaper rash that does not improve with home remedies may be due to a yeast infection. The diaper area, which is warm and moist, is an ideal environment in which yeast can grow. Prescribed topical creams likenystatinand miconazole can clear up ayeast infection.
Hydrocortisone cream is another prescription topical that is sometimes used for moderate to severe diaper rashes. The steroid cream should only be used for the prescribed time.
Which Topical Ingredients Help Diaper Rash?The primary purpose of many over-the-counter topical creams and ointments is to create a barrier between the skin, urine, and stool. Zinc oxide cream is a thick cream that creates an effective barrier. However, some people don’t like the scent or stickiness of zinc oxide and prefer Vaseline or Aquaphor.
Which Topical Ingredients Help Diaper Rash?
The primary purpose of many over-the-counter topical creams and ointments is to create a barrier between the skin, urine, and stool. Zinc oxide cream is a thick cream that creates an effective barrier. However, some people don’t like the scent or stickiness of zinc oxide and prefer Vaseline or Aquaphor.
How Diaper Rash Looks in Adults
Although adult diaper rashes can be due to a single cause, they tend to have many causes, including:
Diaper rash can be found on the buttocks, the groin, the genitals, and the perineum (the area between the genitals and the anus). Its appearance will vary based on its severity.
A mild diaper rash will appear pink or red on lighter skin or discolored on darker skin, with dry bumps or patches. It may itch and be slightly uncomfortable.
Signs of Symptoms Getting Worse
A diaper rash can worsen and develop more significant symptoms. The signs of a severe diaper rash or a mild rash that is getting worse include:
Could It Be Something Else?
A diaper rash can look similar to many other types of rashes. Other possible causes ofrasheson or around the buttocks include:
Self-Care to Minimize Diaper Rash Irritation
Diaper rash can be painful, making it hard to do everyday activities. Self-care strategies can help minimize the irritation until the rash heals.
One of the first strategies is to always ensure the skin is clean and dry. This means that diapers orpadsneed to be changed as soon as they become soiled.
Other self-care suggestions include:
Caretaking for an Adult With Diaper Rash
Taking care of an adult with a diaper rash can be difficult for several reasons. An older person is more likely to develop infections due to a weakened immune system. Another reason is the logistics ofchanging an adult who wears a diaper.
A healthcare provider can offer resources like home health nurses or social workers who can guide caretakers. Caring for another person can be a hard transition; be sure to use the resources available.
Summary
Treatment should include keeping the area clean and dry. A barrier cream like zinc oxide or Vaseline can help protect the skin. Sometimes, a prescription is necessary if the skin is infected or the rash is severe.
6 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.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.2021.02.003Bonifaz A, Saldaña M, Escandón-Pérez S, Tirado-Sánchez A.Diaper dermatitis in elderly.Dermatitis. 2017;02(01). doi:10.35248/2684-1436.17.2.106American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat diaper rash.Texas Children’s Hospital.Diaper dermatitis.MedlinePlus.Diaper rash. August 5, 2023.National Association for Continence.How to prevent and treat adult diaper rash.
6 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.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.2021.02.003Bonifaz A, Saldaña M, Escandón-Pérez S, Tirado-Sánchez A.Diaper dermatitis in elderly.Dermatitis. 2017;02(01). doi:10.35248/2684-1436.17.2.106American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat diaper rash.Texas Children’s Hospital.Diaper dermatitis.MedlinePlus.Diaper rash. August 5, 2023.National Association for Continence.How to prevent and treat adult diaper rash.
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.
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.2021.02.003Bonifaz A, Saldaña M, Escandón-Pérez S, Tirado-Sánchez A.Diaper dermatitis in elderly.Dermatitis. 2017;02(01). doi:10.35248/2684-1436.17.2.106American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat diaper rash.Texas Children’s Hospital.Diaper dermatitis.MedlinePlus.Diaper rash. August 5, 2023.National Association for Continence.How to prevent and treat adult diaper rash.
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
Bonifaz A, Saldaña M, Escandón-Pérez S, Tirado-Sánchez A.Diaper dermatitis in elderly.Dermatitis. 2017;02(01). doi:10.35248/2684-1436.17.2.106
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat diaper rash.
Texas Children’s Hospital.Diaper dermatitis.
MedlinePlus.Diaper rash. August 5, 2023.
National Association for Continence.How to prevent and treat adult diaper rash.
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