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Candidal Diaper Rash

Candidal Diaper Rash

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 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
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: Mar 30, 2020.
Topic 15913 Version 4.0
Release: 28.2.2 - C28.105
© 2020 UpToDate, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

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