Diaper rash In Baby

Diaper rash is a skin condition that develops in the area under a baby's diaper.

Causes

Diaper rash is common in infants between 4 and 15 months old and may be noticed more when babies start eating solid foods.
Diaper rash caused by infection with a yeast or fungus called Candida is very common in children. Candida is found everywhere in the environment and grows best in hot and humid, like under a diaper. A diaper rash is more related to fungi likely to occur in babies:

• Not kept clean and dry
• Are taking antibiotics, or whose mothers are taking antibiotics while breastfeeding
• Have more frequent stools

Other causes of diaper rash include:

• Acids in the stool (seen more often when the child has diarrhea)
• Ammonia (produced when bacteria break down the urine)
• Diapers that are too tight or rub the skin
• Reactions to soaps and other products used to clean cloth diapers
• Too much moisture

Symptoms

You may notice the following in the diaper area for your child:

• Rash or outbreak of bright red becomes larger
• Red scaly areas live in the scrotum and penis in boys
• Or red scaly areas on the lips and vagina in girls
• Pimples, blisters, ulcers, large bumps or pus-filled sores
• Smaller red patches (called satellite lesions) that grow and are mixed with other patches

Older babies can scratch when they removed the diaper
Diaper rash usually does not spread beyond the edge of it.

Exams and Tests

Diaper rash or yeast related fungi often can be diagnosed only with its appearance. The examination of potassium hydroxide (KOH) can confirm a diagnosis of Candida

Treatment

The best treatment for diaper rash is to keep the diaper area clean and dry. This will also help prevent new dermatitis.

• Always wash your hands after changing a diaper
• Ask your doctor whether a cream for diaper rash would. Products based on zinc oxide or petrolatum help keep moisture away from the baby's skin when applied to the skin clean and dry
• Avoid using wipes that contain alcohol or perfume as they can dry or irritate the skin
• Do not use corn starch in your baby's bottom as it can worsen a diaper rash yeast
• Do not use talc (talcum powder), since it can penetrate into the baby's lungs
• Frequently change your baby's diaper, and as soon as possible after it urinates or defecates
• Put your baby in a towel without a diaper when possible. The longer you can keep the diaper off, the better.
• Pat the area dry or let air dry
• Place loose diapers. Diapers that are too tight do not allow enough air and can rub and irritate the waist or thighs of the baby.
• Use water and a soft cloth or cotton ball to gently clean the diaper area with each change it. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the area. You can use a squirt bottle of water for sensitive areas
• The use of highly absorbent diapers helps to keep skin dry and reduces the likelihood of infection

If you use cloth diapers:

• Avoid plastic or rubber pants over the diaper. They do not allow enough air to pass
• DO NOT use fabric softeners or dryer sheets as they can worsen the rash
• When washing cloth diapers, rinse 2 or 3 times to remove all soap if your child has a rash or has had prior

MEDICATIONS:
Antifungal creams and ointments for topical skin clear up infections caused by yeast. Nystatin, miconazole, clotrimazole and ketoconazole are common.
Sometimes you can use a mild topical corticosteroid cream. Talk to your doctor before trying this with your baby.

Forecast

The rash usually responds well to treatment.

Complications

The complications associated diaper rash Candida may include:

• Secondary infection

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your doctor if:

• The rash gets worse or does not go away in 2 to 3 days.
• The rash spreads to the abdomen, back, arms or face.
• You notice pimples, blisters, ulcers, large bumps or pus-filled sores.
• Your baby has a fever.
• Your baby is taking an antibiotic and develops a bright red rash with spots on their edges. This could be a yeast infection.
• Your baby develops a rash during the first 6 weeks of life.

Alternative Names

Diaper rash associated with Candida, Candida diaper rash, Diaper Rash