Read - Diaper Rash

Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is a skin irritation caused by skin wetness, friction with the diaper material, and contact with chemicals in the urine and stool. The skin may look red, raw, scalded, or burned. While a diaper rash is uncomfortable, normally it is not serious.

Diaper rash is the most common skin problem seen in babies and young children, but it can occur at any age if diapers or incontinence briefs are worn. The highest incidence of diaper rash is seen in babies between the ages of 9 and 12 months.

Rashes in the genital area can develop in adults who have problems maintaining hygiene, such as on a long backpacking trip, or in adults who do not have complete bowel or bladder control (incontinence).

A diaper rash should last about 24 hours and can be treated at home. Usually the rash clears up when the diapers are changed more often, cleansing routines are changed, or nonprescription ointments are applied to the skin. Treatment for diaper rash is the same for both children and adults.

The most common causes of diaper rash include:

    * Not changing a wet or dirty diaper soon enough. The skin becomes irritated from contact with urine and stool, particularly when diarrhea is present.
    * The skin being rubbed by a diaper or incontinence brief, which irritates the thighs, genitals, buttocks, or belly area.
    * A skin reaction to perfumes in the disposable diapers or incontinence briefs, to chemicals in skin-cleaning "diaper wipes," or to the detergents or fabric softeners used to clean cloth diapers.

What would be the appropriate diaper rash treatment for children and adults? A solution to treat and prevent diaper rash would be to keep the diaper area clean, cool and dry. Another diaper rash treatment would be to change the diaper frequently. Products that contain zinc oxide ointment will be helpful to protect skin from moisture. Creams that contain boric acid, camphor, phenol, methy salicylate, or compound of benzoin tincture, is not considered a diaper rash cure. These creams are harmful, and should be avoided at all costs when seeking a diaper rash cure.

What is candidiasis?
Candidiasis is an infection caused by a yeast-like fungus. The most common form of candidiasis is a diaper rash yeast. Skin in the diaper area is red and tender and found, inside skin folds and creases. Diaper rash yeast can last 3 days or longer and may be candidiasis. Sometimes candidiasis may appear as oral thrush with oral thrush the fungus invades parts of the mouth and throat. Newborns can develop thrush from mothers who have vaginal yeast infections, at time of delivery. Usually when this occurs, symptoms of oral thrush begin between 7 to 10 days after birth.

Return to Skin Care Facts & Tips