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Hipolito, Alessandra d. J.

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Infants frequently develop an uncomfortable skin rash known as "diaper rash. Diaper
rashes typically occur as a result of moisture and irritation from the diaper itself, and they affect
the area of skin that the diaper covers. However, some diaper rashes can be a sign of an underlying
medical condition. Eczema, bacterial skin infections, intertrigo, irritant contact dermatitis,
candidiasis, and psoriatic diaper rash are some of the different types of diaper rash. The majority
of the treatments and preventives for it are taught to mothers in order to prevent it from
happening to their babies, and most of them can be applied at home.
9/2/22, 9:31 AM Types of diaper rash: Pictures, causes, and treatments

Types of diaper rash: Pictures and


what you need to know
Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R.N., CCRN, CPN — Written by Zawn Villines on
April 27, 2020

Pictures Types Treatment and prevention Diagnosis Outlook

A diaper rash is any rash that affects the area of skin a


diaper would cover.

These rashes usually occur due to moisture and irritation from the diaper
itself. However, some diaper rashes can indicate an underlying medical
condition.

Most diaper rashes are relatively mild, but some can be quite severe,
causing painful red welts and sometimes causing the skin to crack.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a quarter of babies


experience diaper rash. Knowing which type of diaper rash a baby has
can help guide treatment.

This article will cover the causes, symptoms, and treatments associated
with several types of diaper rash.
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Types of diaper rash


There are many different types of diaper rash. The sections below will
look at each of these in more detail.

Irritant contact dermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common type of diaper rash. It


develops when something in the diaper, or sometimes the diaper itself,
irritates the skin.

This type of dermatitis tends to get worse when a baby sits in a wet or
dirty diaper for a long period of time.

Irritant contact dermatitis can cause red bumps or spots to appear in the
area. If it gets severe enough, there may also be welts that can crack
open and bleed. Open sores make it easier for fungi and bacteria to get
into the skin, increasing the risk of a secondary infection.

Changing the baby’s diaper more frequently and using a diaper rash
cream until the rash clears up can help treat irritant contact dermatitis.

Candidiasis, or yeast, infections

A group of fungi called Candida normally live in the skin and diaper area.
When they grow in excess, however, it can cause a painful diaper rash 
called candidiasis, or a yeast infection.
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The rash may look red and inflamed, and it may include white, fluid filled
blisters or swollen spots with a white, scaly outer layer.

Sometimes, a child gets a yeast infection following severe diaper rash that
cracks open and bleeds.

Applying a diaper rash cream can help treat some yeast infection rashes.
It is also important to keep the area clean and dry.

If symptoms get worse or do not improve within a few days, a doctor may
recommend using an antifungal cream.

Eczema

Eczema can cause painful spots to develop around the diaper area. A
parent or caregiver might notice that the skin looks very dry and irritated.
There may be red patches or hard, scaly areas of skin.

Many babies with eczema will also have it on other areas of the body. It is
rare for it to occur only in the diaper area and nowhere else.

Moisturizing the area can help soothe eczema, but it may also keep the
diaper area moist, increasing the risk of other types of diaper rash. A
doctor may therefore recommend a steroid cream or another treatment,
depending on the severity of the eczema.

Bacterial skin infections

Bacterial infections of the diaper area can cause red, swollen, and
inflamed skin.

Without treatment, these infections could also spread to other areas of


the body and become life threatening.

Babies with bacterial infections may develop a fever or seem sick.


However, some may show no other symptoms besides the diaper rash.

In most cases, a doctor will prescribe antibiotics. Because bacterial


infections can enter the body if diaper rash becomes severe and causes

open wounds, preventing diaper rash may also prevent secondary
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Intertrigo

Intertrigo is a type of inflammatory skin condition that is more severe in


skin folds and warm, wet places, such as the folds of the thighs or a
baby’s buttocks.

Intertrigo sometimes gets secondary yeast or bacterial infections  that


require additional treatment. Babies who get intertrigo diaper rashes may
also get other inflammatory rashes as adults.

In most cases, it is possible to manage intertrigo by removing the source


of the irritation. For babies, this usually means more frequent diaper
changes.

