Any rash in the diaper area.

• Almost every child will get a diaper rash sometime in their life no matter how clean we try to keep them. They may occur with cloth or disposable diapers.
• Diarrhea is a common factor to trigger a diaper rash. It is typically caused by moisture, and skin irritation from bacteria in the stool or chemicals in the urine. This creates an irritant diaper rash that appears like a burn more predominately in the rectal area.
• Yeast (candidal) diaper rashes are also common. This comes from a moist, heated environment and typically looks red, sometimes raw or raised with small bumps.  The bumps that look like pimples around the edge of the rash are called "satellite lesions." Yeast rashes usually occur more towards the front of the genitals - on the labia in girls, on the testes and groin area of boys and can even spread down the thighs.

• Large blisters more than one inch
• Acting sick

• Rash is worseining despite home treatment after 3 days
• Blisters, sores or crusting develops

Irritant diaper rash. Change diapers frequently and immediately after bowel movements. Wash with warm water and mild soap or you may use Vaseline to clean the skin. Allow the diaper area to air dry whenever possible. Carefully use a blow dryer on a low setting to help dry the area. Avoid airtight plastic pants. A barrier ointment like Desitin, Dyprotex or A & D ointment are helpful to protect the skin. Powders are not generally recommended because of the risk of a baby aspirating the powder into their lungs when it is being used.

Yeast (candidal) rash. Yeast infections are very common in babies. Yeast is present everywhere in our environment. It loves moist areas such as the diaper area. It can also be found in other areas like the creases under the arms and the neck of a chubby baby. It may also be present in the mouth and is called thrush when it occurs orally. If your baby has a yeast diaper rash, be sure to check the mouth also and call the doctor during office hours to receive a prescription for thrush. Thrush appears as white patches inside the cheeks, lips and on the tongue. Yeast diaper rashes needs an antifungal cream to cure it. These creams are available by prescription or over-the-counter. The over-the-counter cream contains clotrimazole and one brand of this is called Lotrimin.

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