The Basics
Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate ‚
What is a diaper rash? " ” A diaper rash 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. ‚
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: ‚
- The urine or bowel movement in the 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 babys 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
- Raised, peeling, or scaly areas
- Yellow blisters filled with fluid
If a baby's diaper rash is caused by a skin condition or infection, the rash can be on other body parts, too. ‚
Should I see a doctor or nurse? " ” Most people can treat the rash at home and do not need to see a doctor or nurse. But you should see a doctor or nurse if: ‚
- The rash gets worse or doesn't get better after a few days of treatment
- Your baby has diarrhea or a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or more
How should I treat the diaper rash? " ” To treat your baby's diaper rash, you should: ‚
- Take the diaper off to air out the skin as much as possible
- Check your baby's diaper every 2 or 3 hours, and 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. 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 afterward.
- 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.
- 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 for you 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 afterward.
- 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
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. ‚
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. ‚
Topic 15913 Version 2.0 ‚
Release: 22.8 - C22.206 ‚
‚ © 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. ‚
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‚ © 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. ‚