Psoriatic diaper rash

Psoriatic diaper rash is a type of psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic skin


condition that causes the body to attack healthy cells, leading to thick,
scaly patches of skin.

These scales may itch, and they often look pink or gray. Children may also
have psoriatic patches elsewhere on the body, particularly the scalp.

Psoriasis does not get better with diaper rash treatment. However, some
people may notice that certain irritants, such as a wet diaper, can trigger
flares of psoriasis. Therefore, preventing diaper rash from developing is
still important when a baby has psoriasis.

Numerous remedies can help treat psoriasis, including steroid creams


and prescription drugs. Some people may also find relief from
phototherapy.

Learn more about psoriasis in babies here.

Treatment and prevention 


To help treat and prevent diaper rash, a person can:

Change diapers more frequently to prevent babies from sitting in



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Choose diapers that fit well and do not rub or chafe. Diapers that are
too small may irritate the diaper area.

Thoroughly dry the baby before putting on a new diaper and before
applying diaper rash ointment.

Use a diaper rash cream containing zinc oxide or petroleum jelly.


Change diaper brands. Some children do better with fragrance-free
diapers or with specific brands.

Use unscented diaper wipes or wet washcloths to clean the baby.

If the baby has severe diaper rash, use a squirt bottle to clean the
diaper area, instead of rubbing the rash with a wipe.

Try keeping the baby out of their diaper as much as possible.


Avoid using baby powder.

If the child is old enough to potty train, support them to wear


underwear as often as possible.
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Most cases of diaper rash occur due to irritant contact dermatitis and will
go away on their own or with home treatment.

If these steps do not help, however, a doctor can prescribe medication


and offer advice.

Learn more about treating diaper rash here.


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Diagnosis

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Parents and caregivers can see a doctor about severe diaper rash that
cracks open and bleeds or does not get better with home treatment.

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A doctor should be able to diagnose the cause of the diaper rash by


examining the baby. If they suspect an underlying medical condition, they
may recommend blood work or other tests.

If the diaper rash has a bacterial infection, a doctor may prescribe broad-
spectrum antibiotics or take a culture to see which bacteria are present.

Outlook 
Diaper rash can cause discomfort in babies. Severe diaper rash may even
cause dangerous infections. However, trying a few simple management
strategies can reduce the risk of a baby experiencing severe diaper rash.

Even with these interventions, however, some children continue to get


diaper rash. A doctor or pediatrician can help with assessing the cause
and make recommendations for preventing diaper-related pain and
irritation.

Last medically reviewed on April 27, 2020

Dermatology Psoriasis Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema


Pediatrics / Children's Health Parenthood

 7 sources

 v  FEEDBACK: 

How to get rid of diaper rash


Written by Jenna Fletcher on July 16, 2018

Ten treatments and home remedies Causes Risk factors


When to see a doctor

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9/2/22, 9:31 AM Types of diaper rash: Pictures, causes, and treatments

Diaper rash is a common but uncomfortable skin rash that


occurs in infants. It is vital for parents and caregivers to
know how to treat diaper rash to prevent the symptoms
from getting worse.

Diaper rash is a red, painful rash that thrives in warm, moist environments.
The rash may cause the skin to be scaly, bumpy, or raw. This condition
accounts for about 20 percent of all childhood visits to a dermatologist.

Some infants are particularly prone to diaper rash and may get it very
frequently, especially if they have an underlying skin condition, such as
eczema.

In this article, learn about the causes of diaper rash as well as how to treat
it quickly and effectively.
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Ten treatments and home remedies


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Changing diapers often can help to prevent diaper rash.

People can use the following methods to help prevent and treat diaper
rash:

1. Changing diapers often

When an infant has a diaper rash, parents and caregivers should be even
more vigilant than usual about changing their diapers promptly.

Allowing an infant to remain in a wet or soiled diaper when they have a


rash can make the symptoms worse.

2. Switching diaper brands or laundry detergents

If an infant develops a diaper rash frequently, their skin may be sensitive


to a particular product. For example, a specific brand of diaper or baby
wipe could trigger the rash. If people use cloth diapers, the type of
laundry detergent that they use could also be responsible for the rashes.

