Common Diaper Rashes & Treatments

By: Ingrid Polcari MD, FAAP

At least half of all babies get a diaper rash at some point. In fact, reddened, inflamed skin in the diaper area is one of the most common reasons parents seek medical care from their child's doctor.

The most common type of diaper rash is "irritant dermatitis." The diaper area spends much of the day in contact with two very irritating substances: urine and stool. If your child has diarrhea or is teething―meaning extra saliva is being swallowed and passes through the gut―the chance of developing a diaper rash is even greater.

Irritant diaper rash looks like pink or red patches on the skin covered by the diaper. The groin folds are more protected from urine and stool, so this skin usually looks normal.

Images: Examples of irritant diaper rash. The far right photo shows a more severe case with open sores.

In general, try to limit contact of urine and stool with the skin:

Find more tips on dealing with diaper rash in this video:

Another fairly common cause of diaper rash is yeast infection, caused by overgrowth of a type of fungus found naturally in the digestive tract. Clues that the rash might be due to a yeast infection include shiny, bright red or pink patches with sharp edges. This rash may also have little pink bumps or pimples. In severe cases, there may be sores or cracking skin that oozes or bleeds. Unlike with irritant diaper rash, a yeast diaper rash is usually worse in the groin folds.

A yeast diaper rash may develop after your baby has taken antibiotics. If your baby has this type of diaper rash, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after diaper changes. Your pediatrician may recommend or prescribe a topical antifungal cream for the rash. See Thrush and Other Candida Infections.

Image: Scaling skin spreading to the thighs and abdomen is typical with a yeast (candida) diaper rash.

Rarely, diaper rash can be caused by a bacterial infection. This is also called impetigo. Certain types of bacteria (like staph and strep) can cause diaper rash or make an existing one worse. Bright red skin around the anus can be a clue to a strep infection. Yellow crusting, weeping, or pimples can be a clue to a staphylococcus or "staph" infection. Any infection in the diaper area needs to be confirmed and treated by your child's doctor.

Images: Left, strep infection diaper rash; Right: staph diaper infection

Do not use over-the-counter antibiotic ointment for diaper rashes; sometimes ingredients in these products can worsen skin irritation.

Occasionally, babies with sensitive skin may have an allergic reaction to a specific ingredient in diapers, wipes and/or creams. Common allergens include dyes or elastics in the diaper, and fragrances or preservatives in diaper wipes or creams. Clues that might suggest an allergy include a rash that happens after every exposure to that product and a rash that shows up everywhere that product is applied. Switching brands or types of products for a 2-week period can sometimes help sort this out.

Image: allergic reaction to diaper wipes.

There are rare conditions that can start as or mimic diaper rash. Examples include seborrheic dermatitis, which may involve overproduction of oil in the skin, and pediatric psoriasis. Genetic conditions such as acrodermatitis enteropathica, an inherited form of zinc deficiency, may also cause rashes in the diaper area.

If your child's rash does not clear using the simple tips discussed, contact your child's doctor to see if a prescription medication is needed. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully; some prescription medications for diaper rash are only safe to use for short periods of time.

Talk with your pediatrician if you have any questions about diaper rashes, and how to treat and prevent them.

Ingrid Polcari MD, FAAP, is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Dermatology and Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota. Within the American Academy of Pediatrics, she is a member of the Section on Dermatology. She is also a member of the Education Committee within the Society for Pediatric Dermatology.