Diaper Rash

What Causes Diaper Rash?

The most common cause of diaper rash is wearing a wet (pee) or dirty (poop) diaper for too long. Other known causes are:

• Skin infections (yeast and bacteria)
• Taking certain medicines
• Being immunocompromised
• Frequent bowel movements (diarrhea)
• Reactions to certain cleansers, creams, or brands of diaper care products

Are There Different Types of Diaper Rash?

There are 3 types of diaper rash:

• Mild - dry skin, mostly pink, no open areas
• Moderate - dry skin, mostly red, no open areas
• Severe - wet skin, very red, more than 1 open area that may be bleeding

If you don't know which type of rash your child has, talk with their doctor or health care provider.

How Can Diaper Rash Be Prevented?

There are a few things you can do at home to help prevent diaper rashes.

• Change diapers often to prevent pee or poop from sitting on the skin. Every 2 hours during the day is recommended. You may need to change diapers overnight as well.
• Apply a layer of diaper cream or ointment with each diaper change.
• Clean between all skin folds. Such as where the upper leg (thigh) meets the hips (pelvis), in between the butt cheeks, and under the ball sac (scrotum) if born male.
• Pat when cleaning with a wipe. Avoid hard scrubbing or rubbing. Avoid wipes with alcohol or fragrances.
• If your baby is having diarrhea, use a zinc-based cream like Desitin^®. Watch closely for signs of a rash.

How Is Diaper Rash Treated?

The worse the rash, the more products are layered on to help with healing and protection.

Mild

1. Clean with water or a fragrance-free cleanser and a soft cloth.
2. Apply a thick layer of zinc-based cream.

Moderate

1. Clean with water or fragrance-free cleanser and a soft cloth.
2. Apply a barrier film to skin.
3. Apply a thick layer of zinc-based cream.

Severe

1. Clean with water or fragrance-free cleanser and a soft cloth.
2. Apply a small amount of powder on open areas and brush away the extra.
3. Apply a barrier film to skin. The powder will turn clear after this barrier is applied.
4. Apply a thick layer of zinc-based cream.

For All Diaper Rash Types

• Only clean off the top layer of stool, powder, or cream with each diaper change. Continue adding more powder and/or cream on top to create a thick layer or protection. It is normal for the powders and creams to become flaky or crusty.
• Once a day, wipe all products off using a warm, soapy cloth. You can also place your child in an oatmeal or sitz bath.

When Should You Call the Doctor?

Call your child’s doctor or health care provider if:

• The rash does not go away or get better in 3 days.
• The skin starts to have blisters or is bright red with raised or itchy bumps. Especially if your baby has been on antibiotic medicine.
• The rash is spreading to other parts of their body, like the legs, armpits (underarms), or belly (abdomen).
• There is yellow or green drainage around the rash.
• Your baby has a fever over 100.4° Fahrenheit (F) or 38° Celsius (C), along with the rash.

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