Eliminating harsh chemicals and scents may help to clear persistent or


recurring rashes.

3. Allowing the area to breath

When an infant has diaper rash, ensuring that they spend some time
during the day with no diaper or bottoms on can help the area to dry out
and heal.

People should also avoid putting infants in tight, synthetic, or rubber


bottoms while they have diaper rash.

Dressing them in loose bottoms made of 100 percent cotton can help to
keep the rash dry and allow the skin to breathe.


4. Making sure that
A D V E Rthe
T I S E Mdiaper
ENT fits properly

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Diapers that are too tight can irritate diaper rash. Parents and caregivers
should check that all diapers fit correctly and ensure that they buy larger
sizes as the infant grows.

5. Trying diaper creams and ointments

There are many barrier creams and skin-soothing ointments available at


grocery stores, pharmacies, and online.

Parents and caregivers should look for creams containing zinc oxide.
They should apply a thick layer of one of these creams to the affected
skin and allow the area to dry.

6. Avoiding using baby wipes

Although it is essential to keep the infant’s diaper area clean, baby wipes
can irritate an existing diaper rash.

If an infant has diaper rash, it is best to clean the diaper area gently using
scent-free soap and water before patting it dry.

In situations where this is not possible, it is advisable to choose scent-


free, natural wipes, which are available in pharmacies or online.

7. Considering removing any new foods

Introducing new foods is usually beneficial, but certain acidic foods, such
as citrus fruits and tomatoes, may cause some infants’ urine and feces to
become particularly acidic and irritating.

Parents and caregivers should be careful to introduce these foods in


small quantities and to monitor the infant to see if a new diaper rash
develops at the same time. If it does, they should remove acidic foods
from the infant’s diet until the rash has healed.

8. Using unscented soaps and detergents


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Certain bubble baths may cause diaper rash.

Skin irritants, including the scents in soaps and detergents, are


responsible for many cases of diaper rash.

Common culprits include scented laundry detergents, some baby soaps


and creams, and certain bubble baths, even though the manufacturers
often promote them as being child-friendly.

9. Avoiding scrubbing the area

Keeping the infant’s diaper area clean and dry is vital, especially when
they have a rash, but people should remember that gentle cleaning is
best.

Scrubbing this area of the body or rubbing it dry can further irritate the
rash and damage the sensitive skin.

10. Trying an oatmeal bath

Research shows that colloidal oatmeal may reduce the inflammation and
irritation that atopic dermatitis and inflammatory skin conditions can
cause. Colloidal oatmeal may also reduce the pain and itching that comes
with a diaper rash.

People can buy oatmeal bath treatments in many drug stores and online.
People should follow the directions on the package and pat the infant’s
skin dry afterward.


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Diaper rash is often a type of contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis occurs


when the skin reacts to touching an irritant. In the diaper area, common
irritants include:

urine

feces
diapers

soaps

scents and chemicals in diapers or wipes

In some cases, diaper rash may result from other causes, including yeast
infections and seborrheic diaper dermatitis.

Risk factors
Some infants are more prone than others to developing diaper rash. If any
of the following risk factors apply to an infant, preventive measures might
be necessary:

changing the diaper too infrequently

having diarrhea
using antibiotics

receiving breast milk from someone taking antibiotics

wearing ill-fitting diapers

trying new acidic foods, such as citrus fruits

having an underlying skin condition, such as eczema


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When to see a doctor

Consult a doctor if a fever or swelling accompany diaper rash.

Most cases of diaper rash clear up over time when parents or caregivers
use the home remedies above.

In some cases though, it is necessary to see a doctor. People should take


an infant with diaper rash to see the doctor if they have any of the
following symptoms:

blisters
fever

a persistent rash that does not clear with home remedies

swelling

a rash that oozes fluid or pus

Diaper rash is not always preventable, and most babies and small children
will experience it at least once.

While diaper rash can be painful or irritating, there are many steps that a

parent or caregiver can take to help prevent it.
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A range of home remedies can help to ease the symptoms and heal the
skin.

Dermatology Pediatrics / Children's Health


Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine Parenthood

 5 sources

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