DIAPER RASH

 Basic information

description

Diaper rash is a skin irritation in infants. It involves the skin in the area covered by diapers. This includes the genitals, rectum, upper thighs, and lower stomach. Diaper rash is very common.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Moist, painful, red, spotty, and sometimes itchy skin in the diaper area. The skin may be cracked and split.
• In male infants a red, raw, and sometimes bloody area may appear around the opening at the tip of the penis.

causes

• It is most often due to a simple skin irritation caused by dampness, urine, or feces.
• Less often, it may be due to other skin disorders that can cause rashes. These are usually not serious unless other symptoms also occur.

risk increases with

• Not changing diapers often enough.
• Skin gets rubbed from rough or tight diaper.
• Cloth diapers may not be washed properly.
• Diarrhea.
• Hot, humid weather.
• Recent treatment with an antibiotic.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Change diapers often.
• Use diaper products that are breathable. These allow more air to circulate. Breathable disposable diapers, cloth diapers, and diaper covers are available.
• Avoid using plastic pants.
• Leave diaper off for 10 to 30 minutes between diaper changes for air exposure.

expected outcomes

Curable with treatment. The rash is rarely serious. Recurrence is common.

possible complications

Skin infection in the rash area.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Home care is all that is usually needed. See your child's health care provider if you are concerned about the rash.
• Keep the baby's skin clean and dry. Clean the skin under the diaper with warm water and mild soap that is not perfumed. Baby wipes may also be used, but they might irritate skin in some babies.
• Don't use talcum powder or cornstarch. Avoid use of plastic diaper covers.
• Apply small amounts of petroleum jelly, lanolin ointment, or zinc oxide ointment to the skin at the first sign of diaper rash, and thereafter 2 or 3 times a day.
• Leave the diaper off and expose the affected skin area to air as much as possible.
• Change diapers often, even at night, if the rash is more severe.

medications

Your child's health care provider may recommend medicated ointments or creams to be applied to the skin to help clear up the rash.

activity

No limits.

diet

No special diet. Avoid baby foods that cause diarrhea.

 notify our office if

• Home treatment doesn't cure the rash in 1 week.
• The following occur during treatment:
  • Fever.
  • Sores develop in the rash area.

Special Notes: