Patient education: Diaper rash (The Basics)

What is a diaper rash? — This is a skin rash that happens anywhere in the area that is covered by a diaper. Diaper rashes are very common. They can occur in any baby or child who wears a diaper. Diaper rash can happen no matter what kind of diaper you use.

Most diaper rashes can be treated at home and go away after a few days.

What causes diaper rash? — Diaper rash can be caused by:

●Urine or bowel movement in a diaper – These can irritate the skin. Diaper rashes are especially common after a baby has diarrhea or has taken antibiotic medicines.

●Perfumes or dyes in a diaper that a baby's skin is allergic to

●Skin conditions or infections that happen in the diaper area but are not caused by wearing a diaper

What are the symptoms of a diaper rash? — Symptoms depend on the cause of the rash. They can include:

●Red, painful, or itchy skin (picture 1 and picture 2)

●Raised, peeling, or scaly areas

If a baby's diaper rash is caused by a skin condition or infection, the rash can be on other body parts, too.

How do I treat a diaper rash?

●Take the diaper off to air out the skin as much as possible.

●Check your baby's diaper at least every 2 or 3 hours. Change it when it is wet.

●Change your baby's diaper right after each bowel movement.

●Gently clean the area covered by the diaper – Use warm water and a soft cloth. If you use soap, use one that is mild and unscented, and only use small amounts. Rinse any soap off of the skin with plain water. If the skin is peeling or sore, you can use a plastic squeeze bottle filled with warm water. Pat the area dry with a soft towel after. If water is not available, clean the skin with unscented, alcohol-free baby wipes.

●Gently put a skin ointment or paste on the area each time you change the diaper – Use a product that has zinc oxide or petrolatum in it. Do not use corn starch or talcum powders. These can get into the lungs and cause harm.

●Use disposable diapers instead of cloth diapers (when your baby has a diaper rash).

If the rash is severe or infected, your doctor might prescribe a medicine to use on the area.

How can diaper rashes be prevented? — To help prevent your baby from getting a diaper rash, you can:

●Change your baby's diaper often.

●Clean the diaper area gently – Use warm water and a soft cloth. If you use soap, use one that is mild and unscented. Pat the area dry with a soft towel after.

●Use unscented baby wipes without alcohol (if you use baby wipes).

●Use a diaper ointment or paste on the area each time you change the diaper.

Should I see a doctor or nurse? — Most of the time, diaper rash can be treated at home. But call your baby's doctor or nurse if:

●The rash gets worse or doesn't get better after a few days of treatment.

●Your baby has open sores or pus draining from the rash.

●Your baby has diarrhea or a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

●Your baby is irritable or not eating or sleeping normally.

More on this topic

Patient education: Contact dermatitis (The Basics)
Patient education: Diarrhea in children (The Basics)

Patient education: Diaper rash in infants and children (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Contact dermatitis (including latex dermatitis) (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Seborrheic dermatitis (including dandruff and cradle cap) (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Acute diarrhea in children (Beyond the Basics)