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What Causes Rashes In Diaper Area?
Question: My son (18 months) has diaper rash that will subside and then has now come back worse. we were using XXXXXXX but that did not help it so have been using balmex for about 5 days. it was looking so much better and not rash like but more healed. this afternoon there are now bumps. it appears to hurt him or bother more because he pushes me away putting on the balmex. I have a picture I can share if you need it.
Brief Answer:
Yes please send pictures.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
If you can send good quality pictures where it is very easy to see the rash and surrounding skin, please send these.
Yes please send pictures.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
If you can send good quality pictures where it is very easy to see the rash and surrounding skin, please send these.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
this was just now after his bath. I believe the white is from the Balmer but it bothers him (understandable) for me to wash.
Brief Answer:
Candida diaper dermatitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
From what I see in the picture, it appears to be a candida (yeast) diaper rash. It looks like there is a well demarcated area with reddish bumps, particularly in the skin fold area of his thighs, and some "satellite" bumps outside of that demarcated area. Treatment for this is a topical anti fungal such as Nystatin, which is to be used with every diaper change until the rash goes away, up to 7 days. If this does not help, then it is time to take him in to the doctor.
It is also very important to expose the bottom to fresh air. Leave his diaper off as much as is possible, knowing that there will be messes. If possible, encourage activity in areas of your home that are not carpeted, to make things easier on you! If you can cover the mattress adequately, have him take his nap without a diaper.
If it is possible, wash his bottom with water after taking off the previous diaper. This will remove ammonia and other urine irritants which baby wipes do not. When my daughter was a baby, when I could, I would get a bowl of water and baby wash cloth, put a cloth diaper under her to absorb water, and squeeze the sopping wet cloth over her while she was lying on the changing table. Then XXXXXXX dry with the spare cloth diaper and let her air dry for a few minutes while we sang or did something fun. Then put the new dry diaper on.
If this isn't feasible (and I can certainly understand if it is not), try to give his bottom a good soaking once a day.
Candida/yeast can cause the rash particularly more often if a child has been on antibiotics in the recent past. There is some evidence that giving children probiotics during and after the course of an antibiotic can decrease the risk of a candidal rash. But sometimes it happens just because the diaper provides perfect conditions for yeast - warm, dark, and moist.
I hope this information helps. If I can provide further information or clarification, please let me know.
Candida diaper dermatitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
From what I see in the picture, it appears to be a candida (yeast) diaper rash. It looks like there is a well demarcated area with reddish bumps, particularly in the skin fold area of his thighs, and some "satellite" bumps outside of that demarcated area. Treatment for this is a topical anti fungal such as Nystatin, which is to be used with every diaper change until the rash goes away, up to 7 days. If this does not help, then it is time to take him in to the doctor.
It is also very important to expose the bottom to fresh air. Leave his diaper off as much as is possible, knowing that there will be messes. If possible, encourage activity in areas of your home that are not carpeted, to make things easier on you! If you can cover the mattress adequately, have him take his nap without a diaper.
If it is possible, wash his bottom with water after taking off the previous diaper. This will remove ammonia and other urine irritants which baby wipes do not. When my daughter was a baby, when I could, I would get a bowl of water and baby wash cloth, put a cloth diaper under her to absorb water, and squeeze the sopping wet cloth over her while she was lying on the changing table. Then XXXXXXX dry with the spare cloth diaper and let her air dry for a few minutes while we sang or did something fun. Then put the new dry diaper on.
If this isn't feasible (and I can certainly understand if it is not), try to give his bottom a good soaking once a day.
Candida/yeast can cause the rash particularly more often if a child has been on antibiotics in the recent past. There is some evidence that giving children probiotics during and after the course of an antibiotic can decrease the risk of a candidal rash. But sometimes it happens just because the diaper provides perfect conditions for yeast - warm, dark, and moist.
I hope this information helps. If I can provide further information or clarification, please let me know.
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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