A diaper rash is a skin problem that develops in the area beneath an infant's diaper.
Diaper rashes are common in babies between 4 and 15 months old. They may be noticed more when babies begin to eat solid foods.
Diaper rashes caused by infection with a yeast or fungus called Candida are very common in children. Candida is found everywhere in the environment. It grows best in warm, moist places, such as under a diaper. A yeast-related diaper rash is more likely to occur in babies who:
Other causes of diaper rashes include:
You may notice the following in your child's diaper area:
Older infants may scratch when the diaper is removed.
Diaper rashes usually do NOT spread beyond the edge of the diaper.
Yeast or Candida-related diaper rashes often can be diagnosed by the appearance alone. The KOH test can confirm a Candida diagnosis.
The best treatment for a diaper rash is to keep the diaper area clean and dry. This will also help prevent new diaper rashes.
If you use cloth diapers:
MEDICATIONS:
Topical antifungal skin creams and ointments will clear up infections caused by yeast. Nystatin, miconazole, clotrimazole, and ketaconazole are common ones.
Sometimes a mild, topical corticosteroid cream may be used. Talk to your doctor before trying this on your baby.
The rash usually responds well to treatment.
Complications from Candida-associated diaper rash can include:
Call your health care provider if:
Dermatitis - diaper and Candida; Candida-associated diaper dermatitis; Diaper dermatitis
Tallia A, Scherger J, Dickey N, eds. Swanson's Family Medicine Review. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2008: chap 103.
Morelli JG. Cutaneous Fungal Infections. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 658.
Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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